IHAD A NICE EMAIL FROM MY FORMER COLLEAGUES at “The Martha Stewart Show” to say that the two segments Martha and I did in not long ago (including my recipe for heirloom vegetarian baked beans) will be airing again Tuesday, June 14, at 10 AM Eastern (9 Central) and Wednesday, June 15, at 1 PM (12 Central), in case you missed us first time around. It’s all on the Hallmark Channel, which you can find on your cable dial using this locator tool.
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.)
Margaret, I have NEVER written to anyone before, but I live on a farm in Indiana near Madison on the Ohio. I work on an herb farm 4 miles from home on Graham Creek.and have fallen in love with wild flowers and fresh veg. (and good wine) your life change sounds perfect and I know you will love it. The cat showing up was a good omen. Best of luck and much happiness to you. Our farm is worth a trip and we even have a guest room made for my mother who passed away in 2006. I can promise my husband’s sweet corn is the best in the country. If you want to see where I work, go to streamclifffarm and enjoy. I hope to hear from you, but understand you get “a lot” of mail. Sincerely, Jo
Welcome, Jo. How sweet of you to write (and send an invite, including sweet corn!). I do love it here, as it sounds like you do in your little place of peaceful country. We are blessed!
Loved your segment on the “show.”. You are truly inspiring!
Thanks, Denise, and welcome! It was fun (though I always get nervous, of course). I hope you will click around and find some things you enjoy here or on the book blog, too.
Great segment with Martha today! Loved hearing your story and look forward to following your blog. The recipe was well presented and I can’t wait to try it…I might have to improvise with the beans since I’m not sure I’ve ever seen those in my area. Can’t wait to explore and try! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy Growing~ Mandy
Learned about you and your farm today on Martha. Very excited about your blog and newsletter. I’m a beginning gardner in Washington and one day hope to have a farm like yours. You inspire me. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Welcome, Mandy. I bet you will like the beans, and you can definitely just use “Navy” beans or dried white beans like that — probably best to start with them anyhow. I often make them from basic white Navy beans. Delicious, and tender.
Welcome, Melanie. How nice of you to say hello! Great to hear you are already gardening and enjoying it. It has been my great joy in life, to be sure. Still is!
Found the channel and have it set to record!
I just saw you on Martha! Love her, obviously! Your story is so inspiring. During the summers I live in, what I consider the country in a tiny town. I don’t know how I could stand to live alone, you are truly amazing. Your blog is amazing too. I love learning from other gardeners. Both your words and your story are inspiring. So glad I decided to watch some TV today!
Welcome, Caroline. So glad you found me, and hope that we will see you here regularly. Thanks for the nice words of encouragement.
Watched the MS show today and enjoyed your visit and recipe. I did not get the name of the company that made the foam mats in your kitchen. Would you please share the info with me.
Enjoyed seeing the show today where you were a guest on Martha Stewart. It was good to see your home and hear about your new book. Must make the baked bean recipe. I did not get the name of the company where you purchased the kitchen mats. They look like something I would like in my country kitchen. Please share the info with me. Thanks
Shirley @ Blue Gate Farm
Hi, Shirley. The mats are from FoFlor, the link is here. Thanks for your nice comment!
I was THRILLED to catch the show by chance last week. (I DVR’d it and watched it twice!) You are a brave soul, my dear. Many fantasize about escaping to the country, but the reality is quite another story, I’m sure.