Tag Archives: garden

Perennial Protein of Apios americana: Tubers on a String

In high school I owned several books of edible wild plants. This was in my phase of finding a cave in the wilderness and bailing on society. I still have a lot of those Bradford Angier survival and camping books. … Continue reading

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The Thicket Bean Explodes

Before the advent of annual beans, the thicket bean was well known. It was the protein that did not run away. It is a species of perennial bean found throughout the midwest and northeastern U.S. Unlike the thousands of selections … Continue reading

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Meet the Perennial Brassicas

It’s a common experience with gardeners to discover sprouts on old broccoli or cabbage stalks from the year before. Even the Brussels sprouts will kick out a new stem in the second year. This is because by and large Brassicas … Continue reading

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You and What Sandcherry Empire

Have you ever gone for a hike and discovered some interesting fruit along a trail somewhere? Many people have seen or know this fruit along the shores of the Great Lakes. The trails that wind their way through the dunes … Continue reading

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The Wild Andean Pumpkin

I have always enjoyed finding and growing the ancestors of crop plants. Unlike what would be called scientific breeding or selection I have a different motive. I want to see the plant that began it all. I want to time … Continue reading

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Too Little Too Late

Extreme environmental changes will require a major shift on how and where we grow certain human edible crop plants. Although human edible corn makes up less than five percent of all corn, it is still important to think of it … Continue reading

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Wild Tomatoes are Out of Control

Every now and then people will discover wild colonies of domesticated food plants like tomatoes. Some are accidental pitches by motorists but some have been around for many generations and have adapted to their new homes self seeding and creating … Continue reading

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A Gap in the Field

My father and his friend and business partner purchased a 400 acre Christmas tree farm in the early 70’s that needed a lot of work. One area that was previously harvested was filled with thick grass and dense woody shrubs … Continue reading

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Relax. It’s a Lilac.

It’s a perfect plant. Calming, soft to the touch, durable and forgiving is the lilac. You can’t say no to the lilac. Like a ballerina dancing through your home, the fragrance of the flowers relax and still your mind. You … Continue reading

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