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50 Years in the Garden

 
 
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No More Spinach, nor Radishes

A Gardener's Journal Posted on October 4, 2026 by D. SmithSeptember 27, 2026

For decades I have been planting spinach and radishes.    We like both vegetables, but it hasn’t been successful very often.     With global warming  ahead, its probably time to eliminate both from spring planting.    If we lived in a cooler climate we could carry on, but both bolt and go to seed when it gets hot and it has become hotter in spring for decades.   

We plant radishes early to get a start on the cool season and they look promising at first.    When the root starts to swell a bit, we could pick them before they are mature (we usually snack to thin them), but we wait, then the weather becomes too warm and the radish tops start to form flower heads and the radishes become hard and inedible.   

We enjoy seeing the radish flowers, but when the seed heads develop, it is time to remove them.   

Similarly, spinach bolts, the upper leaves are small and don’t taste good, and only a few basal leaves can be eaten.

We will stick with lettuce, chard, and arugula and we might try some other warm weather varieties (we tried New Zealand spinach but didn’t enjoy it).  

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged spring vegetables | Leave a reply

To Spirea or Not

A Gardener's Journal Posted on July 14, 2026 by D. SmithJuly 11, 2026
spirea

There are over 100 species of deciduous shrubs that fit into the Spiraea genus, many from Asia, but a few from North America.    Locally, we can find birch-leaved spirea (Spiraea betulifolia) in the forest.    For home gardens, most … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged shrubs, Spiraea | Leave a reply

Himalayan Fleeceflower

A Gardener's Journal Posted on June 2, 2026 by D. SmithMay 29, 2026

Himalayan Fleeceflower (Bistorta affinis) is a perennial groundcover used in home gardens.    It was found at mid elevations in the Himalayas area and west toward Afghanistan.  It spreads with horizontal stems, filling in quickly.    It is suited to … Continue reading →

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Posted in Flowers, Gardening | Tagged Bistorta affinis, knotweed | Leave a reply

Early Garden Greens

A Gardener's Journal Posted on April 3, 2026 by D. SmithApril 2, 2026

As the weeks turn over to the start of April, the first plantings of spring garden greens can start.    After the garden has been cleaned up, the rows-to-be-planted are turned over and staked.    Any rocks or tree roots … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged herbs, vegetable garden | Leave a reply

Chives in the Garden

A Gardener's Journal Posted on February 2, 2026 by D. SmithFebruary 9, 2026

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a cool-weather perennial herb that emerges in spring, provides a mild onion-flavoring for meals, and deters pests in the vegetable garden.   They can easily be grown from seed or from dividing the root mass.   They do … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged Allium schoenoprasum, herbs, vegetable gardens | Leave a reply

Creeping Thyme in the Garden

A Gardener's Journal Posted on January 21, 2026 by D. SmithDecember 11, 2025

Decades ago we planted creeping thyme (Thymus spp.) in the garden.    Over the years it has multiplied and we have taken a number of rooting sections each year and have planted them in various spots in the yard, particularly … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged groundcovers, Thymus | Leave a reply

Oregon Grape

A Gardener's Journal Posted on January 9, 2026 by D. SmithJanuary 9, 2026

Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub native to our area.   It is not often seen in home gardens, but it is a good candidate for natural spots on slopes.    We have a number of hard-to-get-to sloped areas … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged Mahonia, shrubs | Leave a reply

Cilantro

A Gardener's Journal Posted on December 28, 2025 by D. SmithDecember 11, 2025

In spring we plant cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) seeds in a row in the “greens” garden early.   If it is the same spot as last year, there are often some volunteers nearby from seed dispersed late summer.   I try to choose … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged coriander, herbs | Leave a reply

Nitrogen-Fixing Plants

A Gardener's Journal Posted on December 4, 2025 by D. SmithNovember 27, 2025
peas

When we fertilize our gardens we are adding needed nutrients.    Nitrogen is the primary ingredient, provided to assist plants in the production of chlorophyll to support photosynthesis, allowing plant cells to build.   Nitrogen is needed to produce green leaves, … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged legumes | Leave a reply

New Website

A Gardener's Journal Posted on November 1, 2025 by D. SmithJanuary 17, 2026
African daisy

A Gardener’s Journal has been moved from A Wildflower Journal for several reasons. It can stand alone for those us interested mainly in gardening. Posts and features can be scheduled independently from the other websites. It can be better integrated … Continue reading →

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Posted in Gardening | Tagged gardening website | 1 Reply

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