Category Archives: Gardening

The Gardener’s Secret

Posted on December 4, 2017 by vanbytheriver

I knew he had a secret. He had the best garden, the richest soil, and produce into late November. What was he doing differently than the rest of us ? I walk my dog past his house daily, and had … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Food, Gardening, Nature, News, Technology | Tagged , , | 44 Comments

Tomato Sandwich

Posted on July 21, 2017 by vanbytheriver

It’s the perfect summer sandwich, with the simplest of ingredients. Garden-fresh tomatoes, mayo, store-bought white bread. I had the first of many this week. You might be tempted to modify it, toast the bread, add ingredients like cheese, bacon, avocado, … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Beauty, Books, Childhood, Education, Entertainment, Food, Gardening, Movies, Nature, News | Tagged , | 83 Comments

Green Tomatoes

Posted on September 22, 2016 by vanbytheriver

The last of my summer tomatoes had a stubborn streak. They were staying green. I brought them into the house recently. Maybe I didn’t want the critters to get to them. Maybe I figured I could have them ripen on … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Entertainment, Family, Food, Gardening, News | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

The Rescue Flowers

Posted on September 7, 2016 by vanbytheriver

A sure sign of Autumn, the first potted Chrysanthemums have appeared recently at garden centers and home stores. Is it time to remove the summer blooms that are thriving on the front porch ? I’m never sure. A few years … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Entertainment, Family, Gardening, Home, News | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

Feeding the Enemy

Posted on August 16, 2016 by vanbytheriver

We knew he’d been living  in the front yard for a while. What we didn’t know was that he was munching on the tomatoes, leaving them on the vine. Then, he got sloppy. He left seed drippings around the outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Food, Gardening, Nature, News | Tagged , , , | 110 Comments

Produce

Posted on August 1, 2016 by vanbytheriver

As we enter into a favorite time of year, with fresh sweet corn and ample tomatoes, I will share a short one from the past. My father taught me how to pick the best ear of corn. He told me … Continue reading →

Posted in Beauty, Childhood, Family, Food, Gardening, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , , | 84 Comments

Gnome

Posted on July 28, 2016 by vanbytheriver

Proud to say that I picked the first tomatoes today. We got to them before the rabbits did. We tried everything when they attacked the lettuce. A large ceramic owl. Foul-smelling herbs. Marigolds. Motion-activated birds, croaking frogs, statues with bobble heads. Liquid … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Family, Food, Gardening, Home, Nature | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Perennials

Posted on June 9, 2016 by vanbytheriver

They are the flowers that come back year after year, the ones that always bloom. The rose might be the most faithful floral of all. We have been best friends for over 30 years. We met through work, followed our … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Gardening, Health Issues, Relationships, Work and Career | Tagged , , , , , | 72 Comments

Overgrown

Posted on May 29, 2016 by vanbytheriver

By the end of May, with abundant rain, grass will grow to be almost 20 inches tall. How do I know ? There is one neighborhood lawn that has just been mowed for the first time. I live in a community that … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Home, Nature | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

Crown of Thorns

Posted on May 15, 2016 by vanbytheriver

It is the heritage plant of my family. The original plant belonged to my great grandmother, and dates back over 100 years now. The crown of thorns cactus (Euphorbia milii) is an evergreen succulent plant, native to Madagascar. I remember getting a … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Gardening, Nature, Random Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | 66 Comments