I received this in an e-mail on my birthday: “Congratulations!  You have passed both the Theory and History portions of the Comprehensive Exams!” Basically, you can all start addressing me as master. . .

A few people asked me about places to get top soil and mulch. Here’s the research that I have done. These prices are for a cubic yard. Kurtz Brothers– All purpose top soil $27.95– Hardwood Blend Mulch $32.95 Savarino Bros. (Last years price, I think it may have gone up slightly)-Premium Top Soil $31.95 -Regular…

I’ve officially started my gardening blog: www.CravingDirt.com. I’m really excited about it! I sent out an e-mail to a large group of friends from church and was delighted at the feedback and the desire for participation. I’ve already been able to post two “Grower to Grower” posts featuring the gardening efforts of two friends. I…

Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia) If you haven’t taken the time to admire one of the magnolia trees in bloom all around town, schedule it in. It’s worth it. I took this photo walking from my car to school on Magnolia drive. Appropriate, eh? But these beauties grow everywhere around here. Terri took this beauty of…

Wow! I can’t believe I already have another “Grower to Grower” to share. This time I’m featuring Terri. Terri, too, was a forced slave as a child, by that I mean her parents owned an acre and a half garden. Despite her constant proclamations on the contrary as a little girl, she now “LOVES” gardening.…

Pardon me as I play with the appearance of the blog. We’re in the early stages, so things will probably be changing quite a bit at the get go. Let me know what you like, don’t like, recommend.

At least for now. . .There’s an energy to spring that seems to be erupting out everywhere. I love walking around my yard every couple of days and being surprised by the growth that is emerging. Here are some of my favorites: My jacobs ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is is back for year two! I highly…

We were so lucky to have several guests for Easter this year. Namely Cassie and Doug and their adorable son Archer, and Ollie and Cassandra Griffin. It could not have been more beautiful weather wise, and the meal was probably the most beautiful and most delicious that Tom and I have ever made- thanks to…

As my first “Grower to Grower” post I’m excited to post pictures from Shawny. This is her first year gardening- and she’s starting from seed. As you can see she’s growing a bunch of tomatoes- in hopes of doing lots of canning come fall. She’s also growing a variety of peppers. Mmmm- I’m thinking salsa!…

So this Tuesday marks the 6 week mark before Shaker Heights’ frost free date- May 18th! Which means it’s time for seeds. Well some seeds. I put my seeds in two weeks ago. (Most seeds you can plant anywhere from 6-8 weeks before.) Seeds in this category include tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, basil, dahlias, and many…