Rain Drops on Roses

Greetings Wild Indigo readers! The mild spring weather has taken a turn into hot and humid just in time for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend which is the unofficial start of summer! Yay for summer!

This week we had a nice rainstorm Tuesday afternoon which filled up the rain barrels and gave the garden a lovely Irish spring shower. So of course I had to take snap shots.

Drunkards Dream

Raindrops remind me of twinkle lights

Citronella Plant

Golden Snow Peas

Black Fennel

Raindrops looked like Christmas tree ornaments in the sunshine

Georgia Collards

Georgia Plum Coral Bell

Just planted the Clemson Spineless and Burgundy Okra as the golden snowpeas are showing signs that their time is coming to an end.  The squash/melon bed is progressing nicely but I'm hoping to have a photographic treat for you in upcoming weeks so stay tuned!

Until next time may happiness be like rays of sunshine in your mind, body and soul!

Keep calm, breathe deeply and be sustained by the love, peace, joy and kindness of those around you!

Sowin in the Seeds of Love

Greetings Wild Indigo readers! How've ya been?  There's been some wild action here at the Celtic Gardens that I can't wait to share with you but first thing's first:
A Lament to the FSU Board of Trustees.

An Ode to WFSS playin the coolest jazz 'n town,
whose smooth rhythms and blues made ya wanna get down!
Airing sweet jazz tracks since '77 when most present-day students weren't even a livin!
Jazz music fills the mind with soul hard core but Fayetteville won't be hearin them beats no more
'cause Mr. Anderson says it's time to go 'cause FSU needs some dough.
Adieu Kathy Clause ~ thanks for reporting local news and the weather up to date.
Adieu Omega Jones ~ for keepin it real with a DJ style that's smooth and great.
Adieu New Urban Jazz Lounge I'll try to stream ya on Saturday nights
but most of all FSU 's let our Fayetteville community down big time, quite right!


So, with that being said, let's talk turkey ... or in this case cat bird.  Now there's lots of birds and insects flyin around the Celtic Garden as of late and I've had several photo opportune moments so let's get on with this weeks blog!

Meet Momma Meow - Cat Bird, that is! Actually we're still getting acquainted so I'm not sure if this is Momma or Pappa but together they sing a mean "Monday Monday." They have chosen to take up shop and build a nest in the arms of the coral honeysuckle. This is a first for never before have birds felt it a noble habitation site but I'm thrilled they have.  Let's hope they work out a trade agreement with the hummingbirds!

I'm too sexy for my brood, too sexy for my brood, so sexy it hurts!

Yes, yes I know you want to take a picture of me for I am worth a thousand words!

Here's the pair.  Shortly after the shot was taken one looked at the other and said: You look maarrrvelous!

This picture was shot on Monday and you can see below how the nest building had progressed considerably in just two days.

We'll carefully document the new inhabitants of the Celtic Garden and see how many broods they produce.  Yay!

Now, in other garden news, new flowers have arrived! To my delight German Chamomile reseeded from last year! I was about to rip it up nearly mistaking it for a noxious weed when the fragrant waif  argued its rescue. Commonly described as having a pineapple scent its whimsical foliage brightens up this garden spot. Not to mention that the flowers invite a variety of insects to sup, creating the perfect pollination buffet.

Look at that sweet Lamb's face! And the small flowers remind me of little puckering lips!

This is a first for me ~ flowering Lamb's Ear.  Never before have I ever grew this variety to its full course to yield this sassy reward.  In hindsight I've always managed to kill the plant with kindness ~  too much sun exposure. This is a garden staple for both English and Victorian gardens ~ and for Celtic! ; )


The next photo is of an herbaceous "Irish Eyes" Rudbeckia which was planted last fall. The one by the house died but this one survived the cold out by the street bed. Notice the cheery conehead whose golden sunflower color graduates at the ends which finally meet at the distinctive green center. 

A Flock of Seagulls, ahem! I mean Lambs!

So that ends another round of Wild Indigo.  Incidentally, Wild Indigo has been obtained. Stay tuned as the Indigo Grows!

Life Lesson: You are yourself. You aren't your Mother or your Father. You are your own independent being who depends on nothing short but love and kindness to be the beautiful person you are!

Until next week may happiness be a ray of sunshine to your mind, heart and soul.

P.S. Thank you Mr. B.B. King for the full measure of soul you jammed over the years!

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Greetings Wild Indigo readers! It's officially May and amidst the dancings around Maypoles we had a most wonderful Sustainable Neighbors Farm Tour last weekend.  Whomever wished for perfect weather received their wish, for the cloudless sky was simply perfect. A sincere thanks to all the hosts and participants who made this event such a success!

There's so much I'd like to write.  So many words are springing from my tongue, many thoughts swirling in my mind .... and just where to start ......  oh my! 

So let's start here: What inspires you? And from where do you draw that inspiration? What is it in your life that stirs awe and wonder? What blows your mind? Can you put your finger on it? What ignites creative sparks of magic within you?

Is it a book that feeds your brainmeats? Answers to the quest you seek? Destiny or the luck of the draw? Is it that which you conquest? Or what rewards you at the end of the day? A long conversation flowered with  eloquent words and creative thoughts? A sunset or the moon? The chance meeting with a hummingbird or the payoff after developing a successful project?

Call me crazy but seeds and plants and their potential of life and bounty send me reeling. They amaze me, thoroughly. After giving them just a little water and decent growing conditions they germinate, releasing their life force into the world and greeting it with a smile for all to enjoy.

Beauty inspires me. So does vivid color and unforgettable aromas. Last weekend we visited the Gardens of Eden here in Fayetteville. But creating your own private Garden of Eden takes time and much patience, mainly in our own trials and failures. You must believe in yourself and in your hands which cast the seeds into the dirt. You must trust the process and flow with it.  Who can control to the nth degree when those seeds will germinate? Nobody can calculate the exact time they rapture into  life. All we know is that under the right circumstances the Garden will grow into its essence of life.

We have all been in the Garden at least once and I believe we'll all return as the colors all fade into ONE. It's only a matter of time. And yes the gates will let you stroll in just leave your ego at the door.

Here are some glimpses of my piece of heaven.  

Until next time, may happiness be a ray of sunshine in your heart, mind and soul.


Everything is everything. What is meant to be will be.  Change comes eventually.  ~ Lauryn Hill

Spring 2015 Sustainable Neighbors Garden Tour

Greetings Wild Indigo readers! April is nearly ca-put but with its plentiful rains it ushers in May's fragrant flowers and another epic event.  In case you've been living under a rock and haven't heard yet, for local dwellers, this Sunday marks the fourth annual Spring 2015 Sustainable Neighbors Garden Tour. We'll be meeting at Arsenal Bridge May 3rd at 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. From there we'll disperse as each participant is free to tour the gardens of their choice at their leisure.  I'll be closing up shop at 5:30 to join the tour myself. Addresses for all of gardens will be provided at the Arsenal Bridge location so bring your GPS for a fun-filled afternoon of adventure! Not only is Sunday slated to be a glorious day weather wise but us sustainable Neighbors are tickled pink to have you be a part of the tour! As for myself, I personally want to thank everyone for opening up their Alice In Wonderland gardens. Lets see just how far down the rabbit hole goes! For more info the following link will quench your curiosity:

http://www.meetup.com/SustainableNeighbors/events/221504533/


As you can tell, uber high gear is my current modus operandi in getting ready for this weekends event.  In fact the creative juices have been overflowing and the Wild Indigo plans slated for this year's  Celtic Garden are well under way. The wild indigo journey is spilling into the new work as a creative outlet and gateway for contemplative meditation.  Now to just live it out consistently with ever-present mindfulness .... ahhh, there's the rub!

Anyway, as I was tending the garden I unearthed a curious underground dweller.  At first look I thought it a worm but after closer observation (dorsal scales kinda gave it away) I deduced this was no worm Vern!  Here ~ have a look-see for yourself!

Eastern Worm Snake

The underside of this individual was pink which initially led me to believe it was just another squirmy wormy in my garden! Now at least for me rarely so I come across a snake in the garden, especially in the part of the garden this little one was found in. It was small.  The green leaf to the right was a wild violet leaf which might give you a vague idea of its size, well, at least the part of it I hadn't chopped to smithereens! I found the severed tail fragment after turning over more soil which squirmed around headless chicken style in my hand. Cool? Why yes, yes it was!

After some quick research I've determined that this little guy was a Eastern Worm snake.  Although they can grow to the tune of a foot in length, all told this one was barely seven inches. Its non-venomous and burrows using its pointed head (CONEHEAD!!) into cracks and crevices.  They consume worms and larvae and lumps and chunks preferring to dwell underground or in rotting logs. Unfortunately this guy's fossorial multi-pass has just been revoked.

Of course the best of the best of the Celtic Garden will not be pictured this week but to tantalize your visual cones and rods here's a few cursory snapshots.

Eccanachina

Strawberries -N- Green

Dino Kale got wild -n- crazy with Eschscholzia Calfornica .....

Bastard Balm

 

Soap wort and Horehound

.... and these guys were all ears, Lamb's Ears, that is!

For more Celtic Garden mayhem be sure to join us for the tour this weekend and until then may happiness be a ray of sunshine in your heart, mind and soul!

History Still in the Making!

Greetings Wild Indigo readers! It's April 24th and the month is nearly over and done with but not before we celebrate National Arbor Day. To celebrate I plan on planting some "trees" today but more on that later. Interestingly enough the pictures I'd planned on posting this week turned out to be hilariously fitting images suitable to promote Thicke's "Blurred Lines," (yes including the landmark lawsuit victory for the Marvin Gaye family!) since that's exactly what they all are ~ blurred! But its all good since colorful dialogue and a little taste of local history might just be the perfect enticement to attend the 4th Annual Sustainable Neighbors Garden Tour. Its next Sunday May 3rd from 2 pm - 6 pm.  All told five gardens will be open for your perusing enjoyment this Spring, including mine. We plan on meeting at the Arsenal Bridge Garden then will disperse to free-tour the rest of the gardens. So this weeks blog will highlight all the gardens on the tour.


Arsenal Bridge located between the Museum of the Cape Fear at 801 Arsenal Avenue and Arsenal Park is the pedestrian bridge which spans highway 87 joining the two.  The bridge project was started by a former Sustainable Neighbor kimchee extraordinaire Bryan and is an amazing sustainable microclimate garden all of its own.  This area is of particular interest to both Fayetteville natives and Civil War buffs and is notably the first stop on The Spirit of America Trails. Much can be said about the NC Arsenal at Fayetteville because back in the day it was a big deal for the U.S. military. Its chief cornerstone was laid on April 9, 1838. The perimeter was constructed of both brick and stone its walls were massive in size. Where the four corners met to the Northeast was an octagonal tower. Here's a picture of the grounds as it stood in the 1800's to include the Poe House and the tower who's monument stands adjacent in today's Arsenal Park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fayetteville_Arsenal#/media/File:Sign-detail-captain-daingerfield.jpg 
Quite impressive! Not only was the famed Fayetteville Rifle produced here but over  900,000 rounds of small arms ammo and other combat items were assembled by women workers. These were sent directly to the front lines, proving to be a major contribution to the Confederate war effort. (And people say a women shouldn't be President! Phffft!) In March 1865, Union General William T. Sherman led his army into Fayetteville and ordered his chief engineer, Col. Orlando M. Poe, to "batter the arsenal building into piles of rubble and then burn and blow up the ruins." So when you meet us at the launching site for this years garden tour be sure to walk around the Historical Poe House grounds and Armory where history is still in the making!


Be sure to stop by my Fayetteville Celtic Gardens also on this Springs Urban Farm Tour. The write up for the Fayetteville Celtic Gardens can be seen here as they were the highlight for last week's blog: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1912675329733240531#editor/target=post;postID=8538489624448544968;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname


I must add that while time has not been on my side this Spring I'm extremely excited over newly accomplished projects including the placement of a new irrigation system and orchard. Its been wonderful to see which plants have returned from their winters sleep and observe the Spartan growth of newly planted items. Bragging rights abound and I'm so excited to share my treasures with you! As usual Sonshine Soaps will be available for purchase as well as new sundries up for sale. The Celtic Gardens are located at 920 McKimmon Road in the Cumberland Heights neighborhood. Look for the 920 yard sign and feel free to stop by up until 5:30 pm where afterwards I close up shop and go incognito on tour as a fellow garden fairy.


Now I was driving in the Suburban Hermits (a.k.a. James) neighborhood the other day and I've gotta say that he's made some huge changes in the front yard.  Being the polite Sustainable Neighbor that I am I didn't sneak peeks at the backyard but I can only imagine what unconventional urban gardening tactics have been employed back there. I'm green with envy and quite humbled at his achievements. Since spoilers are just that - spoils - I won't elaborate or disclose what he's done but needless to say its elaborate and outstanding! Its awesome that another fellow Sustainable Neighbor - who incidentally is on next weekend's tour - is valiantly representing and living the edible landscape dream to the tee! Check back for location details!


Second Harvest Food Bank located at 406 Deep Creek Road serves Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, and Sampson counties by providing nutritious food and other services. Ron Pringle is the head honcho and with his blessing allowed Sustainable Neighbors Marsha Howe to build a series of raised garden beds aimed to show kids and families where food comes from and how easy it is to grow! It's expanded substantially from its humble beginnings developing into quite the showpiece of Second Harvest! What I love in particular is its simplicity. Composting stations help recycle donated food so nothing on site is wasted. The composted soil goes into the raised beds becoming the enriching, living substrate, full of living micro-organisms and bacteria the seeds and plants thrive on. Out of the abundance the cultivation circle is completed when after harvest plant remains go back into the compost for soil amendment the following season. It's a true cycle of life in its simplest and truest form, working in perfect tandem with nature's design. You can read more about the non-profits efforts here: http://www.ccap-inc.org/foodbank/.


A little known fact about Fayetteville: it has its fair share of secret gardens but none of the likes of the private test gardens by the artisan mastermind Thomas Clark. Grown for both pleasure and purpose he utilizes efficient xeriscaping design resulting in a wonderful garden masterpiece. I am particularly partial to his majestic white pines - a rarity in this region - whose perfumed resin waifs the air bringing a sense of enchantment to the grounds. Over the winter his test gardens sustained considerable snow and ice damage but I'm certain his uber recycling efforts will result in dope beds you won't want to miss! He's located at 1105 Martindale. Just look for the little red mailbox garden. His blog this week showcases a few rare individuals whose flowers might be spent by next week's tour so click and enjoy! http://bl2-litfm.blogspot.com/.


Looking forward to meeting you next weekend and as always may happiness be a ray of sunshine to your mind, body and soul!

4th Annual Sustainable Neighbors Garden Tour

Welcome back Wild Indigo readers! This week will feature a quick glance around ye 'ol Celtic Garden but mainly serves as the vehicle to announce the 4th Annual Sustainable Neighbors Garden Tour. Mark your calendars for Sunday May 3rd. Time and further details TBA. So far four or five gardens will be on tour which will sure to inspire you for yours! Details will follow closer to the date and you can read more about the gardens on tour here or you can ask in person at the Fayetteville City Market located at the Transportation Museum Saturdays from 9:00 - 1:00 at the Sustainable Neighbors booth.

Oh the bliss of urban gardening, let me count the ways! Mind you, the Celtic Garden has always been a dream of mine. Everywhere I've ever lived I've utilized my green thumb, in flowers mainly up until recently.  Each dwelling or balcony became a garden canopy for my heart and soul to bloom which I then left behind for the next tenant to enjoy.   

  
Watching the movie "Food Inc" was life changing for me both personally and professionally.  Despite being in the medical field, I had no idea how broken America's food system was! After being a life-long renter, the Cumberland Heights property was purchased in 2011 with the sole purpose of attaining roots of botanical sovereignty!

I relinquished my Fayetteville Community Garden plot but not before gaining valuable experience in raising year-round Southern produce, thanks to the discipleship of green-thumbed gurus there. I set out to establish a sustainable garden of my dreams but this time in my own back yard! The dream continues. 

  
Our intention at Celtic Gardens is to grow seasonal organic plants for health and medicinal benefit just as Mother Nature intended it - void of pesticides and GMO seed. Filled with fragrant sweet bush, fruit of vine and tree, colorful perennials, unusual botanicals, medicinal herbs, lush green pathways and bursting with seasonal eats the Fayetteville Celtic Gardens will be open for public touring for the 4^th Annual Fayetteville Urban Garden Tour. The ever popular Sonshine Soaps will offer herbal sundries and soaps for purchase. Cash and credit welcomed. Come experience the garden and find inspiration to grow yours. 

And as always may happiness be a ray of sunshine in your heart, body and soul!

Well I never did THAT before! Wild Foraged SALAD!

Hey Wild Indigo readers! This is a *SPECIAL EDITION* blog entry of timely importance. I've been listening to a FOOD AS MEDICINE webinar online from Asheville, NC that's completely free! These workshops so far have been amazing, especially the vein of sharing experience and information regarding foraging for seasonal medicinal foods that are likely growing in your back yard as I type! This webinar, although free, is only available for listening for a VERY LIMITED time - in fact in some instances for only a few hours post posting of this blog.  So let's get to it!

After listening to "Marc Williams & Luke Cannon: The Power of Wild Salad & Pesto: Foraging for detoxifying wild greens & edible flowers (with Marc). Wild Tea Party: Infusing & imbibing wild herbs for energy, balance, digestion & immunity (with Luke)," I was TOTALLY inspired to kick off my shoes, walk out into the Celtic Garden to see what she's providing for me to knaw on! Now mind you not only are these foods in my garden organic (because I don't use any weed killers or ant killers, etc..) but since they're in season they're growing for a bifold reason: for nutrition and for medicinal value.  

Listen to the webinar or peruse the guest speakers websites for ideas on what plants are safe to forage, what parts are edible and how they benefit our bodies.  All plants pictured were freshly picked and eaten within 30 minutes of picking. 

 **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER** I do NOT use any chemical treatments whatsoever on my property or garden which makes edible plants organic and safe for human consumption. If you use Roundup or any chemical fertilizer on your property do NOT eat your edible plants until you consult a landscaping professional. Call the 1-800 number on the bottle of your chemicals to determine if your plants would be safe to eat.

From left to right: apple mint, oregano, wild onion, flowers of dandelion blooming cabbage and wild violet, two types of dandelion, morris heading cabbage, dino kale, spinach, and another type of dandelion.  On the cutting board: freshly picked bronze fennel, carrot greens, tops of morris heading cabbage ready to bloom.

 

  So after washing the plants they marched willingly onto the cutting board.

Lookin good guys!

So how could I slather chemical laden salad dressing on this delectable food? I whipped up a quick dressing with the following ingredients.

 A little fresh lemon juice would've been a great addition

 

Not only was this by far the prettiest salad I've ever created but as I munched away, I'd forgotten how raw food - especially on this caliber - makes my body feel.  I had a surge of energy as if my cells said "ahh, finally some REAL food!" Seriously, I can literally FEEL more energy and sense that this food has been fully appreciated by my body.

Now I had expected this to taste really bitter but because the leaves were young this salad was far from bitter.  It tasted just like any other salad bar in town except I grew it hand in hand with Mother Nature who offers her finest in season plants in my very own back yard.

NOW REPEAT AFTER ME: Use COMMON sense!! Dandelion plants have jagged leaves.  Some are hairy and might actually be wild lettuce.  I am certainly NOT an expert which is why this link is far more informative to get started. 

I feel compelled to post this link and share my experience with you as time is of the essence.  Most of the discussions will be available to listen to up to Friday evening at 9:00 pm EST here in the States.

I hope you too are inspired to create a dish for yourself that is not only highly nutritious but medicinal! Our relationship with food has so changed over the years. What if we started thinking about food as medicine, not just something pleasurable to chew and swallow or nutritious? If we thought of food as medicine? How would our relationship with food change, evolve and become augmented with the needs of our bodies instead of just be something served out of a package choked down out of a unappetizing bag on the way to work.



Eat something WILD this week and enjoy the Asheville Webinar!

And as always may happiness be like rays of sunshine in your mind body and soul!