Dear Gardening Friends,
A slightly belated, but nonetheless sincere, Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!
Alex and I are so grateful for your continued support! At year 3, Two Dog is growing by leaps and bounds, and we truly appreciate everyone who visits us at the Farmers Markets, who attend our Nursery Sales & Food Drives, who make appointments and drive from far and near to see us at the Nursery, and those of you who come (sometimes more than once!) to our EarthBox Planting Classes!! We're also grateful for the Press coverage (especially the Larchmont Chronicle...thanks Jane & Laura!) and invitations to participate in special events! Our motto is "Supporting Urban Gardening One Organic Seed at a Time", and it's a thrill to witness the development of this idea.
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Reoccupying Main Street...
Our friend and colleague, Geri Miller, of
Home Grown Edible Landscapes, posted this beautiful image (left) on her Facebook page today, and graciously OK'd our sharing it. The photo reminds me of when I was a little girl and "Downtown Bellflower" looked this magical around the Holidays. Unfortunately, many of these family-owned businesses are now gone. (off topic, the Nubell Theatre is where I saw A Hard Day's Night!!)
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Downtown Bellflower, 1960
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As Geri puts it:
"Continuing the Reverse Black Friday theme, when we do buy gifts or that holiday meal, let's re-occupy Main Street this holiday season by supporting small, local businesses like local farmers, small neighborhood nurseries, small family-owned businesses and businesses that make sourcing products locally a priority (think restaurants that buy from farmers markets or the gift shop that supports local artists/crafters). BUY LOCAL...PAY CASH!"
We totally endorse this sentiment and strive to practice it ourselves.
Another friend, John Lyons of The Woven Garden, put to words a sentiment which was already swirling in my head: "Occupy Your Garden!" By growing our own Organic bounty, we collectively defy Monsanto and the rest of those who put profit over health and sustainability. Being a Certified Organic Nursery (actually, the only one in L.A.), Two Dog is committed and required by law to never use GMO or Treated Seeds, chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Alex & I personally grow nearly all our own produce and would never sell something we ourselves would not use. Period.
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So what's coming to the Markets this weekend?
A bevy of beautiful Lettuces, Chard, Kale, Cauliflower, Cabbages, Pak Choi, Garlic, Shallots, and still some very determined Yellow and Red Onion Transplants! And we'll have these 3 Organic Seed Potatoes ready to go: Yukon Gold, Colorado Rose, and Russian Banana Fingerlings. I've gone potato-crazy and will be planting a 4th Smart Pot of the Colorado Rose today!
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| Russian Banana Fingerlings |
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| Yukon Gold |
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| Colorado Rose |
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Speaking of Potatoes...
Speaking of Potatoes...Alex found this recipe from NPR on the Internet recently...We tried it, and oh my, it's so delicious. Do give it a spin:
Roasted Root Vegetables and Meyer Lemons
This recipe is versatile.Try other types of potatoes; add whole shallots or wedges of red onion, or substitute the parsnips for carrots...
INGREDIENTS:
-Cooking Spray
-1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
-1 pound carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
-1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-2 Meyer lemons
-Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Add potatoes, carrots, garlic cloves, thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well. Roast for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, trim the ends of the lemon so you can see the flesh and no white pith. Cut into thin slices, removing the seeds. Cut slices into half-circles.
3. After the 15 minutes is up, remove baking sheet from the oven and toss the lemons with the vegetable mixture. Return to the oven and roast until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes or more. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, if using, and serve.
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