According to Paul Ecke III, our gracious host during a 1998 Garden Writers Association visit to the Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, California, more than 80% of all flowering poinsettias in the world at that time got their start at the Ecke Ranch. Their production facilities spanned more than 40 acres of greenhouses. Mr. Ecke told … Continue reading Poinsettias Are Holiday Favorites
‘Tis the Season
It has been unseasonably warm for December. In fact, we’re still harvesting lettuce, miscellaneous salad greens and parsley in the vegetable garden without any kind of row covers or protection. However, the weathermen tell us that this weekend we’ll begin to feel the chill of winter. The hellebores (Helleborus) are beginning to bloom and the … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season
Thanksgiving Season is Here
Many of our friends and neighbors are not happy that Daylight Saving Time has ended. In fact, some have let it be known that they are already looking forward to Sunday, March 13, 2016, when it’s scheduled to begin again. We’ve had to turn on the heat in the house a couple of times although … Continue reading Thanksgiving Season is Here
A Gardener’s Thanksgiving
By Reverend Max Coots Let us give thanks for a bounty of people: For children who are our second planting, and though they grow like weeds and the wind too soon blows them away, may they forgive us our cultivation and fondly remember where their roots are…. For generous friends with hearts and smiles as … Continue reading A Gardener’s Thanksgiving
About Cranberries
Cranberries are the official Massachusetts State berry. We originally quoted the following cranberry information from the Jim Zoppo Web site in November of 2005: “…44 calories per cup and full of antioxidants. These tart berries are grown from April to November. What’s one way to tell when they’re ripe? They bounce! Cranberries have antibacterial properties … Continue reading About Cranberries