books are selling fast

Have you been looking for a copy of The Edible Landscape and finding it is not available? Here's the deal folks...it seems the first printing of my book sold out way faster than my publisher expected - hooray for me, but not for you. The second printing is on its way, but won't be available until the end of April. If you can hold out till then, you'll be able to get your copy at all the usual big retailers. Put in your order soon, because the second printing is already 50% sold!

If you just can't wait, I have great news. I have a stash of copies right here at home just waiting to be mailed to anyone needing to get their creative gardening ideas up and running. I'm afraid I can't sell them quite as cheaply as Amazon and those other big guys, because I don't get the discount deal they do. But, if you do choose to buy from me, you could maybe feel kinda good about supporting a new author directly...just a thought. And here's a plus, this way you can have your copy signed by the author (that's me!)

Even my stock of books is dwindling fast, so if you just can't wait until the end of April for your copy to arrive, pop on over to the right side of this page and click Buy Now and you'll be able to place your order quickly and easily. Be sure to choose whether you want your copy signed or not. If not, don't worry, I shall take no offense.  I receive order notifications instantly, so your book will be in Priority Mail within a few hours of placing your order, and in your mailbox 2 or 3 days later. How's that for fast?

Whether you order from me or wait till the next printing is available, I am just thrilled that you're interested in this book and this great way of gardening.The more of us who start working edibles into our landscapes, the more we'll start seeing food plants everywhere - back yards, front yards, from the tiniest balcony to the grandest estates. All providing delicious fresh food for our families, friends and neighbors. And the more we all get accustomed to these plants being attractive and really adding to the beauty of the landscape, the more they'll start showing up in commercial landscaping where they might feed employees, and of course in schoolyards where they'll feed our kids. Let's get this thing going. Edibles everywhere!

fruit resources updated

Egads! I just noticed that the links on the growing fruit page were outdated. I have just updated them all, so you should now be able to get to those resources with ease.

I'll be going through the blog over the next couple of days, checking links and updating. Please, if you notice any bad links, leave a comment and I'll take care of it right away.

Thanks!

time to get your garden on

...or at least start thinking about it. If you're looking for inspiration for this year's garden there are two events coming up you won't want to miss. And as you might suspect, I'll be speaking at both of them!

This Saturday, March 9 is the East Metro Spring Fling in Woodbury, MN. This one required pre-registration, but there might still be space available, so if you're interested it would be worth checking in with them.

Next Saturday, March 16, in Cambridge, MN (just north of the twin cities) is Burst Into Spring, hosted by the Isanti County Master Gardeners.

Both events should be lots of fun and promise to offer tons of info and inspiration for your garden. I'll be speaking and selling/signing books at both events, so come on out!

Look forward to seeing you!

talking edible landscapes this weekend

We have two chances to meet this weekend!

I'll be at Cooks of Crocus Hill in Stillwater, MN on Saturday from 11-1, signing books and answering questions. Then, on Sunday from 1-3 I'll be at Egg|Plant Urban Farm Supply in St. Paul. You'll need to sign up for this event, so check out the E|P website for more info.

           

Hope to see you there! 

saturday book signing at gertens

I'll be joining the good folks at Gertens this Saturday at 10am to talk all about edible landscaping and to sign books. Sure the snow is flying, but it's never too early to start thinking about your garden. Come and join us to share ideas and get inspired to grow veggies, fruit, herbs and flowers all right there in your landscape. This event is free, but I'd recommend you sign up on the Gertens website to reserve a spot.

See you there!

new plant list page

Look above in the menu and you'll see a link for a new Plant Lists page. The lists are directly from my book, The Edible Landscape, and are a little freebie (and perhaps a little teaser) for those of you who don't have the book yet.

I hope the lists help you as you begin to plan your edible landscape for this year. And if you find the lists helpful, be sure to check out my book for lots and lots of inspiration, photos, sample designs, tips and techniques for making your yard a feast for the eyes and the table!

Thanks, and enjoy!

more winter squash

I was perusing the web for more winter squash ideas, and found a couple I just had to share them with you. There are some creative gardeners out there. These are good reminders to think outside the box when devising plant supports.

Train your squash along a fence and this show stopper will
give you easy access at harvest time.
Photo borrowed from allaroundus.blogspot.com.

An old tree stump provides plenty of support
for these gourds. It would work just as well
for winter squash.
Image borrowed from m.gifford.

I also found a couple more recipes to try. This one from Motive Nutrition boasts two of my winter time favorites: butternut squash AND kale.

A friend gave me another recipe based on the Native American 'three sisters' combo - corn, bean and pumpkin. (Thanks Steve!) Give these two a try, along with the Winter Squash and Carrot Soup I raved about, and send the winter blues packing.

I'll type up a clearer version and give a cookbook source soon.

Happy souping,