Tag Archives: gardening

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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Regeneration Through Dissemination

Like my family’s Christmas tree farms of yesteryear, most tree crops are planted in long rows of a single species to maximize production. At my 13 acre farm, I did not have the luxury of both time and money to … Continue reading

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Simply Making the Plant World More Diverse

One of easiest ways to increase plant diversity in the natural world is to look for potential species that can reproduce and increase on their own without burning, mowing or herbiciding everything to near death. The same can be said … Continue reading

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Meet the Perennial Brassicas

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

I have always found it fascinating to read about the use of wildflowers as food plants. In particular, I wondered how anyone could make a go of harvesting lily bulbs to any degree for food. You hear stories of many … 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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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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The Real Estate With the Best View of the Forest

Look up. The canopy is filled with fruits and nuts. Look down. Do you see anything? This was my beginning of finding and developing shade loving fruit crops. There are many plants that will tolerate shade but few that will … Continue reading

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