by Greg Alder | Sep 5, 2025 | Misc |
Right around the corner is “the autumnal springtime,” according to Edward Wickson. Spring in autumn? Sounds like nonsense. But hear Wickson explain: “Spring is defined as ‘the one of the four seasons when plants begin to grow.’” And therefore, California has two...
by Greg Alder | Aug 15, 2025 | Misc |
“How’s your garden?” asked a friend. “I’ve basically given up for the summer,” I said. “Me too!” “If it weren’t for sunflowers, half of my vegetable area would be bare dirt right now. And I didn’t even plant the sunflowers – they’re all volunteers!” I’m burned out....
by Greg Alder | Aug 8, 2025 | Misc |
Work will expand into the allotted time, goes the saying, and garden work is no exception. If I have all afternoon to prune my nectarine tree, then I will fiddle and get artsy and take all afternoon to prune my one nectarine tree. But I have other fruit trees that...
by Greg Alder | Aug 1, 2025 | Misc |
What is to eat in July in Jacques’ rich food garden in Southern California? Apples, pears, and nectarines. More apples, peaches, and goji berries. Cape gooseberries? What are those? You must join me for a tour and some tasting, plus a tip on how to trap green...
by Greg Alder | Jul 4, 2025 | Misc |
Now we’re into summer and the stone fruits are ripening in abundance, as are less common treats that Jacques grows that you might not have tried, such as Kei apples and Surinam cherries (which aren’t actually apples or cherries at all!). Come along: More...
by Greg Alder | Jun 6, 2025 | Misc |
What is there to eat in Jacques’ food garden in the month of May? He’s got some snacks that you might grow too, as well as some that you might not. Come along to find out . . . Other months in Jacques’ garden: January,...
by Greg Alder | May 31, 2025 | Misc |
Twelve summers ago, we moved to this property and there were tumbleweeds growing across the bottom half. No, I said. I don’t accept having to walk through prickly tumbleweeds. I decided right then that I would figure out how to eliminate them. Because...
by Greg Alder | May 2, 2025 | Misc |
In March I traveled throughout South Africa and Lesotho, where I visited a number of farms, nurseries, and home gardens. On my return flight, I recalled the G.K. Chesterton quote, “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set...
by Greg Alder | Feb 28, 2025 | February, Misc |
What’s ripe in February on the fruit trees and other edible plants in Jacques’ eclectic food garden? A lot of citrus and more. Have a look: More about: “The Shiranui mandarin tree: a profile” See other months in Jacques’ garden: January,...
by Greg Alder | Jan 31, 2025 | January, Misc |
“Be Your Own Farmer,” reads the sticker on the back of Jacques’ truck. And he lives it. And his family reaps the rewards. As do I. I’ve never visited Jacques’ place without him taking me on a tour and sharing samples of whatever is ripe....
Recent comments