On a recent visit to Santa Cruz, my friend and co-author Carolyn Dille and I drove to Felton to have lunch with Renee Shepherd. As described on her Web site, Renee is widely regarded as a pioneering innovator in introducing international vegetables, flowers and herbs to home gardeners and gourmet restaurants. In 1997, Renee decided to get beyond the narrow reach of mail order. (She founded Shepherd’s Garden Seeds in 1985, later selling the company) and established Renee’s Garden to do what she likes best – searching out the very best seeds from around the world, testing them in her own gardens, cooking (and developing recipes around their unique characteristics), and sharing them with other gardeners. 

The Web site https://www.reneesgarden.com/ is a veritable book on gardening information. Renee regularly writes the trial garden blog, gardening articles and creates recipes for their monthly newsletter. She writes all the copy on her seed packets, chooses seed varieties from producers large and small worldwide, manages marketing activities, and directs (and enjoys) the company’s large trial gardens at her home where every personal selection is grown out and evaluated.

The great thing about this easily-navigated Web site is that every seed sold, has a beautiful watercolor illustration, plant description, and germination and growing information. There are also charts, growing tips and cooking suggestions. Renee and her staff grow all of the herbs, vegetables and edible flowers under different conditions, harvest and cook with them. Flowers are grown and selected for their colors, appearance and scent.

Check out Renee’s Web site, her blog, the annual photo contest, “Safe Seed Pledge” and Renee’s School and Nonprofit Program. Best of all, try her rainbow of hand-selected and garden-grown quality seeds. Renee shares that her business, from seed and garden to her Web site and newsletter, is her  practical way to spread the joy of gardening as a meaningful, productive and satisfying activity that connects us to each other and the earth.                                    

While in California the artichokes and asparagus were in season and we ate them whenever we could. One of my favorite sauces for both of these spring crops is Simple Mayonnaise and Horseradish Sauce. It is also delicious on new potatoes, steamed beets and carrots. Since Horseradish is Herb of the Year for 2011, celebrate the season and Armoracia rusticana by trying this tasty recipe. For more information on Horseradish, check out www.iherb.org or www.herbcompanion.com.  Right now I am in Mountain View, Arkansas and will be participating in a Medicinal Herb Seminar at the Ozark Folk Center this Saturday. Tina Marie Wilcox and I will be presenting a program on cultivating, preserving, harvesting and cooking with horseradish www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.   

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Fiskars Garden Tool Caddy with Removable Small Tool Storage for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening Use, Made with Recycled Plastic

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Fiskars Gardening Tool Caddy stores tools and supplies for easy access and transportation from indoors to out. Body is made of durable, lightweight, resin with 20% post-consumer recycled plastic. Spacious toolbox includes a removable bin with holes for wall mounting and is the perfect organizer for snips, pruners, and more. Handle locks in place for one-handed carrying, or use side handles for two-handed carrying. Lifetime Warranty.

Buy at Amazon

Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon