Garden Faerie Botanicals

"Plants That Persist: Exploring Enduring Edibles" is a look into the captivating world of perennial alliums. Join me as I begin a journey through the fascinating characteristics, growth patterns, and harvesting techniques of these resilient plants. I provide some valuable insights and practical tips for cultivating and enjoying these edibles in your own garden. Growing these food secure varieties will ensure a bountiful harvest of alliums year after year. This article is very interesting: https://backyardlarder.co.uk/2022/03/perennial-leeks/ Varieties of Perennial Alliums talked about in this episode: Perennial Leeks: Delft Leek Belgium Leek Babington’s Leek Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) American Flag Leek Bulgarian Giant Leek The Oerprei, or Allium ampeloprasum, is an ancient European leek renowned for its hardiness and ability to grow perennially. This makes it a particularly durable plant in gardens where it can come back year after year without the need for replanting. Known for its robustness, Oerprei is often recognized for its thicker and taller stems compared to regular leeks, and it produces a milder flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes. Historically, the Oerprei has been cultivated across Europe for centuries, valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its adaptability to various climates and soil conditions. The plant thrives best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, much like other members of the Allium family. Due to its perennial nature, once established, it requires less maintenance than annual crops, making it a favored choice for food secure and low-maintenance gardening practices. I am growing King Richard Leeks this year and I believe I picked them as they are the shortest season I had seen at 75 days. Ramps (Allium tricoccum) Welsh Onions (Allium fistulosum): Common Welsh Onion Red Welsh Onion Egyptian Walking Onions (Allium × proliferum) I forgot about the Red Catawissa onions!! I used to grow these in Ontario and have some ordered for the summer! They are a distinctive type of walking onion, valued for both their culinary and ornamental qualities. These onions are unique because they don’t produce traditional flowers; instead, at the top of each stalk, they grow clusters of small onion bulbs, known as bulbils. As these bulbils mature, they become heavy, causing the stalks to bend and eventually touch the ground. When these bulbils make contact with the soil, they take root and grow into new onion plants, a process that gives walking onions their name, as it appears they “walk” across the garden over time. The Red Catawissa variety stands out with its vibrant red hue, adding a splash of color to the garden. They are perennial, meaning they come back year after year, and are very hardy, thriving in a variety of climates with minimal care. In the kitchen, these onions provide a potent, sharp flavor that enriches dishes that call for a pronounced onion taste. They are a great choice for gardeners looking to add both flavor and visual interest to their edible gardens. The Egyptian walking onions will be available in mid summer at: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/product/egyptian-walking-onion-bulbils/ Shallots (Allium cepa var. aggregatum): French Red Shallot Dutch Yellow Shallot Gray Shallot (Griselle) Frog Leg Shallot Jersey Shallot Ed's Red Shallot. Zebrune Shallot- An heriloom Eschalion, or banana shallot. Has elongated, pink-brown bulbs that have a sweet and delicate flavour. The highly productive plants resist bolting. Good for storage. ( I am growing these.) Next week we will continue with more. See you in the garden! I do not know WHY I keep saying Shopify!!! I am sorry...it is Spotify. I guess I enjoy a good Gong Show sometimes!!!

Welcome to 'Tubers for Tomorrow: Perennial Staples for the Garden,' where I explore the diverse and rich world of tubers. In this episode, I focus on the resilience and flavours of sunchokes, oca, crosnes, praire turnip and the often-overlooked hog peanut. From the creamy and high-yielding 'Stampede' Jerusalem Artichoke to the tangy zest of Oca, and the crunchy delight of crosnes, each tuber offers unique benefits for your garden and kitchen. Discover how these perennial staples can transform your gardening practices into food security and elevate your culinary adventures. Featured Tubers and Varieties: Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchokes) Varieties: Stampede: High-yielding, thick, round, knobby, cream-colored tubers; matures in about 90 days; excellent for cooking and raw consumption. Red Fuseau: Long, thin, reddish-purple tubers, smoother and less knobby; known for a crunchy, sweet flavour. White Fuseau: Tall, white tubers, easy to peel; appreciated for superior flavour and smooth texture. Waldspinel: Long, red tubers, often referred to as the "fingerling" of sunchokes; great for roasting. Beaver Valley Purple: Features purple and rose tubers, adding color and flavour to dishes. Clearwater: Produces potato-like tubers without runners; easy harvesting. Skorospelka Purple: Smooth red-purple skinned tubers with tan flesh; suitable for various culinary applications. Jack's Copperclad: Long, pointed tubers that are copper-purple and rose; ideal for decorative and culinary uses. Mulles Rose: Unique rose-colored tubers. Waldoboro Gold: Unusual yellow-rooted variety from the Maine coast. Dwarf Sunray: Shorter stems, produces round tubers; ideal for smaller garden spaces. Nahodka: A Russian variety with elongated tubers; suitable for diverse culinary uses. Red Rover: Features vivid red tubers; adds vibrant color and a sweet flavour to dishes. Flowering Helianthus Tuberosus: Notable for its ornamental qualities; tubers are also edible. Corlis Bolton Haynes: Details not specified; similar in usage and growth to other varieties. Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis): No specific varieties listed due to genetic similarity among most cultivated tubers. Prairie Turnip: No specific varieties listed; known for its large, starchy tuberous roots with a sweet, nutty flavour when cooked. Hog Peanuts (Amphicarpaea bracteata): No specific varieties listed; notable for producing edible beans above and below ground. Oca (Oxalis tuberosa): No specific varieties listed; characterized by colorful tubers and adaptability to various climates. This episode provides insights into each variety's growing conditions, maturity periods, and culinary uses, highlighting their food secure elements and versatility in our gardens and kitchens. If anyone knows where to find the Sunchoke varieties: Waldspinel, Jack's Copperclad, Mulles Rose, Waldoboro Gold, Dwarf Sunray or Red Rover- let me know! I am looking for them. Many varieties talked about in this episode are available in the Fall at https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/product-category/perennial-vegetables/ See you in the Garden!

Welcome to the first part of my two-part series, where I'm diving into the exciting world of perennial vegetables. ( Well!! Exciting to me!!) Today's episode, titled "Rooted Forever: Growing Greens That Last," is all about exploring the resilience and diversity of these enduring plants. There importance in a food secure garden is something we should all think more about. Let's take a closer look at some of the perennial vegetables and their varieties that I'll be discussing in this show: Asparagus Mary WashingtonMartha Washington ColossalVikingConnover's Colossal Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) Garden SorrelFrench SorrelRed Veined Sorrel Good King Henry Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) Perennial Arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) Sylvetta (Wild Arugula)Wasabi ArugulaWild Rocket Perennial Kale Taunton DeaneDaubentonWalking Stick Kale (Jersey Kale) Perennial Broccoli Nine-Star Perennial Broccoli Lovage (Levisticum officinale) Fennel Florence FennelCommon FennelBronze Fennel Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) Skirret (Sium sisarum) Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) Jerusalem Artichoke Stay tuned for part two, where I'll introduce even more captivating varieties of perennial vegetables. See you in the garden! You can find some varieties of perennial vegetables at my website: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/product-category/perennial-vegetables/ More varieties will be updated to the Garden Faerie Botanicals Heirloom Seed Catalogue soon! Most tubers will be available in the fall. Some of the varieties I talk about will be 2 years before I have seed- so maybe look around for them and get started!

Hello, fellow garden enthusiasts! In this episode of "In The Garden With Susan," I get into the delightful world of seed-grown fragrant flowers. Mostly because this has been my focus for the last few weeks as I am interested in flowers like never before!! I’ll start by exploring the rich aroma of Sweet Peas and their historical and cultural roles, highlighting their colorful allure and reminding everyone of their toxicity to pets and humans. Then, we’ll revel in the timeless fragrance of Lavender and its deep connection to spirituality and emotional wellness, discussing its meditative qualities and how it influences a garden's atmosphere. Next, I’ll illuminate the evening wonder of Night-Scented Stock and its sweet evening aroma, ideal for borders and containers. I’ll also share the serene beauty and intense fragrance of Gardenia, followed by the enduring scent and patience-requiring growth of Lilac. Let’s not forget about Jasmine, with its enchanting fragrance and various species, adding depth to any aromatic garden. We’ll also cover Freesia, known for its powerful and sweet fragrance, and Four O’Clocks, which uniquely open in the late afternoon. Nicotiana’s strong, sweet evening scent and the sweet, honey-like fragrance of Phlox will end it all with a bang! Join me as I share how each of these flowers can transform your garden into a sensory experience, contributing to its ecological diversity and your emotional well-being. You can find one of these flower seeds at my online store: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/product/jasmine-tobacco-seeds/ And I am now posting on YouTube! Oh the shock of it all...ha ha. ⁠www.youtube.com/@GardenFaerieBotanicals⁠ See you in the garden!

Explore the art of dry gardening in "Dust & Delight: Crafting Gardens in the Dry." Discover practical techniques and strategies for creating vibrant, resilient gardens in arid conditions. Drawing insights from Steve Solomon's book, "Water-Wise Gardening," this episode provides actionable advice for mastering the craft of dry gardening. Learn how to cultivate thriving vegetables without reliance on any external watering sources. https://goodbookspub.com/2022/02/05/good-book-release-water-wise-gardening-by-steve-solomon/ https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/steve-solomon/240214/ Stolen Water Documentary Series: https://youtu.be/En-7bNw7pi4?feature=shared Part 2: https://youtu.be/WiM_r-d7Xc8?si=RxSLcMSFaDhBqr3r Part 3: https://youtu.be/M0-tBiQm9rw?si=8FEbe6kgulI2pS11 You can more information about my work at: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/ See you in the Garden!

In this inspiring episode, I'm thrilled to have a conversation with Doug Pederson who is an expert in the field of amaranth cultivation. We look into the world of this versatile and nutritious plant, exploring its role in the past and its potential to nourish future generations. Doug shares his extensive knowledge and insights on the cultivation, uses, and benefits of amaranth, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative gardening practices and self sufficiency. Join us as we uncover the impact and possibilities of amaranth in our journey towards a food secure future. You can find Doug Pederson via the following: https://www.bcamaranth.com/ Facebook @ bcamaranth pedersonfarms@gmail.com 2508085458 You can find this podcast at my Garden Faerie Botanicals Rumble channel: https://rumble.com/c/c-4965777 and at https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/ See you in the garden growing amaranth!

In this episode, we go on an enlightening journey into the world of natural planting and holistic health, as inspired by the teachings in Book One of the Ringing Cedars series. I dive into the unique planting methods discussed by Anastasia, offering listeners a detailed guide on how to nurture seeds for optimal health and vitality. We explore the step-by-step process outlined by Anastasia, from the preparatory stage of holding seeds in your mouth to infuse them with your essence, to the deeper, more spiritual aspects of connecting with the earth and the plants. This episode provides practical advice on how to implement these techniques in your garden, creating a space that is not only fruitful but also deeply connected to your personal health and well-being.

Join me for this episode of 'In The Garden With Susan' as I sit down for a captivating conversation with Bill Minkey, who is a seasoned seed saver with over 32 years of experience in the Seed Savers Exchange. Bill talks about his journey into seed saving, his involvement in seed exchanges, and his commitment to preserving plant diversity. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear Bill's wealth of knowledge on tomatoes and other crops, as well as his passion preserving endangered vegetable seeds. To order seeds from the Seeds of Diversity Member Seed Exchange, follow these steps: 1. Become a member of Seeds of Diversity, which is free to join. 2. Access the Seed Exchange, open year-round, with most offerings available from January to May. 3. Browse the Seed Exchange like a seed catalog and select seeds you're interested in. 4. Contact the member offering the seeds directly, not through Seeds of Diversity. 5. Pay a small fee to the seed provider to cover costs and postage, with each member setting their own terms. For more detailed instructions and additional information about offering your own seeds, please visit [Seeds of Diversity Member Seed Exchange](https://seeds.ca/member-seed-exchange/). This podcast and more can be found at: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.shop/ See you in the garden!!

I was looking at flowers to braid into garlic last night. Decided to buy all the great ones that dry well and hold their colour. After a few hours of research and ordering many kinds of straw flowers, statice and gomphrena, I saw I already had some soaking!!

In this enlightening episode of "In The Garden With Susan," we dive into the fascinating world of electroculture, with a special focus on the pioneering work of Yannick Van Doorne. Discover how the intersection of electricity, magnetism, and agriculture is revolutionizing our approach to gardening and farming. Electroculture, a practice dating back centuries, is re-emerging as a solution for food security to enhance plant growth and soil health without relying on conventional fertilizers or pesticides. We explore a variety of innovative techniques, including: 1. Harnessing Earth and Cosmic Energies: Learn how natural electromagnetic forces are used to improve soil fertility and stimulate plant growth. 2. Magnetoculture vs. Electroculture: Understand the distinction between these two methods and their unique benefits to plants. 3. Natural Elements in Electroculture: Discover the role of copper spirals and coils in capturing atmospheric electricity to benefit plants. 4. Lakhovsky Coils in Practice: Learn about these simple yet effective loops and how they've been used to boost plant vitality and health. Join Susan as she explores how these natural, energy-based techniques can be easily integrated into your own garden, providing an efficient approach to nurturing plant life. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and tips on how you can apply these ancient yet innovative methods in your own green space. Useful Links: - Yannick Van Doorne's Electroculture(https://www.electroculturevandoorne.com/) - Introduction to Electroculture (https://www.electrocultureandmagnetoculture.com/) - Lakhovsky Coils in Gardening (http://www.lakhovskycoils.com/) Tune in to "Frequency Farming: Tapping into Nature's Energy Grid" on "In The Garden With Susan" for a journey into the electrifying world of advanced gardening techniques! Find this podcast and rare heirloom seeds at www.gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca

In this episode I provide practical tips for growing asparagus, including soil preparation, planting techniques, maintenance, and harvesting. I also take a peek at some intriguing insights from 'The Secret Life of Plants' by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird. Learn about plant intelligence and communication, and discover thought-provoking revelations about the natural world. https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-secret-life-of-plants/ https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/99442 As Always you can find more info and all my latest podcasts at: www.gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca

Sandy Soils & Spiritual Tales: The Findhorn Adventure" is a podcast that takes you into the heart of Findhorn, a unique and vibrant community nestled in the Scottish highlands. Known for its unconventional journey from a historic seaport to a renowned ecovillage, Findhorn is a place where extraordinary gardening feats meet spiritual depth. In this podcast, we explore how this community transformed barren sandy soils into lush gardens, producing legendary 40-pound cabbages, and how they built distinctive homes from recycled whisky barrels. Join us as we delve into the spiritual legacy of Findhorn's founders, Peter and Eileen Caddy and Dorothy Maclean, whose visionary practices and connection with nature spirits laid the foundation for a harmonious way of life. This podcast is a treasure trove for anyone interested in organic gardening, eco-friendly living, or the fusion of spirituality with everyday life. "Sandy Soils & Spiritual Tales" brings you the essence of Findhorn's pioneering spirit, its rich history, and its ongoing commitment to living in alignment with nature.

Dive into the enchanting world of winter gardening with "Growing Dreams in Winter," a podcast that brings warmth and growth to the coldest months of the year. In this cozy and inspiring chat, I explore the exciting journey of buying seeds in January, a time when gardens are asleep but gardeners' dreams are wide awake. Join in as I navigate the vibrant world of seed exchanges, uncovering hidden gems and sharing some of my experiences. Discover how these community-driven platforms can be a treasure trove for rare and heirloom seeds, and learn how to participate in these seed exchange adventures. I also delve into the heart of seed companies, highlighting my favorite ones. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, I hope my ramblings will help you make informed choices. "Growing Dreams in Winter" isn't just a chat; it's a celebration of the passion and anticipation that comes with planning a garden. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's start dreaming and growing together this January! Seeds of Diversity: https://seeds.ca/ Seed Savers Exchange: https://exchange.seedsavers.org/ Sandhill Preservation: https://www.sandhillpreservation.com/ Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds: https://www.rareseeds.com/ Rainbow Seeds: https://www.rainbowseeds.ca/store/c1/Featured_Products.html Heritage Harvest: https://heritageharvestseed.com/ Incredible Seed Company: https://www.incredibleseeds.ca/ Revival Seeds" https://revivalseeds.ca/ William Dam: https://www.damseeds.com/pages/vegetables BC Eco Seed Coop: https://www.bcecoseedcoop.com/collections/2023-2024-on-sale There are so many great heirloom seed companies. These are just the ones that I have ordered from lately. There is a vast list! Of course, I can not forget my own: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.shop/ See you in the garden!!

I do some diving into what will be occurring in our gardens this summer due to El Nino. This research led me to Dry Farming!! Wow! There is a journey starting here! I talk about how to save tomatoes and hope everyone knows about the World Tomato Society. It is an amazing database of tomatoes from around the world. https://worldtomatosociety.com/ If you are wanting to find a rare and endangered heirloom tomato to save this year, please check out The Seed Savers Exchange and Seeds of Diversity (it is FREE to become a member!!) As always, you can see the tomatoes I save at : www.gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca The book I mention that I have on order is: https://www.amazon.com/Water-Wise-Gardening-Steve-Solomon/ See you in the garden!

For this episode of "In The Garden With Susan," I had the opportunity to chat with Tamara Clement from Heritage Hobby Seed Ark, located in Sudbury. Tamara is not only a passionate gardener but also an avid plant explorer and seed conservator. Her project, Heritage Hobby Seed Ark, is an exceptional venture dedicated to preserving biodiversity and the historical heritage of heirloom seeds. The collection at Heritage Hobby Seed Ark is extensive, featuring over 1,200 varieties of heritage, heirloom, and rare seed varieties, including a focus on beans, peas, tomatoes, and peppers. Many of these seeds are endangered or at risk of disappearing, making Tamara's work crucial for preserving these precious varieties. Our discussion delved into the remarkable method of Electro culture, which Tamara has been experimenting with in her garden. The results from this technique have been impressive, showcasing the potential for innovative approaches in gardening. Additionally, we talked about her new website, heritagehobbyseed.com, a platform where she showcases her extensive seed collection and shares her gardening experiences. This website reflects her mission to protect and propagate a diverse range of heirloom seeds, ensuring the preservation of our agricultural heritage. For more information about Tamara Clement's work and Heritage Hobby Seed Ark, you can visit her website at https://heritagehobbyseed.com/ Here are some useful resources about information and links related to Yannick Van Doorne, a prominent figure in the field of Electro culture. 1. Yannick Van Doorne's main website on Electro culture and Magnetoculture offers extensive information on the application of natural energetic forces to increase the fertility of land and improve plant growth. It covers various aspects of Electro culture, including its history, applications, science, and practical techniques like the use of magnetic antennas and atmospheric antennas. You can visit (https://www.electrocultureandmagnetoculture.com) for more details. 2. Van Doorne organizes workshops and courses on Electro culture, covering innovative applications and techniques using natural electromagnetic energies in gardening and agriculture. These workshops are designed to improve organic farming outcomes while working in harmony with nature. More information about these workshops, along with details about Yannick Van Doorne’s background as an agronomist and specialist in Electro culture, can be found at (https://www.electrocultureandmagnetoculture.com/conferences-et-formations.html). 3. For those interested in a deeper dive into the subject, Van Doorne has written articles and books on Electro culture, discussing various applications and results of his research. You can explore these resources on his website, which also includes links to videos and other media covering his work in this field. My Rumble Channel is: https://rumble.com/c/c-4965777 My Website: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.shop/ See you in the Garden!!

Welcome to 'Chill Sun Tales: A Grand Solar Journey,' an episode that explores the Grand Solar Minimum, which we entered in 2020. I discuss the Maunder Minimum, and the hockey stick graph's role in the BC Supreme Court ( No evidence that we are heating up). I give evidence of record-breaking cold temperatures around the world as well as increasing ice packs. 'Chill Sun Tales' aims to provide insights into these specific events and phenomena related to the Grand Solar Minimum. There is no need to worry about the world being on fire, as we are cooling down and must prepare while we still have time.

I received an order of garlic bulbils from the Seeds of Diversity and go out to the garden in the snow to plant! It is December 7th, 2023 and the ground is not frozen under the snow.

I dig a few hills of Jerusalem Artichokes and talk about where they came from.

I'm making fire cider and need some horseradish. Thought I might dig some up from a summer planting, yet, it needs more time to grow!

Mizuna is like a superfood green that grows easily in the garden. Take a tour of the Fall Garden and learn about this incredible vegetable!