The Amateur Farmer

A quick-and-dirty greenhouse

Posted on by Richard Kirby

Readers of this blog know that Jean is an avid gardener. One of the problems we face each year is what to do with many of our plants during the winter to protect them from the cold. Most of the time, our decision is to bring all the plants inside -- and with our small house, that is no easy feat. This winter, we decided to do something different. We had taken down our frame pool for the season and were wondering what to do with the space in the backyard when Jean came up with the idea of... Continue reading

Healthy dandelion salad – who knew?

Posted on by Melissa Carden

I have never understood America's aversion to the humble dandelion. Named for the lion-tooth shape of the leaves, this jubilant weed seems a happy addition to any yard. Is it because everyone can have them? Seriously, what is up? The lion's teeth As a child, I loved to blow away the little parachute seeds after the flowers had gone to seed. But if that childhood joy weren't enough, I recently learned these guys are loaded with good things! The sunny little "weed" is chock full of... Continue reading

Alys Fowler: My new rock star hero!

Posted on by Melissa Carden

Alys Fowler, an English gardener, and writer, has a videos series called "The Edible Garden" that details farming in an urban setting. What an inspiration! Her work and ideas are the embodiment of Deluxe living! A woman after my own heart, she works with the land and what the environment provides. She created a veritable Eden in her own backyard! Check out the episode above entitled "Peas and Beans". If you've got even a hint of love for playing in the dirt, you will be hooked! I aspire to... Continue reading

Autumn arrangement

Posted on by Jean Campbell

And you can eat it! Thanksgiving was bearing down on us — and fast! Richard, being the love he is, was readying to rush down to the nearby grocery store while I cooked and cleaned like a woman with a mission; this in hopes of having pies ready for Thursday’s meal and the house in shape for overnight company. As Richard headed out the door, a final addition to the list came to mind and I called out, “Buy me flowers!” And then I stopped to think. Now don’t get me wrong, I... Continue reading