Very proud of my Mother-in-law Maureen (and Tomato Gal contributor!). She’s been recognized in The Wave for her dedicated service in the beatification of Veterans’ Circle. Check it out! Photo Credit Dan Brown: https://www.facebook.com/skininkmag
Matt came across this article and I wanted to share it with you. I had know idea that a fig was actually a flower and that it is pollinated by only one type of tiny insect, it’s fascinating! All kinds of critters, not only humans, frequent fig trees, but the plants owe their existence to what may be evolution’s most intimate partnership between two species. Because a fig is actually a ball of flowers, it requires pollination to reproduce, but, because the flowers are sealed, not just any bug can […]
The Beach 91st Street Community Garden is in full season. I wanted to share some photos of the delicious foods growing inside. But first, note the beautiful new fence that has replaced the plywood, which was barely standing for quite some time. Before… After! The group organized a go fund me to help with the cost and members installed the fence last weekend. Thanks guys! So what’s growing? A few garden members are growning corn! And red leaf lettuce. Beautiful purple tomatoes… I believe these are indigo rose? Japanese greens – I had to […]
Here’s Part 2 of the garden build out. As I mentioned in my previous post, Cousin Lesley and I worked together on the design of the garden. I explained to her what I envisioned – an organic feel, lots of color, and blooms all season. I needed a path to access the water source on the side of the house. And of course, It was essential to have The Virgin Mother incorporated in a prominent location. Lesley and I both agreed on choosing plants that would thrive in a coastal landscape, which in turn would support the native ecosystems in […]
Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William) – I clipped these from the garden over a week ago and they’re still looking beautiful. I’ve seen them in my neighbor’s yards as well. These European natives thrive in Rockaway Queens. The color of Sweet William ranges from deep pinks and purples to light pinks and white. Athough they’re know as a perennial, I believe they were in a wildflower mix I had purchased and sprinkled on the front garden, the first summer we had the house (2014). Coolest thing is, they’re edible! Taste Test…. Edible Flower – Sweet William […]
The Serviceberry has arrived. Props to our neighbor Paul for helping us get this 500 lb tree of the truck. Our other florals were also delivered, more to come on that but for now take a look at this…
As the name indicates, Bayberry grows around coastal areas such as bays and bogs. Matt picked this for me a few days ago in Jamaica Bay. Who needs the florist? Just forage for a bouquet! Below are other beautiful plants you can find around the Jamaica Bay area. The leaves and dried fruit of the Bayberry plant are aromatic. It’s given Greek name Myrike means fragrance. If you crush the dried berry, a strong scent will release. Bayberry shrubs therefore are widely used in soaps, candles and oils but it has more purpose, such as insect repellent. It is used […]
After multiple requests to the Parks Department and incessant reminders to them via twitter, I finally got my tree-aaaaa!! My tree, which Matt named Charlie, is not the one I requested but I love him all the same. It’s a Sophora Japonica, commonly called a Regent. It’s a nonnative species on the NYC approved species list because of its tolerance to weather; its ability to grow in any soil and its non-aggressive roots system. Charlie is from Connecticut – don’t judge, he’s a transplant. He was a leftover from last springs planting. This is probably why the city ignored my request for a Chokecherry. They […]
In the mornings, I like to stroll around the front and backyard looking at the garden. Well, it’s more like over-grown weeds with random flowers intermixed. I’ve been busy with house projects so the garden has been left to run wild. Matt makes fun of me saying, “You look insane watering those weeds!” The other morning while sipping my coffee I spotted this agastache plant growning out of a crack in the house. My friend John gave us some agastache a while back. When we moved from Ridgewood, we dismantled the roof deck and the agastache came […]
If I haven’t mentioned, I have a plot in the Beach 91st street community garden. It’s across the street from our house. There’s been two potluck garden dinners so far, where members bring dishes with food they’ve grown from the garden. It’s been fun to meet everyone and talk shop over supper. I’ve been meaning to take some photos of what’s growing and what’s going on behind the gates. We keep bees! About a month and a half ago we adopted a bee hive from NYC beekeepers. I love seeing how everyone […]
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