As communities grow and develop the areas affected by human land use continue to expand. Forests are cleared, wetlands filled, and streams are piped and diverted as we strive to grow and sustain our way of life. As this continues the remaining natural systems on which we depend become increasingly more stressed.
 
One of the most vital of these natural systems is the water cycle. Everything from our food supply to health and sanitation rely on this valuable natural resource. As water scarcity and quality become more pressing concerns in the media and our daily lives it seems appropriate to take a look at how our actions effect the water supply and in turn the short and long term viability of our communities.
 
Over the next few months we will focus on this topic with various posts in an attempt to contribute to a more clear understanding of the problem and the current and potential solutions.
 
If you have any questions or would like more information please Contact Us.
 

 
Descendant from species of wild cabbage still present along the coasts of North Africa and Europe, Kale is one of the oldest and most nutritious of cultivated vegetables.
 
Having a long productive growing season and tolerating extremes of both heat and cold kale is an excellent choice for both ornamental and edible gardens. While easy to grow, especially for ornamental purposes, the quality and flavor of Kale as a crop is dependent on various environmental factors. Fertile, finely textured, alkaline soils encourage quick growth that is desirable for the best tasting crop. In addition Kale is said to develop its best flavor after a touch of frost. To reduce the risk of pests it is best to rotate Kale crops avoiding areas where cabbage or other brassica varieties were located the year before.
 
When harvesting, one may take the whole plant by cutting at the base or cut leaves as needed to extend the life and production of the plant. While edible both raw and cooked, the young tender leaves are recommended for uses such as salad greens, whereas the rest are best cooked. Old leathery leaves are best when directed straight to the compost.
 
In a cost benefit analysis Kale has proven itself to be an outstanding performer, requiring few inputs and little care while producing nutrient rich sustenance and maintaining an attractive appearance in the garden throughout the year. As with all plants, however especially with Kale, a bit knowledge and preparation in the beginning goes a long way to ensure the plant is in an environment where it will thrive naturally, saving a lot of effort in the end.
 
Kale can easily be grown from seed or seedlings and may be purchased in early spring at most local nurseries. If you would like to sample Kale’s palatability before growing it yourself it is available nearly year round at your local farmers market and at most grocers.
 
If you have any questions or would like more information please Contact Us.
 
Resources:
 
Carr, Anna, et al. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 1978. Print.
 
Calkins, Carroll C. Illustrated Guide to Gardening. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest Association, 1978. Print.

Laboratory studies have linked the potentially harmful hormone disruptors BPA and DEHP with effects on the developing brain, and mammary and prostate glands. A new study, by the Silent Spring Institute, reveals that a fresh food diet can cleanse the body of these chemicals commonly found in the linings of canned goods, plastic beverage containers, and other food packaging. The study shows that selecting fresh foods like those available at the local farmers market or your own backyards quickly reduces the levels of these chemicals found in the body.

Further details about the study may be found here:
Silent Spring Institute: Fresh food diet reduces BPA and DEHP

If you would like information about growing your own fresh foods please Contact Us.

 
The eastern redbud, now a popular landscape ornamental, was once a very important tree for its medicinal values. The Cherokee, among several other Native American tribes, made herbal tea remedies from its bark and took root infusions to treat various ailments from cough and congestion, to fevers and vomiting. It is also said that because of its early blooming nature, the buds would be clipped and used as decoration to ward off winter weather and welcome the spring.
 
Cercis canadensis grows open in the shade, more dense in the sun, and reaches 20 to 30 feet tall at maturity. It may be most easily recognizable by its large heart shaped leaf and it’s pink to purple colored buds borne at the axils of its leaves or along the trunk and branches.
 
Its fleshy colorful buds in the springtime are edible and are commonly used as a garnish in salads. The redbud produces legumes, or seed pods, about 2 to 3 inches in length from spring to late summer which can be popped open and eaten raw or cooked for a healthy treat.
 
Today the redbud is most popular as a landscape ornamental and is a great choice for a small shade tree here in the Southeastern US. In the wild it is found growing under a canopy of larger oaks and poplars, and is particularly happy along edges of clearings. North Carolina is its native range so it is well adapted to our growing climate and can handle summer drought with ease once established. It is a hardy plant that requires very little maintenance and is resistant to most pests and diseases making it a favorite for us here at Green Roots.

If you have any questions or would like more information please Contact Us.

 
A versatile culinary, aromatic and medicinal herb, Rosmarinus, is of Mediterranean origin and its name is a Latin phrase meaning “dew of the sea.” Once worn by the bride as a symbol of loyalty and happiness, this is one herb that will become a faithful addition to your garden. Its evergreen foliage, spikey texture, and lavender blooms through the summer give this plant visual interest throughout the year. It is a hardy perennial originally adapted to arid Mediterranean conditions making it a very drought tolerant plant here in the Southeast. Rosemary grows well in containers for decoration and can be kept inside near a window for a pleasant aroma and convenient use in the kitchen. Its pungent flavor compliments meats such as poultry, lamb, beef and fish, or vegetables such as potatoes, squash and tomatoes. Mature woody stems from the plant can be used as skewers for flavorful shish kebabs. With a little more effort, dried rosemary can be infused in olive oil for dressings, marinades, or as dipping oil for bread.

For recipes and additional information try the following resources:
The Herb Society of America: Rosemary

Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe

Infusing Olive Oil

If you have any further questions Contact Us.

 
An appropriate choice for the season, this small mythical tree has a long history throughout eastern North America for its use as a medicinal and magical herb. This low maintenance, North Carolina native is well suited to our specific climatic conditions, and is a valuable food source for various birds and browsing deer. Witch hazel may be recognized by its brilliant yellow flowers emerging in late fall through early winter when little else is blooming. Best appreciated from a distance in the landscaped setting, Witch Hazel is a commercially available yet under utilized landscape specimen. Additional human uses of the plant include traditional Native American teas, dowsing to locate underground water, and mildly astringent salves for soothing and cleansing skin.

For additional information try the following resources:

Herbal Remedies: Witch Hazel

Native Plants Database: Witch Hazel

If you have any further questions Contact Us.

In today’s world of fast food and pre-packaged meals choosing healthy affordable options can be difficult. Eating in-season local crops can help simplify your choices and ensure a more healthy and diverse diet. In addition eating in season local crops helps your local community, economy, and the environment. Such crops can be found at your local farmers market and select grocers. In addition many vegetables, herbs and spices can be easily and conveniently grown at your own home.

For some creative fall recipes check out these links:

Squash Soup in Pumpkin Bowls Recipe

Glazed Figs Recipe

Beet and Apple Salad Recipe

If you’re interested in finding out more about growing your own produce We Can Help.

For those who love to cook with fresh herbs but have little time to tend to a full garden or have limited space, an herb spiral may be a worthy addition to your landscape. Herb spirals can be great low maintenance features in your landscape that take up little space. With the proper design and installation you can have all of your herbs conveniently in one location making it very easy to take care of and harvest. And with a little bit of creativity, it can add a lot of character to your garden.
 

 
How it works…

An herb spiral is an upward spiraling mound of soil that is usually held in place with natural stone. The idea is to plant herbs that prefer dry soils  and full sun at the top of the spiral, and herbs that prefer moist soils and less sun at the bottom.

The spiral should reach upward to 3′ or 4′ in order to create an effective trickledown effect for watering as well as to provide shade for herbs along the bottom. An herb spiral is usually no more than 5′ to 6′ in diameter to make herbs easy to reach from all sides.

A variety of materials such as brick, concrete block, bamboo, lumber, or even recycled materials such as glass bottles can be used in place of stone to give an herb spiral a more unique aesthetic.

Once constructed, voila!  All of your favorite herbs are in an easy to water, easy to harvest, consolidated location. Now you can look and feel like an avid gardener.

If you don’t have the time to plan or construct an herb spiral of your own, or simply have further questions on the subject, Drop Us A Line. We can help with design, plant selection, and construction of your own custom herb spiral.