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Garden Cocktails: Winter on the Southside
Read MoreThe Southside cocktail is a drink of legend. My favorite origin story goes like this: Prohibition era Chicago was a gangland split between the north and south end of town. The gangs in the north cornered the liquor market and imported quality spirits from Canada. Gangs in the south, notably Al Capone, relied on spirits made in […]
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Seed Bomb Revolution: Learn How to Make Seed Bombs
Read MoreSeed bombs are a favorite tool of guerilla gardeners who launch them into hard-to-access areas like fenced lots. I have also seen them at artsy craft sales where hipsters turn a large profit selling what costs very little to make. I even saw a vending machine selling them. Seed bombs can be easily and cheaply […]
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How to Make Calendula Salve From Your Own Flowers
Read MoreFirst, let’s clear some confusion. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a European native that often goes by its common name ‘pot marigold.’ However, the plant that goes by the common name ‘marigold’ (Tagetes spp.) is an entirely different plant that is often called ‘French Marigold’ despite being native to the Americas. Still confused? Here it is again: […]
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Mexican Sour Gherkin Pickles: Tiny Watermelons in a Jar
Read MoreMexican Sour Gherkins (Melothria scabra) look like tiny watermelons and taste similar to cucumbers but are neither. Native to Mexico and Central America where they are called sanditas (little watermelon), fruits can be pickled, thrown in salads, sautéed with oil and garlic or snacked on in the garden. Kids especially enjoy searching the vine for ripe […]
