Dear friends,
It's been a while since I posted here. We've had torrential rains for days and days. The weeds are knee-high, the grasshoppers are voracious, but the plants are happy! You might remember I talked about the EarthBox I bought. I finally harvested a handful of ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes from it yesterday. I'm sold on those Earthboxes! The plants are much healthier than the ones I put out in the raised beds, and even though I have to add water to the box even when it rains, they are relatively maintenance free.
All we had to do was tie up the huge vines to the porch!
Now all I need is an extra burst of energy to haul a few loads of mulch to smother those weeds!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Sustainability Secret
Just ran across this great post over on the Treehugger.com forum by Turil. Good stuff!
"The Sustainable Secret (a.k.a. The Sustainability Manifesto!)
The one and only truly effective way to "save the planet" and it's human inhabitants too, is to learn what you really need, so that you can take good care of your physical, your intellectual, and your emotional health.
Spend your valuable time and energy seeking out only what you really need to be genuinely happy and healthy. Drop all that extra baggage and plain old lame crap that's just dragging you down, and focus on what's truly joyful in life. Now, we're not talking about the fleeting kind of happiness that leaves you feeling worse than when you started out, like some five year old kid coming off of a sugar high after eating a pound of jelly beans and ten Twinkies. No, we're talking about the honest-to-goodness, lasting, and sustainable happiness that you get from quality things like fresh air, clean water, good food, loving friends and family, and the satisfaction that comes from contributing something beautiful and useful to the world. We're talking about all the good stuff that Abraham Maslow put into his hierarchy of needs. We're definitely not talking about that illusionary stuff that sucks your wallet dry and ends up stuffed in the back of your closet or garage collecting dust once you've realized that it's mostly just pretty packaging and a lot of hot air. And we are definitely talking about the real, solid, quality stuff that is seriously simple, honest, and beautiful. This is the stuff that will bring you real health and happiness. Because, when you are able to find what you truly need, and you feel honestly healthy - physically, intellectually, and emotionally - you'll be able to take absolutely excellent care of your planet and your fellow Earthlings. And when your fellow Earthlings have what they need to be genuinely happy and healthy, they will be able to take excellent care of you, too.
And that's really what it's all about, isn't it? "
Yes, indeed.....that's what it's all about!
dig it!
bobbi c.
"The Sustainable Secret (a.k.a. The Sustainability Manifesto!)
The one and only truly effective way to "save the planet" and it's human inhabitants too, is to learn what you really need, so that you can take good care of your physical, your intellectual, and your emotional health.
Spend your valuable time and energy seeking out only what you really need to be genuinely happy and healthy. Drop all that extra baggage and plain old lame crap that's just dragging you down, and focus on what's truly joyful in life. Now, we're not talking about the fleeting kind of happiness that leaves you feeling worse than when you started out, like some five year old kid coming off of a sugar high after eating a pound of jelly beans and ten Twinkies. No, we're talking about the honest-to-goodness, lasting, and sustainable happiness that you get from quality things like fresh air, clean water, good food, loving friends and family, and the satisfaction that comes from contributing something beautiful and useful to the world. We're talking about all the good stuff that Abraham Maslow put into his hierarchy of needs. We're definitely not talking about that illusionary stuff that sucks your wallet dry and ends up stuffed in the back of your closet or garage collecting dust once you've realized that it's mostly just pretty packaging and a lot of hot air. And we are definitely talking about the real, solid, quality stuff that is seriously simple, honest, and beautiful. This is the stuff that will bring you real health and happiness. Because, when you are able to find what you truly need, and you feel honestly healthy - physically, intellectually, and emotionally - you'll be able to take absolutely excellent care of your planet and your fellow Earthlings. And when your fellow Earthlings have what they need to be genuinely happy and healthy, they will be able to take excellent care of you, too.
And that's really what it's all about, isn't it? "
Yes, indeed.....that's what it's all about!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Weeds and more weeds
Dear friends,
It seems that a gardener's life is never perfect. Either it's too dry, or we have too much rain. It's too windy, or not windy enough to give the garden a good airing out.
We've had too much rain, and the garden is happy! However, the weeds are happy, too. Some strange little viney pea-like plant has taken over my garden, literally overnight. These strange plants are easy to pull by hand, but there are so many of them, and they are blooming and setting seed.
Some smarty-pants once said that a weed is just an under appreciated plant. Harrumph!
I'm still trying to ID the sucker. We're totally organic here, so I don't use herbicides of any sort. A good dose of elbow-grease will have to do!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran. all rights reserved.
It seems that a gardener's life is never perfect. Either it's too dry, or we have too much rain. It's too windy, or not windy enough to give the garden a good airing out.
We've had too much rain, and the garden is happy! However, the weeds are happy, too. Some strange little viney pea-like plant has taken over my garden, literally overnight. These strange plants are easy to pull by hand, but there are so many of them, and they are blooming and setting seed.
Some smarty-pants once said that a weed is just an under appreciated plant. Harrumph!
I'm still trying to ID the sucker. We're totally organic here, so I don't use herbicides of any sort. A good dose of elbow-grease will have to do!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran. all rights reserved.
Friday, May 4, 2007
A good year for nectarines...
Dear friends,
Some years are good for fruit and some aren't. This year seems to be a good one for nectarines. When we moved out here, with all the rocks and such, I didn't think we could grow fruit trees, but eventually I built up the soil to a level where some small trees will grow. It was more of a build on top of the ground rather than dig down into the ground thing, but whatever works!
We've had a very wet winter and early spring, and the fruits look beat up somewhat. Still, I counted at least 60 on there. The problem with nectarines is that they all get ripe at the same time. Oh well, that's better than not having any at all!
dig it,
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran
Some years are good for fruit and some aren't. This year seems to be a good one for nectarines. When we moved out here, with all the rocks and such, I didn't think we could grow fruit trees, but eventually I built up the soil to a level where some small trees will grow. It was more of a build on top of the ground rather than dig down into the ground thing, but whatever works!
We've had a very wet winter and early spring, and the fruits look beat up somewhat. Still, I counted at least 60 on there. The problem with nectarines is that they all get ripe at the same time. Oh well, that's better than not having any at all!
dig it,
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Gaia's OK, I think...
Dear friends,
My heart is warmed by the number of messages I've received overnight, asking about Gaia.
I talked to a member of the Austin Wildlife Rescue group last night about 10pm. He urged us to leave her alone, and said that deer mothers hardly ever abandon their babies. Rudy had tried to protect her with a tarp, draped over the trashcans she was sleeping beside, but we were told to remove it. He also said that the mother probably didn't come back during that time because we were watching the baby, through the windows! Huh.
He also said I could go out after the storm and dry her off with a towel if I wanted, to keep her warmer, but I saw that she was licking herself dry, so I didn't bother her. It was still fairly warm, even after the storm. I had a fitful sleep, worrying! LOL
This morning I ran out in my nighty, in the fog, and saw that she was gone. There was a flattened spot in the grass where she'd slept. I assume that Mama Deer came and got her sometime between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. this morning.
Sigh.
bobbi c.
My heart is warmed by the number of messages I've received overnight, asking about Gaia.
I talked to a member of the Austin Wildlife Rescue group last night about 10pm. He urged us to leave her alone, and said that deer mothers hardly ever abandon their babies. Rudy had tried to protect her with a tarp, draped over the trashcans she was sleeping beside, but we were told to remove it. He also said that the mother probably didn't come back during that time because we were watching the baby, through the windows! Huh.
He also said I could go out after the storm and dry her off with a towel if I wanted, to keep her warmer, but I saw that she was licking herself dry, so I didn't bother her. It was still fairly warm, even after the storm. I had a fitful sleep, worrying! LOL
This morning I ran out in my nighty, in the fog, and saw that she was gone. There was a flattened spot in the grass where she'd slept. I assume that Mama Deer came and got her sometime between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. this morning.
Sigh.
bobbi c.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Gaia's back...
Dear friends,
If you remember on Earth Day, we had a new arrival here...a baby fawn that I named "Gaia." We were worried about her, but her mother finally came and fetched her away after a snack of warm deer milk.
Today, Husband informed me that Gaia was back, snuggled in between our recycling and trash cans out by the garage. She was asleep, and we couldn't even see her sides moving. At first I feared the worst, so I gently blew on her. Her nose started twitching, and her ears flicked. She was OK! That was early this morning.
Now, it's 7:00 p.m., and she's still there. She did stand up, still wobbly, which seems strange to me since she's at least two weeks old now. I saw her groom herself, which is a good sign, I think. Is she ill? Did her mother abandon her? I remember what the Austin Wildlife Rescue person told me--that the mothers would come back at dusk for their babies, to leave them alone unless they were in danger, that human noises wouldn't bother them. Etc., etc. Yes, logically I know all this. But still...
I try to soothe myself with thoughts of all the millions of deer who have done just fine without me to care for them, thank you very much, and thoughts about the deer over-population issues around here in central Texas. I remember the herds of them that hang around our rural sub-division like so many pets, grazing on the grasses.
Still, I told Husband that if she's ill, I would rather her go down to the oak grove at the bottom of the property and lay down there near the shady graves of Bushwhacker, Lulu and Demi, our beloved cat angels. I don't want her to die here, near the house.
Besides, the deer stay down there, maybe there's another deer who would adopt her.
The thing is, there's a storm brewing, with tornado watches and possibilities of hail. Don't borrow trouble, the sages say. But still, a baby out in the storm. I can't stand for that!
The weather is calmer now; maybe the mother will come back soon...
I'm a basket case over this little fawn!
I hope her mother comes back soon.
bobbi c.
copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran
If you remember on Earth Day, we had a new arrival here...a baby fawn that I named "Gaia." We were worried about her, but her mother finally came and fetched her away after a snack of warm deer milk.
Today, Husband informed me that Gaia was back, snuggled in between our recycling and trash cans out by the garage. She was asleep, and we couldn't even see her sides moving. At first I feared the worst, so I gently blew on her. Her nose started twitching, and her ears flicked. She was OK! That was early this morning.
Now, it's 7:00 p.m., and she's still there. She did stand up, still wobbly, which seems strange to me since she's at least two weeks old now. I saw her groom herself, which is a good sign, I think. Is she ill? Did her mother abandon her? I remember what the Austin Wildlife Rescue person told me--that the mothers would come back at dusk for their babies, to leave them alone unless they were in danger, that human noises wouldn't bother them. Etc., etc. Yes, logically I know all this. But still...
I try to soothe myself with thoughts of all the millions of deer who have done just fine without me to care for them, thank you very much, and thoughts about the deer over-population issues around here in central Texas. I remember the herds of them that hang around our rural sub-division like so many pets, grazing on the grasses.
Still, I told Husband that if she's ill, I would rather her go down to the oak grove at the bottom of the property and lay down there near the shady graves of Bushwhacker, Lulu and Demi, our beloved cat angels. I don't want her to die here, near the house.
Besides, the deer stay down there, maybe there's another deer who would adopt her.
The thing is, there's a storm brewing, with tornado watches and possibilities of hail. Don't borrow trouble, the sages say. But still, a baby out in the storm. I can't stand for that!
The weather is calmer now; maybe the mother will come back soon...
I'm a basket case over this little fawn!
I hope her mother comes back soon.
bobbi c.
copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran
Building a greenhouse....
The Earthly Gardener, an online gardening column by Bobbi A. Chukran
Dear friends,
I just ran across this article and set of photos from the In My Kitchen Garden site showing how they built a fairly simple greenhouse. The IMKG blog is an offshoot of one of my fav blogs, Farmgirl Fare.
Here's a photo of their finished greenhouse, which I "borrowed" from their website.
I've wanted a greenhouse for a while, but after Husband and I went shopping for one, I sort of cooled down over the idea. Here in central TX, greenhouses aren't useful for much of the year because they just get too hot. And I refuse to burn more fossil fuels cooling off a greenhouse for the few seedlings that we require for our gardens. Still, I do like the idea in theory of having a place to store plants over our short winters. Maybe eventually I'll cave and get a little garden house built for that.
Check out the blog and the website...lots of great gardening inspiration there along with recipes, great photos and more!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran
Dear friends,
I just ran across this article and set of photos from the In My Kitchen Garden site showing how they built a fairly simple greenhouse. The IMKG blog is an offshoot of one of my fav blogs, Farmgirl Fare.
Here's a photo of their finished greenhouse, which I "borrowed" from their website.
I've wanted a greenhouse for a while, but after Husband and I went shopping for one, I sort of cooled down over the idea. Here in central TX, greenhouses aren't useful for much of the year because they just get too hot. And I refuse to burn more fossil fuels cooling off a greenhouse for the few seedlings that we require for our gardens. Still, I do like the idea in theory of having a place to store plants over our short winters. Maybe eventually I'll cave and get a little garden house built for that.
Check out the blog and the website...lots of great gardening inspiration there along with recipes, great photos and more!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Good mornin', earthly gardeners!
Dear friends,
Just a little bit of explanation about this blog. It's a continuation of my writing I did for another garden site which shall remain nameless since they didn't pay me! I've transferred my original garden stories and photos as well as new ones here to this blog. They aren't always in order by date, but you can always use the handy search feature on your browser to find certain topics. I hope you'll come back often, because I'll be posting almost daily.
I'll also be posting supplemental pages, sources and longer garden stories on my personal website HERE.
I'll be talking about organic gardening–the modern way. We’ll learn all sorts of cool stuff like WHY bother to garden organically, HOW to make a garden so it’s kind to the earth, and the elements that make up a good organic garden. I’ll scout around for great sources for supplies, plants, seeds, other information, etc. I’ll also share stories and tips from my own garden, as well as inspiring photos and what-not.
And since my lovely readers have indicated that many of them have small gardens, or almost no space at all, I’ll be sure to talk about container gardening, too! I'll share tips and ideas from my own garden, talk about what works and what doesn't.
I hope you enjoy reading The Earthly Gardener as much as I love writing it for you! And I'd love hearing from you and about your earthly gardens!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2007 Bobbi A. Chukran
Just a little bit of explanation about this blog. It's a continuation of my writing I did for another garden site which shall remain nameless since they didn't pay me! I've transferred my original garden stories and photos as well as new ones here to this blog. They aren't always in order by date, but you can always use the handy search feature on your browser to find certain topics. I hope you'll come back often, because I'll be posting almost daily.
I'll also be posting supplemental pages, sources and longer garden stories on my personal website HERE.
I'll be talking about organic gardening–the modern way. We’ll learn all sorts of cool stuff like WHY bother to garden organically, HOW to make a garden so it’s kind to the earth, and the elements that make up a good organic garden. I’ll scout around for great sources for supplies, plants, seeds, other information, etc. I’ll also share stories and tips from my own garden, as well as inspiring photos and what-not.
And since my lovely readers have indicated that many of them have small gardens, or almost no space at all, I’ll be sure to talk about container gardening, too! I'll share tips and ideas from my own garden, talk about what works and what doesn't.
I hope you enjoy reading The Earthly Gardener as much as I love writing it for you! And I'd love hearing from you and about your earthly gardens!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2007 Bobbi A. Chukran
Good organic seed sources...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 9, 2007
Dear friends,
About this time of year, the seed catalogs start pouring in, and I love sitting beside the fire (when it’s not 80-degrees) searching through them. It’s a peaceful, zen kinda thing with me. Anyway, I thought I’d set up a resource page with a few of my favorite online sites on it. As I’m sure you know, there are millions of online sellers of gardening seeds, supplies, etc. but not all of them carry stuff for organic gardening.
Here’s just a few to get you started. A lot of the garden companies will send free catalogs if you contact them through their web pages, too.
Gardening Supplies Link
Still watching for those basil seeds to pop up, no sign of that yet. You’ll be the first to know when I see them!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2007 Bobbi A. Chukran.
February 9, 2007
Dear friends,
About this time of year, the seed catalogs start pouring in, and I love sitting beside the fire (when it’s not 80-degrees) searching through them. It’s a peaceful, zen kinda thing with me. Anyway, I thought I’d set up a resource page with a few of my favorite online sites on it. As I’m sure you know, there are millions of online sellers of gardening seeds, supplies, etc. but not all of them carry stuff for organic gardening.
Here’s just a few to get you started. A lot of the garden companies will send free catalogs if you contact them through their web pages, too.
Gardening Supplies Link
Still watching for those basil seeds to pop up, no sign of that yet. You’ll be the first to know when I see them!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2007 Bobbi A. Chukran.
Praying mantis and other beneficial insects...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 12, 2007
Dear friends,
Usually by this time of year, it’s getting warmer here. Not this year! This weekend was rainy, which is usually a good time to plant herbs and such, but it was also bone-chilling cold and foggy. Yuck. I did go out and walk around the garden for a bit, though, and found several praying mantis egg cases. I know it’s one of those geeky gardener things, but I truly get jazzed when I find those! Praying mantises are great beneficial insects to have in your garden. Many people have a mistaken belief that they are harmful to people, but that’s not true. Well, not exactly. Last year I wrote a story about one I happened upon in my garden. It also includes some facts about praying mantises. Until I posted it on my website, I had no idea how popular they are as pets. Who knew? Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story.
You can find it HERE.
Hope to have more stories for you as time goes by…and more gardening info. tomorrow!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
All text and photos Copyright ©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran. All rights reserved.
February 12, 2007
Dear friends,
Usually by this time of year, it’s getting warmer here. Not this year! This weekend was rainy, which is usually a good time to plant herbs and such, but it was also bone-chilling cold and foggy. Yuck. I did go out and walk around the garden for a bit, though, and found several praying mantis egg cases. I know it’s one of those geeky gardener things, but I truly get jazzed when I find those! Praying mantises are great beneficial insects to have in your garden. Many people have a mistaken belief that they are harmful to people, but that’s not true. Well, not exactly. Last year I wrote a story about one I happened upon in my garden. It also includes some facts about praying mantises. Until I posted it on my website, I had no idea how popular they are as pets. Who knew? Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story.
You can find it HERE.
Hope to have more stories for you as time goes by…and more gardening info. tomorrow!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
All text and photos Copyright ©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran. All rights reserved.
Starting seeds indoors...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 13, 2007
Dear friends,
First of all, I have a big announcement…my basil seeds I planted ten days ago are up! Such little things bring me joy. LOL. I can’t help but “wax poetic” about the several pounds of basil and all the wonderful pestos, etc. that will come from each of those teeny little plants (assuming I don’t kill them first.) A seed really is a tiny miracle, come to think of it.
And, for those of you who are just itchin’ to get your hands in the soil, I ran across this great article on the Better Homes and Gardens site about starting seedlings. Lots of good info. from a reputable source.
Happy gardening, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any. I may not know the answer, but will try to find it for you!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2007 Bobbi A. Chukran. All rights reserved.
February 13, 2007
Dear friends,
First of all, I have a big announcement…my basil seeds I planted ten days ago are up! Such little things bring me joy. LOL. I can’t help but “wax poetic” about the several pounds of basil and all the wonderful pestos, etc. that will come from each of those teeny little plants (assuming I don’t kill them first.) A seed really is a tiny miracle, come to think of it.
And, for those of you who are just itchin’ to get your hands in the soil, I ran across this great article on the Better Homes and Gardens site about starting seedlings. Lots of good info. from a reputable source.
Happy gardening, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any. I may not know the answer, but will try to find it for you!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2007 Bobbi A. Chukran. All rights reserved.
Musings on a chilly morning...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 10, 2007
Dear friends,
This morning it’s 27-degrees and all thoughts about early planting of spring tomatoes have been replaced by worries that I might lose my little lime tree that’s been living in a pot on the porch since last year at this time. Actually, I’m surprised it has lived this long. This winter has been harsh here for us in many ways–more icy storms and colder temperatures. Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, and will kill off some of the grasshopper eggs I know are lurking underneath the cedar mulch that covers my garden paths…nature’s way of dealing with bugs!
My new grow light stand (a late Christmas gift) I ordered finally got here, and even though it’s a bit late for us, I’ll be starting tomato, pepper and herb seedlings myself this year. It will be nice not to be tied to the small inventory of hybrid varieties that the local garden center sells, and I can space the timing out instead of buying them all at once. I’ll be starting some Brandywine tomatoes, a popular, tasty heirloom. I always grow cherry tomatoes, too, for salads, and those do well in pots as long as they are fed some fish emulsion or liquid seaweed.
I’ve been going through all my garden photos, and will be posting more of those as I find them.
Dig it!
bobbi c.
All photos and text copyright©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 10, 2007
Dear friends,
This morning it’s 27-degrees and all thoughts about early planting of spring tomatoes have been replaced by worries that I might lose my little lime tree that’s been living in a pot on the porch since last year at this time. Actually, I’m surprised it has lived this long. This winter has been harsh here for us in many ways–more icy storms and colder temperatures. Maybe it will be a blessing in disguise, and will kill off some of the grasshopper eggs I know are lurking underneath the cedar mulch that covers my garden paths…nature’s way of dealing with bugs!
My new grow light stand (a late Christmas gift) I ordered finally got here, and even though it’s a bit late for us, I’ll be starting tomato, pepper and herb seedlings myself this year. It will be nice not to be tied to the small inventory of hybrid varieties that the local garden center sells, and I can space the timing out instead of buying them all at once. I’ll be starting some Brandywine tomatoes, a popular, tasty heirloom. I always grow cherry tomatoes, too, for salads, and those do well in pots as long as they are fed some fish emulsion or liquid seaweed.
I’ve been going through all my garden photos, and will be posting more of those as I find them.
Dig it!
bobbi c.
All photos and text copyright©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran
Water the birdies....
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 15, 2007
Dear friends,
When we first moved out here to the country, I thought it odd that there weren’t many birds other than the native roadrunners and a few sparrows. But when we hung a few birdfeeders and added a few birdbaths to our yard, they came. Slowly, but surely. Now, ten years later, we commonly get birds such as hummingbirds, tufted titmouses (titmice?), cardinals, mockingbirds, painted buntings and some of the native endangered or rare birds such as cedar waxwing and golden cheeked warblers.
In order to get a good look at these birds, I placed a birdbath right outside my office/studio window. Yesterday I was treated to a cardinal pecking at the small piece of ice in there, and another as-yet-unID’d bird that I’ve never seen here before.
I have several cement birdbaths, and one beloved cast iron one, but you know what? The birds don’t care what they’re made out of! I even have a few that are cheapy galvanized pans I found at the local hardware store for less than $5 each. Filled with water and a rock for the birds to stand on, they make great birdbaths for the birds who like to drink their water lower to the ground. Here’s an example of one I made:
Birds make great additions to an organic garden, since many of them eat their weight in bugs!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2008 by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 15, 2007
Dear friends,
When we first moved out here to the country, I thought it odd that there weren’t many birds other than the native roadrunners and a few sparrows. But when we hung a few birdfeeders and added a few birdbaths to our yard, they came. Slowly, but surely. Now, ten years later, we commonly get birds such as hummingbirds, tufted titmouses (titmice?), cardinals, mockingbirds, painted buntings and some of the native endangered or rare birds such as cedar waxwing and golden cheeked warblers.
In order to get a good look at these birds, I placed a birdbath right outside my office/studio window. Yesterday I was treated to a cardinal pecking at the small piece of ice in there, and another as-yet-unID’d bird that I’ve never seen here before.
I have several cement birdbaths, and one beloved cast iron one, but you know what? The birds don’t care what they’re made out of! I even have a few that are cheapy galvanized pans I found at the local hardware store for less than $5 each. Filled with water and a rock for the birds to stand on, they make great birdbaths for the birds who like to drink their water lower to the ground. Here’s an example of one I made:
Birds make great additions to an organic garden, since many of them eat their weight in bugs!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2005-2008 by Bobbi A. Chukran
Another great organic gardening resource...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 13, 2007
Dear friends,
The winter weather continues here. It was 17-degrees when I woke up, NOT something that this thin-blooded Texan wants to even think about. I comforted myself by rushing into my office and looking at the wee little basil seedlings struggling along here. They are coming up, slowly, mostly because this room gets chilly at night. I’m thinking of adding a warming mat to my stash of seed-starting tools!
Here’s a great website I just discovered….it covers info. on organic gardening, farming, sustainable agriculture, heritage (heirloom, or antique) vegetables, organic food on a budget, etc.
Even though the site is maintained in the UK, the information applies to anyone, anywhere. Enjoy!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
All text and photos Copyright©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 13, 2007
Dear friends,
The winter weather continues here. It was 17-degrees when I woke up, NOT something that this thin-blooded Texan wants to even think about. I comforted myself by rushing into my office and looking at the wee little basil seedlings struggling along here. They are coming up, slowly, mostly because this room gets chilly at night. I’m thinking of adding a warming mat to my stash of seed-starting tools!
Here’s a great website I just discovered….it covers info. on organic gardening, farming, sustainable agriculture, heritage (heirloom, or antique) vegetables, organic food on a budget, etc.
Even though the site is maintained in the UK, the information applies to anyone, anywhere. Enjoy!
Dig it!
bobbi c.
All text and photos Copyright©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran
Great garden magazine, Mother Earth News
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 14, 2007
Dear friends,
I picked up the current issue of Mother Earth News magazine the other day, and this particular issue is chock full of great articles. It includes a great article about how to grow tomatoes all year long, how to grow cherries and asparagus, and an especially important feature on “Real Food…Why Growing Your Own is Best.” Pick it up on the newstand, check it out in a library, or subscribe. I find it a valuable resource for organic gardening and general DIY projects.
Thanks to Susan from my Writing the West writing group for her tip about using a heat mat. She says that she uses one in CO when starting tomato and basil seedlings, and that the extra heat underneath the plants makes for a stronger root system. Thanks, Susan, I’m going to add a heat mat to my “things I have to have” list!
Speaking of things I have to have, I finally bought an Earthbox this weekend. I’m looking forward to using it and testing it here in my garden. An Earthbox is a container gardening system, self-watering and highly efficient.
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
February 14, 2007
Dear friends,
I picked up the current issue of Mother Earth News magazine the other day, and this particular issue is chock full of great articles. It includes a great article about how to grow tomatoes all year long, how to grow cherries and asparagus, and an especially important feature on “Real Food…Why Growing Your Own is Best.” Pick it up on the newstand, check it out in a library, or subscribe. I find it a valuable resource for organic gardening and general DIY projects.
Thanks to Susan from my Writing the West writing group for her tip about using a heat mat. She says that she uses one in CO when starting tomato and basil seedlings, and that the extra heat underneath the plants makes for a stronger root system. Thanks, Susan, I’m going to add a heat mat to my “things I have to have” list!
Speaking of things I have to have, I finally bought an Earthbox this weekend. I’m looking forward to using it and testing it here in my garden. An Earthbox is a container gardening system, self-watering and highly efficient.
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
My office plant light stand set-up...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 20, 2007
Dear friends,
Since several of you are clamoring to see my seed starting set-up, I thought I’d take a quick photo this morning. It’s not a great photo, but you get the idea. It’s sitting on top of a custom cabinet my husband built for me in my office/studio. It’s great because it has a lot of drawer space underneath, and a little bar sink at the right end, so I have storage and access to water. The wall is painted a deep adobe behind it, so that’s why it’s so colorful!
I ordered my light stand from the National Gardening Association, but they were originally made by Hydrofarm.
As you can see, I used a hodge-podge of containers, but will replace them with uniform sizes…it makes it easier that way when the seedlings get taller.
I saw a little grape hyacinth blooming in the garden this morning….spring can’t be far away, now, can it???)
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
February 20, 2007
Dear friends,
Since several of you are clamoring to see my seed starting set-up, I thought I’d take a quick photo this morning. It’s not a great photo, but you get the idea. It’s sitting on top of a custom cabinet my husband built for me in my office/studio. It’s great because it has a lot of drawer space underneath, and a little bar sink at the right end, so I have storage and access to water. The wall is painted a deep adobe behind it, so that’s why it’s so colorful!
I ordered my light stand from the National Gardening Association, but they were originally made by Hydrofarm.
As you can see, I used a hodge-podge of containers, but will replace them with uniform sizes…it makes it easier that way when the seedlings get taller.
I saw a little grape hyacinth blooming in the garden this morning….spring can’t be far away, now, can it???)
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
Wild bees and rosemary
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 20, 2007
Dear friends,
I’m sitting gazing out the window to my garden, and am happy to see that my little swarm of wild bees are back! They disappeared for a few months, and I was worried about them. I have no idea where they live, but a beekeeper friend identified them for me soon after they appeared here a few years ago…turns out they are honeybees! He told me he’ll help me capture them and put them into a hive, but I’m not sure I want the responsibility of tending a beehive. The bees seem to be doing fine on their own.
One surprise…they LOVE rosemary! My rosemary plants bloom off and on year-round here, and I never thought about that being a good source of pollen, or nectar. Apparently the bees think otherwise. I see a handful of them swarming the plant this morning, but last August there were thousands out there. The idea of rosemary-flavored honey is intriguing, I will admit.
I was glad to see the bees in the garden because they help the plants with pollination. One reason I have a totally organic garden is so that the beneficial insects can thrive in it and aren’t killed off by pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Too many of our native pollinators are disappearing because of widespread spraying of crops. For me, that’s reason enough to go organic.
Until tomorrow….dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
February 20, 2007
Dear friends,
I’m sitting gazing out the window to my garden, and am happy to see that my little swarm of wild bees are back! They disappeared for a few months, and I was worried about them. I have no idea where they live, but a beekeeper friend identified them for me soon after they appeared here a few years ago…turns out they are honeybees! He told me he’ll help me capture them and put them into a hive, but I’m not sure I want the responsibility of tending a beehive. The bees seem to be doing fine on their own.
One surprise…they LOVE rosemary! My rosemary plants bloom off and on year-round here, and I never thought about that being a good source of pollen, or nectar. Apparently the bees think otherwise. I see a handful of them swarming the plant this morning, but last August there were thousands out there. The idea of rosemary-flavored honey is intriguing, I will admit.
I was glad to see the bees in the garden because they help the plants with pollination. One reason I have a totally organic garden is so that the beneficial insects can thrive in it and aren’t killed off by pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Too many of our native pollinators are disappearing because of widespread spraying of crops. For me, that’s reason enough to go organic.
Until tomorrow….dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
Take comfort, dear ones...
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 22, 2007
Dear friends,
After years with my office in the back of the house, I convinced Husband to switch rooms with me. His office was at the front of the house, overlooking the gardens; mine was at the back overlooking a rocky gray hillside covered with scrubby cedars. I can’t tell you how much difference that move has made to my mood everyday, my level of inspiration and general well-being.
I’m convinced that looking at flowers and plants releases endorphins in our system, much like smelling good food cooking does. And for sure, smelling the fragrance of an antique rose HAS to do something good to our physical bodies.
My garden comforts me. When I see the heirloom onions popping up that a friend back in Austin gave me years ago, or when I see a plant bloom that was just a tiny seed just a few months before, or when I hear the chirping of birds at the birdbath or the buzz of bees in the rosemary bush, I’m comforted.
Take comfort in a garden. Doesn’t matter what size, shape or form. Plant a few herbs, attract some bees, plant one tomato plant and when it fruits, stand out in the garden in the sunshine and eat one off of the vine, and let the sweet acid juice run down your chin.
I guarantee you will be comforted.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
February 22, 2007
Dear friends,
After years with my office in the back of the house, I convinced Husband to switch rooms with me. His office was at the front of the house, overlooking the gardens; mine was at the back overlooking a rocky gray hillside covered with scrubby cedars. I can’t tell you how much difference that move has made to my mood everyday, my level of inspiration and general well-being.
I’m convinced that looking at flowers and plants releases endorphins in our system, much like smelling good food cooking does. And for sure, smelling the fragrance of an antique rose HAS to do something good to our physical bodies.
My garden comforts me. When I see the heirloom onions popping up that a friend back in Austin gave me years ago, or when I see a plant bloom that was just a tiny seed just a few months before, or when I hear the chirping of birds at the birdbath or the buzz of bees in the rosemary bush, I’m comforted.
Take comfort in a garden. Doesn’t matter what size, shape or form. Plant a few herbs, attract some bees, plant one tomato plant and when it fruits, stand out in the garden in the sunshine and eat one off of the vine, and let the sweet acid juice run down your chin.
I guarantee you will be comforted.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
Farmer's Almanac says it's a fine day for planting beans!
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 23, 2007
Dear friends,
Many generations of gardeners have trusted the advice given by The Farmer’s Almanac. Over the years, various versions of the Almanac have been published by different companies, but they all have things in common….like listing the “best days” to plant a certain thing, or the best days to do a certain thing.
For example, this online Almanac says that today is a good day to cut your hair to increase growth. If you’d gotten it cut back on the 16th, that would retard the growth. Today apparently is a good day for planting beans, peppers and cucumbers “where the climate is suitable.” These dates are based on phases of the moon, etc. and even though many think this is just plain ol’ superstition, there is some scientific basis for this, and many farmers and gardeners swear by this information. (I plan to write more about this as time goes by.)
Either way, I find these almanacs fascinating. It’s just another link between me and the gardeners of the past…the gardeners who didn’t have computers, or websites, or blogs to know when to plant something.
So, if your climate allows, go plant some beans!
(And thanks to Wanda, who sent me the link to the online Almanac this morning!)
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
February 23, 2007
Dear friends,
Many generations of gardeners have trusted the advice given by The Farmer’s Almanac. Over the years, various versions of the Almanac have been published by different companies, but they all have things in common….like listing the “best days” to plant a certain thing, or the best days to do a certain thing.
For example, this online Almanac says that today is a good day to cut your hair to increase growth. If you’d gotten it cut back on the 16th, that would retard the growth. Today apparently is a good day for planting beans, peppers and cucumbers “where the climate is suitable.” These dates are based on phases of the moon, etc. and even though many think this is just plain ol’ superstition, there is some scientific basis for this, and many farmers and gardeners swear by this information. (I plan to write more about this as time goes by.)
Either way, I find these almanacs fascinating. It’s just another link between me and the gardeners of the past…the gardeners who didn’t have computers, or websites, or blogs to know when to plant something.
So, if your climate allows, go plant some beans!
(And thanks to Wanda, who sent me the link to the online Almanac this morning!)
Dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
Oh, my achin' back!
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 26, 2007
Dear friends,
I stooped over one of my raised garden beds on Saturday morning and planted at least 70 very teeny little scallion onion babies. I haven’t planted onions in years, because, as we all know, they are so cheap in the stores. But when we started buying organic onions, the price went up. Well worth the extra cost, I thought, especially given the problems that some restaurants have had lately with scallions.
I had already planted a bunch of onion bulbs in a pot inside, and in a larger tub outside, but wanted some of the long thin onions to use on salads, stir frys, etc.
After planting the first 25 or so, I got the hang of it, and started using my finger to poke just the right sized hole in the soil. I would poke, put the onion in, pinch the soil around the neck of the onion, poke, put in, pinch, etc. It became a meditative Zen thing, and while doing that I managed to turn off the Critic for a while, and actually got a few ideas for short stories, maybe even a short play. Amazing how that works–the garden has always been a source of inspiration for me in so many ways.
Onions are simple, take care of themselves, and can be harvested in a short period of time. You can find scallion starts in garden centers, hardware stores, some grocery stores and even at Wal-mart in their garden section.
It’s much warmer here the last few days, spring can’t be far behind!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
February 26, 2007
Dear friends,
I stooped over one of my raised garden beds on Saturday morning and planted at least 70 very teeny little scallion onion babies. I haven’t planted onions in years, because, as we all know, they are so cheap in the stores. But when we started buying organic onions, the price went up. Well worth the extra cost, I thought, especially given the problems that some restaurants have had lately with scallions.
I had already planted a bunch of onion bulbs in a pot inside, and in a larger tub outside, but wanted some of the long thin onions to use on salads, stir frys, etc.
After planting the first 25 or so, I got the hang of it, and started using my finger to poke just the right sized hole in the soil. I would poke, put the onion in, pinch the soil around the neck of the onion, poke, put in, pinch, etc. It became a meditative Zen thing, and while doing that I managed to turn off the Critic for a while, and actually got a few ideas for short stories, maybe even a short play. Amazing how that works–the garden has always been a source of inspiration for me in so many ways.
Onions are simple, take care of themselves, and can be harvested in a short period of time. You can find scallion starts in garden centers, hardware stores, some grocery stores and even at Wal-mart in their garden section.
It’s much warmer here the last few days, spring can’t be far behind!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 bobbi a. chukran.
Heirloom veggies
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 27, 2007
Dear friends,
I was excited to find a good selection of heirloom tomato plants at our new garden center last night. It’s hard to find heirloom anything around here, much less ready-grown plants. I bought a few Roma tomatoes and a Cherokee Purple. I wasn’t going to buy plants this year, opting instead to start my own frohttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifm seeds, but I’m a sucker for the heirlooms.
Here’s an I found that talks about heirloom plants and why you might want to grow them.
http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
I like to grow heirlooms mostly because of their connection with gardeners of the past…gardeners who lovingly saved seed from their favorite vegetable because it had been given to them by their grandmother or had been carried from one home to the other. And if it tastes great, well, that’s just a bonus!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
February 27, 2007
Dear friends,
I was excited to find a good selection of heirloom tomato plants at our new garden center last night. It’s hard to find heirloom anything around here, much less ready-grown plants. I bought a few Roma tomatoes and a Cherokee Purple. I wasn’t going to buy plants this year, opting instead to start my own frohttp://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifm seeds, but I’m a sucker for the heirlooms.
Here’s an I found that talks about heirloom plants and why you might want to grow them.
http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
I like to grow heirlooms mostly because of their connection with gardeners of the past…gardeners who lovingly saved seed from their favorite vegetable because it had been given to them by their grandmother or had been carried from one home to the other. And if it tastes great, well, that’s just a bonus!
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
Disappearing bees
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
February 28, 2007
Something a little more serious this morning….In more than 24 states across the country, bees are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to Ann Johansson of the New York Times and other journalists across the country, this is not only threatening the livelihood of beekeepers, but is also a threat to many of our important crops, such as the almond industry in CA. Not to mention our entire food supply!
Researchers aren’t sure where the bees are going. Some hives have died off, some have simply vanished.
For sure, widespread pesticide spraying of agricultural crops can kill bees, as can small doses of spraying, such as a homeowner might do in their gardens or yards. That’s just another reason that organic gardening is friendly to the environment.
Our entire food supply relies on pollination by bees and other such insects. There are many alternatives to synthetic pesticides on the market today. Next time you’re at your local garden center, look for the natural or organic section…see what’s there, and follow the directions on the label.
dig it!
bobbi c.
February 28, 2007
Something a little more serious this morning….In more than 24 states across the country, bees are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to Ann Johansson of the New York Times and other journalists across the country, this is not only threatening the livelihood of beekeepers, but is also a threat to many of our important crops, such as the almond industry in CA. Not to mention our entire food supply!
Researchers aren’t sure where the bees are going. Some hives have died off, some have simply vanished.
For sure, widespread pesticide spraying of agricultural crops can kill bees, as can small doses of spraying, such as a homeowner might do in their gardens or yards. That’s just another reason that organic gardening is friendly to the environment.
Our entire food supply relies on pollination by bees and other such insects. There are many alternatives to synthetic pesticides on the market today. Next time you’re at your local garden center, look for the natural or organic section…see what’s there, and follow the directions on the label.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Signs of Spring!
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
March 1, 2007
Dear friends,
Somebody asked about the rosemary bush that was attracting all the bees. Here’s a photo of it, in my garden. It’s happy here in this Hill Country soil that is so much like the Mediterranean soil where rosemary is native. This bush is about 8 years old, and is only one of over a dozen I have in my garden area.
I also got a shot of the first bulb to bloom here, a grape hyacinth. It was planted four years ago, and comes up like clockwork every February/early March.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran. all rights reserved.
March 1, 2007
Dear friends,
Somebody asked about the rosemary bush that was attracting all the bees. Here’s a photo of it, in my garden. It’s happy here in this Hill Country soil that is so much like the Mediterranean soil where rosemary is native. This bush is about 8 years old, and is only one of over a dozen I have in my garden area.
I also got a shot of the first bulb to bloom here, a grape hyacinth. It was planted four years ago, and comes up like clockwork every February/early March.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran. all rights reserved.
Catch some rain!
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
March 2, 2007
Dear friends,
We haven’t had rain for months here, and we desperately need some. Not only for our garden and landscaping, but also because we drink rainwater! Yep, that’s right….we collect rainwater and use it for ALL our water needs…we cook with it, bathe with it, wash our clothes in it, AND drink it. It’s filtered out the wazoo and treated with UV light, so it’s safer than the local city water or well water out here.
Rainwater is great for plants because it’s pH neutral…not too acidic, not too alkaline. To catch rainwater, you don’t have to have two humongous fiberglass tanks like we do, holding 17,000 gallons. You can buy yourself a cool galvanized bucket (I love that galvanized stuff!) and plop it outdoors next time it rains. Store it covered so that insects don’t get in and use it for a breeding ground. Next time you need to water a houseplant, dip into it and give that green baby a drink! Use it to water seedlings; they’ll appreciate the clean water. There are also larger systems that you can buy from online garden suppliers to collect rain from the gutters of your house, etc. if you want to tackle it on a larger scale.
Start small, see how well your plants do when they get to drink rainwater. (And ya know, it’s GREAT for human hair, too!)
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
March 2, 2007
Dear friends,
We haven’t had rain for months here, and we desperately need some. Not only for our garden and landscaping, but also because we drink rainwater! Yep, that’s right….we collect rainwater and use it for ALL our water needs…we cook with it, bathe with it, wash our clothes in it, AND drink it. It’s filtered out the wazoo and treated with UV light, so it’s safer than the local city water or well water out here.
Rainwater is great for plants because it’s pH neutral…not too acidic, not too alkaline. To catch rainwater, you don’t have to have two humongous fiberglass tanks like we do, holding 17,000 gallons. You can buy yourself a cool galvanized bucket (I love that galvanized stuff!) and plop it outdoors next time it rains. Store it covered so that insects don’t get in and use it for a breeding ground. Next time you need to water a houseplant, dip into it and give that green baby a drink! Use it to water seedlings; they’ll appreciate the clean water. There are also larger systems that you can buy from online garden suppliers to collect rain from the gutters of your house, etc. if you want to tackle it on a larger scale.
Start small, see how well your plants do when they get to drink rainwater. (And ya know, it’s GREAT for human hair, too!)
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran.
Beginner's Guide to Starting Veggies from Seed
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
March 5, 2007
Dear friends,
Our spring garden here is coming along….at a crawl! The seedlings inside are not growing very fast; I think the light from my new growing stand is too weak for them. We’ve also had two unusual freezes during the last week. I usually have a few tomato plants out by now, although covered at night. No brag, just fact! LOL
I realize that a lot of my readers live in places where you can’t garden for a while. I feel for ya’, so dug up this link to a lot of great info. you can be reading in the meantime. On the great *You Grow Girl* website, a complete Beginner’s Guide to Starting Vegetables from Seed chart, more info. than you can shake a stick at, etc. etc. The site is maintained by Gayla Trail, author of the You Grow Girl book (also recommended!).
In the meanwhile, have happy dreams of spring!
dig it!
bobbi c.
All material here is copyright ©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran
March 5, 2007
Dear friends,
Our spring garden here is coming along….at a crawl! The seedlings inside are not growing very fast; I think the light from my new growing stand is too weak for them. We’ve also had two unusual freezes during the last week. I usually have a few tomato plants out by now, although covered at night. No brag, just fact! LOL
I realize that a lot of my readers live in places where you can’t garden for a while. I feel for ya’, so dug up this link to a lot of great info. you can be reading in the meantime. On the great *You Grow Girl* website, a complete Beginner’s Guide to Starting Vegetables from Seed chart, more info. than you can shake a stick at, etc. etc. The site is maintained by Gayla Trail, author of the You Grow Girl book (also recommended!).
In the meanwhile, have happy dreams of spring!
dig it!
bobbi c.
All material here is copyright ©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran
Dibbles, dibblers or dibbers by Derek
The Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran
May 1, 2007
Not long ago I received an order of dibbers from my Nova Scotian woodturner friend and artist, Derek Andrews. I had never even heard of dibbers (AKA dibblers or dibbles) until I saw them on his Seafoam Woodturning Studio website, but now I’m finding out what great little tools they can be in the garden.
You can use them for planting bulbs, seedlings or young plants, and I love that he’s marked measurements on them. Derek does wonderful work, and we have a few of his other pieces in our collection. His dibbers are smooth as glass, and I *almost* hate to get them dirty. I had to run outside and try them, and I love the way they work! I’ll write more about them when I use them to plant my new tomato babies. It’s so seldom that you find handmade garden tools! (And these are VERY affordable, too, and will last forever!)
Check out Derek's site, he also makes wonderful wooden bowls, wine stoppers, sculpture and more.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran. all rights reserved.
May 1, 2007
Not long ago I received an order of dibbers from my Nova Scotian woodturner friend and artist, Derek Andrews. I had never even heard of dibbers (AKA dibblers or dibbles) until I saw them on his Seafoam Woodturning Studio website, but now I’m finding out what great little tools they can be in the garden.
You can use them for planting bulbs, seedlings or young plants, and I love that he’s marked measurements on them. Derek does wonderful work, and we have a few of his other pieces in our collection. His dibbers are smooth as glass, and I *almost* hate to get them dirty. I had to run outside and try them, and I love the way they work! I’ll write more about them when I use them to plant my new tomato babies. It’s so seldom that you find handmade garden tools! (And these are VERY affordable, too, and will last forever!)
Check out Derek's site, he also makes wonderful wooden bowls, wine stoppers, sculpture and more.
dig it!
bobbi c.
Copyright ©2007 by bobbi a. chukran. all rights reserved.
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