Cactus Collection

I used to have a green thumb. I had a lot of plants around my house. I started many plants from cuttings and would sprout the plants for my garden in a small greenhouse each spring. But it all changed when I moved into our current appartment. I don't know if it's the poor lighting, the dry air, or my own lack of time. Somehow nothing thrives here. Nothing except cacti, that is. Here's the newest little guy I've added to my collection. Isn't he cute?

Spring Green

The recent spring rains have encouraged my chives to have a growth spurt. At about four inches tall, these small Alliums are the first vegetable to awaken from winter. Their bright green looks so cheerful compared to the rest of my damp patio. I can't wait until I can sprinkle  some freshly picked chives over my cottage cheese for a simple snack, or to add them to all my summer salads. Just like my patio, Chives instantly perk up any simple dish without overpowering it like an onion can. Mmm, I can taste the fresh flavor already.
What is your favorite way to use chives?

Asparagus Season

I love asparagus. Don't you? I love it so much that I wrote a haiku.

Asparagus,

The tasty goodness
of your green simplicity
makes my belly sing.

Only another month until it's asparagus season here in Wisconsin.  I'm excited to go on long walks with Layla to forage for wild asparagus. Since we don't have a garden of our own, We'll probably end up robbing my mother's garden for a few of her large Martha Washingtons too.
I like asparagus best when it's kept simple. It's long stalks sauteed in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt. It's super easy to make when I feel like making a lazy dinner. How about you? How do you like your asparagus?  Does it inspire you to write poetry too?  Or do you hate it and write  other vegetable poetry instead? Either way, tell me. I'd love to hear about it.

Chronic Spring fever

Spring always brings a fresh perspective to every thing.
Maybe it was the time change, or maybe it's the air. But I woke up yesterday feeling with a chronic case of spring fever and ever worsing cravings for all sorts of fresh spring vegetables, like asparagus.
After Mike and I took a morning drive through the nearby town of Sugar Island to see if the Maple sap was running (It is, and we  are eagerly anticipating syrup), I began planning a couple apartment friendly container gardens.
I decided what to plant based on space, what freezes the easiest, and what my family would use the most of. As always, it was extremely hard for me to stick with only a handful of plants. Eventually, I settled for chives, tomatoes, string beans, and herbs like cilantro and basil with, possibly,  some marigolds and sunflowers mixed in. All arranged in a few large planters with their companion plants (A good list of companion plants can be found at  http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html. )
Have any of you ever tried container gardening before? Any advice? This will be my first year, and I can't wait to get started.  Stay tuned for updates!