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Gardening

Opinion

Food

Celebrating Late Summer's Basil Bonanza

Commentator Jack Staub rhapsodizes about his favorite herb, basil, which is abundant at this time of year. He also offers hints about what to do with all of it, including a recipe for handy and easy-to-use pesto cubes.

Celebrating Late Summer's Basil Bonanza

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Opinion

Rosemary Is for Remembrance (and So Are Lilacs)

As artist and writer Julie Zickefoose toils in her lush ahd jumbled gardens, she's reminded of people and places she's known, and of how satisfying it can be to finish weeding a row of plants

Rosemary Is for Remembrance (and So Are Lilacs)

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Drought Prompts Dry Gardening in England

A drought in England is causing water restrictions and brown grass in formerly verdant areas. Paul Stone is a garden designer hired by London Mayor Ken Livingstone to design dry gardens throughout the city. Scott Simon speaks with Stone about dry gardens, and how they will change the landscape of that country known for its gardens.

Drought Prompts Dry Gardening in England

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Diversions

Want a Unique House Color? An Expert Is Waiting

Painting your house can be a huge investment. That's why picking the right color is key. And getting help is easier than ever now that boutique paint lines and hand-crafted colors are in vogue. On a tour of a neighborhood in Portland, Ore., a color consultant offers a critique.

Want a Unique House Color? An Expert Is Waiting

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Arts & Life

A Legend In His Own Field: Farmer John

John Peterson was accused of turning his family farm into a haven for devil-worship, drugs, and orgies. But the flamboyant farmer eventually thrived by going organic. The Real Dirt on Farmer John tells his story.

A Legend In His Own Field: Farmer John

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National

Tending 'Defiant Gardens' During Wartime

From the Western Front trenches of World War I to the deserts of Iraq, soldiers have found comfort in the simple act of gardening. The author of a new book on wartime gardens call them an act of defiance.

Tending 'Defiant Gardens' During Wartime

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Opinion

Obeying the Planting Bird's Orders

Commentator Julie Zickefoose is a rural birdwatcher. One of the signature sounds of spring's arrival is the song of the brown thrasher. If you listen closely, the bird seems to be sending out orders. Julie Zickefoose listens and obeys.

Obeying the Planting Bird's Orders

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Books

'$64 Tomato': A Quest for the Perfect Garden

Like many aspiring gardeners, William Alexander wondered what it would be like to be able to wander out into the yard, and pluck a ripe, juicy tomato from the vine anytime he wanted. In a new book, he explores the true costs — and joys — of working one's own soil.

'$64 Tomato': A Quest for the Perfect Garden

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National

Best Blossoms at the Pacific Orchid Exposition

San Francisco's Pacific Orchid Exposition is said to be one of the biggest such shows in the nation, where both amateur and professional horticulturalists show off their best blossoms.

Best Blossoms at the Pacific Orchid Exposition

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National

Owner Threatens to Raze Garden in Industrial L.A.

In one of the most industrial areas of Los Angeles stands a 14-acre garden with banana trees, sugar cane and every vegetable you can imagine... For more than a decade, hundreds of mostly immigrant families have farmed the plot of land. Gloria Hillard reports that the property owner's plan to raze the garden has sparked community protest.

Owner Threatens to Raze Garden in Industrial L.A.

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National

Private Trees, Public Property: Picking 'Fallen Fruit'

Three Los Angeles artists are trying to create a community around gathering what they call "fallen fruit" -- fruit that falls onto public property from trees planted on private property. Day to Day producer Skye Rohde reports on the effort, and community reaction to picking this fruit.

Private Trees, Public Property: Picking 'Fallen Fruit'

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A 'Poison' Garden in Northern England

Tourists to Northern England can now visit a "poison" garden planted with strychnine, cannabis, coca and psychedelic mushrooms, a new attraction at the renowned Alnwick Garden. Nessa Tierney reports on this offbeat attempt to educate the public about the dangers of drugs.

A 'Poison' Garden in Northern England

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