I WAS PICKING UP PODS under yellow-flowered Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ the other day before mowing, and just couldn’t resist faking a jar of “pickles” for this photo. Aren’t they–and nature’s intricate geometry in all pods and cones–fascinating? I’m enjoying the pod-and-water-stuffed jar as the centerpiece on my dining table this week. Not your average midsummer bouquet, but a definite conversation-starter.
THE LECTURE that he’s been giving for a number of years is not-so-subtly called “Kill Your Lawn.” Ecological horticulturist Dan Jaffe Wilder knows that starting over and creating an entire native habitat instead of a lawn isn’t for everyone. But Dan just wants to grab our attention and get us to start to make some changes at least in the way we care for the turfgrass we do want in our landscapes. And maybe give up a little square footage of it to some other kind of more diverse planting, too, like the wild strawberries (Fragaria virginiana, inset). Alternative, more eco-focused styles of lawn care, along with some lawn alternatives is what he and I talked about on the podcast. Dan is Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation in Wales, Massachusetts, and its 8,000-acre sanctuary. He’s also co-author with Mark Richardson of the book “Native Plants for New England Gardens.”
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
Fantastic! What a mind opener, and done in your typical uncanny manner.
Love it! Brings a HUGE smile to my face. XO
Beautiful!
So cute!
Piclkles for the eyes. I like that.
When I first saw this charming photo, I thought they were antique pinecone Christmas ornaments! That third one from the left looked like it had a little wire loop on it…and I guess I saw what I wanted to see since I collect them. I’d never have guessed they were actually magnolia flower centers! Nature’s patterns repeat everywhere and are infinitely fascinating! Lovely centerpiece idea!
Love it! I used tomato and carrot greens to set off a single red zinnia in a vase this week.
Speaking of cucumbers… Are there any pickle recipes on your site?
Hi- I don’t know if Janeen’s question about pickles was answered — I found a recipe for refrigerator pickles last year on here and they were really great. Had to do some research again to find the recipe for another batch this year.
https://awaytogarden.com/dan-koshanskys-refrigerator-pickles
Thanks, Brad. Glad you like them enough to recommend!