SO WHAT CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION most of all in 2012, among the 1,200-ish stories on A Way to Garden so far? Well, apparently these were the top 50 stories, the topics you clicked on most during the year, A Way to Garden’s fifth online.
t
FROM THE WEEKLY PODCAST
beyond organic gardening: ecological horticulture
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
I hope you know by now that I love this blog. When I first found it, I spent a rainy weekend reading every post since its inception, and haven’t missed one since. I have also bought all of your books, not because of pleading requests to do so on the blog, or testimonial after testimonial hitting me in the face as soon as the page loads, or even the many (did I say many?) “it’s coming”, or “it’s almost here”, then “it can be preordered now”, and ” it’s finally here!”, followed by “PLEASE buy my book”, and “if you want to do something for me, order my book NOW” highlighted sections on the blog’s front page.
Margaret, I love you to death, and if I had my own blog and had the talent to write my own book, I’d probably be hyping it like crazy too…but sweet Jesus….please…let up a little. You’re wearing us out!
Please don’t post this…I’m not trying to give this feedback publically, just to you. I love this blog, appreciate all commercial enterprises and buy your books because I want them, not in some repayment for reading your blog for free. So hate me, but I’ll still love you. Just suggest you put your marketing chops in time out for a while. :)
I’m not sure what exactly to comment on after reading the first comment :-) Both subjects are quite sweet :-) On the gardening note, I’m glad to see the topic of garlic won out.
Hi, Nadia. I think garlic is my favorite thing to grow. Always rewards me, always feels special. Speaking of which…I should roast up some and enjoy it this weekend.
Hi Margaret, I love garlic and use tons and tons of it in cooking. My husband also uses it to make a natural cholesterol medicine which works better than any conventional prescription. This year is the first year I will be growing it myself. I’ve inter-planted it with my roses. I’m super excited! I will have to check out that post again come harvest time. Thanks again for the info!
Joy to my world, thanks to you and “A Way to Garden”. Looking forward to reviewing your top 50 list for those posts I missed before learning of you late last summer.
I am also a supporter of all you do. Love your blog and books and recipes and gardening tips. I have purchased plants for my gardens based on your suggestions and have never gone wrong. Particularly love my rosa gura! (Hope that’s the right spelling. No probably with marketing! Keep up the great work.
I am a relative newcomer to your blog, Margaret but I look forward to every post.
Thank you. Happy holidays!
I love everything about your newsletter and all the wonderful resources that you have brought to my attention. I know our vegetable garden would not have produced as much or been as diverse if it hadn’t been for you advice.
I went to the favorite conifers at least 20 times . Along with other good examples, your photo of Chamaecyparis ‘Crispii’ is the best I’ve found. Was worth the proverbial 1000 words, in trying to explain what it does, and how best to grow it . Thank you. :)
Margaret, I love you, your blog, and books. I want to say “thank you” to you, for all the continuous inspiration of all kinds. Have a wonderful Christmas, and may 2013 bring you continued health, happiness, and success.
Hey, Margaret. Wanted to wish you a great Christmas and an equally great new year! I know I don’t comment too much these days but I always check-in with you and listen to your podcast on Mondays. It seems your (not so) new life is a great success and I hope the new year brings nothing but the same. I can’t wait to read the new book. Best to you (and Jack, of course).
Brian
Merry Christmas, Margaret, and peace on earth to all men (and women!) of goodwill.