Gardening
friends,
Since last I wrote to
you, we have gone through one season, (Fall), and are well into the next,
(Winter). The garden is largely in a state of hibernation, though as recently
as the past month it harbored a supply of Chard and Kale as well as Carrots that
provided the first course of our Christmas dinner, Carrot soup. Bear in mind,
that while there is a temporary lull in our human use of the “potager,” it
continues to be a source of food and shelter to myriad birds, and at least one
pesky rabbit. We all need food and shelter.
In November, when
working outside became impractical because of the cold temperatures, I began
looking for ways to satisfy my gardening urges while staying indoors. One of
the most fun things I did – and a huge affirmation of everything we gardeners
live for – was to go see the movie, Portrait of a Garden, the debut
documentary by Rosie Stapel. It is
the story of the restoration of the oldest “kitchen garden” in the Netherlands,
on an estate that dates back to 1630. The camera follows the owner of the
property, Daan van der Have, his mentor, the 85 year old master gardener, Jan
Freriks, and a small army of devoted assistants through a full year of
planting, pruning and harvesting. It is very inspiring for even the palest of
green thumbs, and I encourage everyone to see it, either on the large screen or
on the internet. Look for screenings online, or ask your local theater to
organize one.
Over the years, I
have become accustomed to receiving the first gardening catalogues with the
first mail delivery of the New Year. That may still be true for some
catalogues. This year, however, I noticed that a number of catalogues arrived
in the days leading up to Christmas. It seems that someone in the gardening
world finally realized they were missing out on the biggest shopping season of
the year. They remedied this by sending their catalogues at just the moment
that gardening folks were ready to spend money on their hearts desire – new
seed, and all of the hope that they contain. What better to buy at Christmas
than the makings of the garden that will keep one occupied in the months to
come? In recent days, I have read that Purple Cauliflower is predicted to be
the “hot” vegetable in this years’ garden. How such desirability is determined,
I don’t know. For me, I will welcome any of the seeds I plant that honor me by
germinating and growing. This begs the question, what do you look forward to
growing in your garden in the coming year? One would do well to start planning
now. After all, there are only 78
days until Spring!
Lest I be
accused of getting ahead of myself, here is a recipe for Black-eyed Peas, that
African-American households have been serving for generations to ensure luck in
the New Year, which is now only a couple of hours away. Begin by soaking a 16 ounce
bag of Black-Eyed Peas overnight in water sufficient to cover them
entirely. Look over the peas to
ensure that there are no “undesirables”, or small stones mixed in among them.
Once completely re-hydrated, rinse the peas in fresh water, and fill the pot
with enough water to cover the peas completely. Cover the pot and place over a
medium flame, high enough to bring the peas to a slow, low boil. While the peas
and water are heating up, roughly chop a medium to large onion and add to the
pot. Likewise, add two or three cloves of chopped garlic to the pot, along with
two or three chopped carrots and a bay leaf. Traditionally, in the south, one
would further flavor the peas by the addition of a piece of salt pork, or a ham
hock. I find that a smoked turkey leg or wing works equally well. Simmer the
peas, covered, for several hours, until the peas are tender. Take care to make
sure that they stay well covered with water. Add additional water if needed to
keep them covered. Season the peas with salt and pepper, to taste. Add pepper
flakes if desired. Serve with white rice. Have a Happy New Year!!!
