Courtesy iStockphoto/Thinkstock Urban chicken keepers across the country face penalties for not complying with confusing city ordinances. It’s not surprising that urban chicken owners have been the first to run headlong into city laws and ordinances that not only restrict or prohibit keeping hens, but also serve up hefty fines for doing so. While animal […]
Photo by Audrey Pavia Rio, my Spanish Mustang, turned 3 years old this week. As goofy as he can be, he’s been a dream come true. Since the age of 9, I have been obsessed with spotted horses. Since that same age, I’ve also been obsessed with Mustangs. So when I bought my first spotted […]
It’s gray-weather time here in Rapallo, and on good days we all walk around wearing long underwear and a bunch of jackets. I haven’t worked in the garden for at least a month now because it’s not so much fun when everything is cold and wet.
Courtesy Maryland Office of Tourism A proposed ruling in Maryland would require producers of local agriculture and seafood products, like the crabs Maryland is know for, to specify the origin of the product in advertisments. As consumers and producers alike debate the question “What is local?” one state is taking steps to help its citizens […]
For the past several years we have had a bit of a deer problem in our front yard and garden. When we moved into our house, I knew there was the potential for deer problems, and they seem to be getting worse as time goes on.
Photo by Judith Hausman The new pickles at farmers’ markets are making a real comeback from the traditional dill and bread ‘n’ butter. I also like to add eclectic flair to my preserved produce by making relish. Everything old is, as they say, new again. This weekend, in a traditional Russian deli in Brookline, Mass., I saw pickled […]
As I mentioned last week, a blog reader commented on comparing guarantees when considering which of two brands to buy. He makes a good point.
Photo by Audrey Pavia All the heavy rains we’ve been having have made a mess of our stalls. Southern California has a reputation for being sunny and warm nearly all year round. And for the most part, it’s true. So when we have occasional bouts of bad weather and complain about it, we are no […]
TongRo Image Stock/Thinkstock DEP employees will evaluate project submissions based on specific factors, including the applicant’s demonstration of pollution prevention. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is currently accepting applications for the 2012 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational institution, individual or farm that has created or participated in […]
This Christmas Eve, I was finally able to write my blog from my new office. This move has been a long, arduous and expensive enterprise, but I think it’s all been worth the trouble.
Courtesy USDA/ Stephen Ausmus This rain garden made from local materials is being tested for its ability to reduce storm-water runoff, increase infiltration, and remove excess nutrients and other pollutants from the runoff water before it gets to streams or other bodies of water. Rain gardens are increasingly popular with homeowners and municipalities and are […]
And so goes another year. Why is it always so hard to believe? Before I sat down to write this post, I looked at my January 2010 garden journal writings to see if I actually managed to accomplish any of the items the last New Year’s to-do list.
