Good Enough Gardening ™

James Alexander-Sinclair Overthrows Good Enough Gardening

Well, I can't say we didn't ask for it...in our last hastily recorded podcast, Amanda and I issued an invitation to our viewers. We asked you all to record and submit your own Good Enough Gardening episode.

Naturally, we had no idea that one of the two of you listening would actually have the gumption to do it. Enter James Alexander-Sinclair. James is the highly entertaining author, designer and sometime video creator (Three Men Went to Mow) who is the genius behind the IntoGardens app. I know we've mentioned it several times on the podcast, as Jean Ann is a frequent contributor. James, being no marketing slouch, includes a passionate description of it in his cast. Sadly, he tries to compare its sex appeal to that of the girls, which is clearly ludicrous. But don't discount IntoGardens because of James' faux pas. It's quite a fantastic app!

Listen on to hear James ramble about rain and the English countryside, then finish with a short monologue with Russian accent.

Download 20130412 160037

GEG: The Lost Episode

After threats from fans across the country (all two of them), the girls finally recorded another Good Enough Gardening episode. Topics covered include: master gardeners, public speaking, tulips, tattoo conventions, plant jewelry, and the Eisenhower Parkway.

Download GEG- The Lost Episode

GEG: The Plantsman Always Rings Twice

The girls hang their heads in shame because they've gone 4 months without a real podcast. In this episode: traveling salesmen, orchids and assorted indoor plants, Amanda's new digs, indoor watergardens, Plastic Bertrand and Gem Sweaters.

Download The Plantman Always Rings Twice

                        Leslie of "Gem Sweater"

photo credit: chron.com

The 2011 Trendisode feat Pajama Jeans

In this episode, the girls talk about gardening trends for 2011...including the Pajama Jean planter. they feature three trendsetting blogs, Ms. Rumphius Rules, Gossip in the Garden and Personal Garden Coach...none of which gave them a nickle to be on the show.

 

Download 2011 Trendisode feat Pajama Jeans

Good Enough Gardening: Son of Grat-O-Cast

Amanda gets needy, Jean Ann loves her some p Allen Smith. The girls go through their lists of what they've been grateful for in 2010.

 

Download Good Enough Grat-o-Cast II

 

Olan Mills Gone Wrong

One of my favorite photos of Amanda and me. The hanging tomato balls and innocent optimism is almost too much to bear.

Vintage Good Enough Gardening: The PLASA Episode

Vintage Good Enough Gardening: The PLASA Episode- Perennials, Design and PLASA

Unfortunately, Jean Ann is having technical difficulties with her new recording software. We thought you might like a little entertainment while you wait.

 

Download GEG Oldies But Goodies- The Plasa Episode

 

Good Enough Gardening: The Nathan Episode

Amanda is busily finishing up spring planting so my ten year old nephew Nathan co-hosts. Let's just say that he is funnier than Amanda and I put together.

Download GEG Nathan Episode

Mike Nowak Hearts Jean Ann and Amanda

Another special GEG episode...the full hour of our guest spot on the Mike Nowak Radio Show. And yes, Mike said we could share it. No really, he did...though Amanda did threaten to poison him...

Download Mike Nowak Show

Good Enough Chicago

Jean Ann and Amanda pretend to be "presenters" at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show.

Download Chicago

Nativegate: The Native Plant Debacle

The episode that could likely be our demise with rabid native plant lovers. Also, Jean Ann announces her new boyfriend, P Allen Smith and Amanda talks about eating babies. Andrew Keys of Garden Smackdown and Plants That Suck guest stars.

Download Native Gate

GenY Gardeners

This is a conversation with garden writer Jodi Torpey (@westerngardener) and www.westerngardeners.com, and Chris and Andrienne Hott, two GenY wanna-be gardeners. Chris tells me that I haven't really convinced him that gardening is worth his time...a metaphor for his generation, NOT a commentary on my persuasive powers.

Download Interview with Jodi, Adrienne and Chris

Fall Planting: Jean Ann's Solo Episode

Fall planting is the topic for this episode...though Jean Ann fills plenty of time updating you all about the book (Grocery Gardening) she co-authored with Amanda, Teresa and Robin. If you are lucky, Amanda will be back by next week's episode...

Download Good Enough Gardening- Jean Ann's Solo

Jean Ann on Judith Regan Show

I am tentatively scheduled to be on the Judith Regan Radio Show. Here's the scoop (plus a big announcement!):

Download Sirius Plug

Good Enough Gardening: The Flower Episode

The Growing Flowers episode, with special guest Pamela Price of Red, White and Grew.

Download Flowers

June Chores, Redux

for some reason, the original June Chores didn't upload to itunes...so we shall try again.

Download June chores

Garden Podcast: June Chores

June chores for the garden, Book Expo America

Download June chores

Good Enough Gardening: All Allium All the Time

Episode four: growing ornamental alliums, edible alliums, growing onions, starting onions and leeks, growing leeks from seed, caller question about onion crop failure

Download Podcast 4 allium

Peas, Kale and BHG's Susan Appleget Hurst

Our upcoming show is my favorite so far...not only do we talk about two fantastic spring veggies,peas and kale, but we have our first guest, Susan Appleget Hurst (or as we like to call her, SusanApplegetHurst), Garden Editor of Better Homes and Gardens. Now, I won't give anything away about the interview with SusanApplegetHurst, with the exception of the fact that we rename her, as is our tradition. Plants and people alike, you will find no discrimination on Good Enough Gardening!

I will however talk just a bit about peas and kale...peas are one of those vegetables that are easy to grow if you live in cooler climates and a huge pain in the rear if you live in warmer ones. Growing up and learning to garden in Oklahoma, I can tell you that peas can have horrible etiquette when it comes to plant behavior in the south. Wrote a post on Gardener to Farmer about my frustrations, it is aptly titled "Peas and Thank You: Proper Legume Etiquette"...and, it comes with a recipe!

Kale is one of the least understood, most versatile veggies I know. People often have the misconception that it is strong or bitter in flavor, but I have found it to be very mild. In fact, I like to use it as a nutrition booster in many of the meals I make. It's flavor is an easy add to sauces, egg dishes, pasta, soups, shepherd's pie, meatloaf, the list goes on...It is also very easy to store. Just harvest, rinse and remove leaves from the stem. Chop into serving size pieces and blanch for two minutes in boiling water, then drain. Dunk in ice water to stop the cooking process, drain. Add to a vacuum sealed bag or freezer bag and into the freezer it goes. Add it directly to dishes from the freezer.

For more tips on growing, harvesting, and preparing peas and kale, plus some great recipes...check out Growing Food: A Guide for Beginners.

Oh and one last you are so cool, thanks for loving our podcast so much, mad props back atcha kind of thing...Pamela Price has always been one of my faves to follow on Twitter (@redwhiteandgrew) and on her blog, Red White and Grew. Yesterday, though, she transcended into Good Enough Gardening Hall of Fame with the spectacular review she wrote about our podcast for the San Antonio Express-News online. Go on over there and leave her a nice comment...she looooves to chat with people who read her column!

Alrighty people, the next 'cast will be up on Monday, or sooner if it rains...cause after all, this is Good Enough Gardening.

Hellebores, Alstroemeria and Lilacs, Oh My!

This is the time of year when plants start growing and blooming at supernatural rates...and I  absolutely love it! Each day brings a new surprise...and I spend my time in a perpetual state of excitement and anticipation. Which is funny when you think about it...I mean, I am the one who planted all of these plants...so theoretically, I know they will be popping up. But, just like a dog that is excited every time her owner returns, I stand at the beds, panting and drooling, as my beloveds return.

Spring always brings the most amazing scents. Right now, the lilacs in my neighbor's yard are  blooming. They have a giant hedge of them, beautiful colors, right along the property line. And, if you listened to our first Good Enough Gardening podcast, you know that I am happy to enjoy those that cross over to my side. Because although I absolutely love  them when in bloom...lilacs just don't do much when bloom time is over.

Portland is the city of Rhodendendrons and mine are just getting started. I inherited a stand of them. This is another shrub that is completely unremarkable when not in bloom...but hey, they came with the property, so I will leave them be for now. I think the flowers are absolutely gorgeous, but am always disappointed that they have no scent.

Last year, I bought Alstroemeria...actually, I bought it in the fall, my favorite time to buy and plant perennials. And though I think they are overused in floral arrangements in general, I bought a different variety than the standard one seen in grocery stores everywhere. I couldn't believe how it had suddenly sprung into action! Take a look...and take a listen to this week's podcast to hear my opinions about the name of this plant... 

Finally, my beautiful hellebores are in bloom...why so late? Who knows...and I am not looking a gift  horse in the mouth. These beauties are green with fuschia flecks and are blooming right in front of a fuschia azelia...spring perfection!

Our next podcast will be out in the next couple of days...load it up on your iPod and take it out to the garden...let us keep you company while you dig in the dirt! In the mean time, come on over to our our Good Enough Gardening Facebook page and see what's happenin'...

Good Enough Gardening: The First Episode

Let's see, we talk about lovage, borage, astronauts, bonnie bell, tomatoes... Keep in mind that we are not professionals folks.Next week, Jean Ann will have a better mic so she doesn't sound like she is sitting behind me.Download Good Enough Gardening-Volume 1

 

Whatcha Plantin' This Weekend?

We would love to know! As we prepare to roll out our podcast, Amanda Thomsen of Horticulture's Kiss My Aster and I want to be sure you know that we are very interested in learning all about what's happening in your gardens. We are working on adding a social component to our site that will let you do just that, so please be patient with our efforts. Remember, this is good enough gardening, not perfect gardening...or blog design for that matter!

You may have been reading over at Gardener to Farmer that my neighbor Liz and I are yardsharing and we will be planting out some of the goodies we have grown in the greenhouse, as well as direct sowing some veggies this weekend. Though it is past the frost free date in Portland, we have a long cool spring so heat loving veggies like tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, squash, and beans won't go out for  a while yet. But, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, lettuce, carrots, kale, mustard and chard are looking lovely! So are the tiny leeks we transplanted.

Sadly, I still haven't gotten around to planting potatoes. Though I noticed a few in the cupboard that had sprouted, so I think I will plant those. Well, we do the best we can, don't we?

Amanda and I will have our first podcast up by the end of the week and are looking forward to hearing from you! Stay tuned for more information!