Kjirsti & Tom

I was walking past the Cleveland Botanical Gardens the other day when I noticed they had already created cages for their peonies. I was quick to follow suit. (Can I just say I love taking hints from the professional landscapers. It’s a great trick, pay attention to when your neighbor’s landscaping service starts cleaning out…

The leaf in the foreground reveals the petite size of this emerging pea. I love pea seedlings because they are so unique. They have this gentle eloquence. Maybe it’s the little curled tendril or perhaps the feminine curve of the leaves. Peas are one of the earliest garden crops one can plant, alongside spinach and…

I love Gales it’s one of my favorite Nurseries in the area. They are offering $20 worth of Plants for only $9.00 right now on Groupon.com. Check it out and get your plants half price this spring!

I am yet to have any children of my own, but I have often been joined by my younger siblings or nieces and nephews in the garden. My sweet five-year-old next door neighbor planted peas with me a few weeks back. Last week, my four year old friend Annie and I went for a walk.…

One of my favorite spring activities is watching life erupt out of buds and seeds. I’m fascinated by how differently each plant emerges. Check out this unanimous plant awakening at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

My yard is one of those places where I look and see the “future garden.” Complete with mature perennials, year-round interest and dazzling botanical diversity. Too often I am occasioned to see my yard as, well, you all see it. The young, sparse, needy yard that it is. Regardless, I can still dream. So these…

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…