Love is in the air

I have a February birthday. Every year one of the ways I treat myself is to curl up under a cozy blanket, warm cup of tea in hand, and thumb through all the new seed catalogs. I love seeing what’s new and daydreaming about what might be—from flowers to herbs, leafy greens and vegetables.

For some, garden planning starts the previous fall. For me, it’s that magical time in February when the winter gloomies beg for imagination.

Whether you’re a large-scale “plow and plant” gardener, a patio “container” gardener or somewhere in between, Haywood has something for everyone.

The Seed Library of Waynesville: Sowing Seeds, Preserving Heritage

The Buy Haywood team was very fortunate to witness the birth of Haywood County’s very own seed lending library. Some years ago Kathy Olsen, Adult Services Librarian, had this nugget of an idea to “increase the ability of our community to feed itself wholesome food by being an accessible and free source of locally adapted plant seeds, supplied and cultivated by and for Haywood County and nearby area residents.” After a ton of research, community building and hard work, the seed lending library came to fruition. It is housed at the Waynesville branch of the public library. All you need to check out seeds is a library card in good standing and the intention to save and return seeds to ensure the seed library remains self-sustaining. Seed donations are also always welcome, even if you don’t check out seeds. For more information, visit the website above. We admire Kathy’s vision for what could be and are grateful to all the hands that have contributed to the continuation of this project. Special thanks to the Friends of the Library for their generous support of this and all other library programs.

Local plant nurseries

Once you’ve finished mapping out what you want to grow in the upcoming season and where best to locate said garden(s), you’ll want to visit some of Haywood’s local plant nurseries and landscaping businesses. We aren’t talking any of the “big box” stores here. But rather the local small businesses with horticulture specialists at the helm who’re propegating at least a portion of their stock on site and can guide you as to what grows best in Haywood’s varied microclimates. These are the plants that have been well cared for and will stand the test of time.

Farmers markets

As the spring farmers market season inches closer, I look beyond seed starting to shop from local farms who’ve done the hard work for me. Area farmers markets are a great place to introduce yourself to these folks. They have carefully selected items to not only plant on their own farms but also retail to the public. Some of the best tomatoes I have ever grown and ever tasted have come from seedlings purchased at the farmers market. Those folks are a wealth of advice about soil preparation, best practices for growing and come harvest season always have a recipe or two up their sleeves.

Farmers markets are also an outstanding resource for plant starts, perennials, shrubs, bushes and trees that are purely ornamental. Again, you gain the benefit of buying something that has been nurtured right here in Haywood County.

Harvest “High”

At Buy Haywood we talk a lot about preserving our rich agricultural heritage and the rural character of the region. These cornerstones for support of local small businesses absolutely hold true. Choosing to carve out even the teeniest space to grow something yourself goes beyond the public good. According to the Permaculture College Australia, “Getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels – contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system.”

Buy Haywood

Wondering how to scratch that home gardening itch? Pop right over to our online directory to find local plant nurseries, upcoming farmers market info and more.

Watch for plant sales from places like Lake Junaluska, the Corneille Bryan Native Garden, and local middle and high school programs.

Need a little help getting started? Our friends at Haywood County Cooperative Extension are a wealth of knowledge and resources. Also don’t forget the librarians at any branch of the public library.

Thinking outside the box

When I completed my Extension Master Gardener certification some years ago, I had the tremendous good fortune to be mentored by two of Haywood’s finest MGs, John and Jane Young. What I loved most about the two is that their respective gardening philosophies were the perfect blend of science and poetry, function and form. Their influence drove me to think outside the proverbial box with respect to my own home garden.

Not only have I spent two+ decades cultivating living soil, but also refining design to optimize what could be produced on the smallest amount of land using the least resources.

One of my favorite tips is to utilize empty space between plants in my perennial beds to grow edibles such as kale and Swiss Chard (Bright Lights is my favorite), herbs like flat leaf parsley and even beets. Many things can be grown in pots including bush beans, carrots, lettuces, herbs, kale and tomatoes.

Make it a pesto

Broadly translated from Italian, pesto means “to pound or to crush” or “pestled” with a pestle. Most often the word pesto calls to mind the vibrant uncooked sauce from Genoa made with seasonal basil, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, salt + pepper.

In England they pride themselves on pesto made from parsley. Travel to Paris in the spring and you can count on being served pesto made from the first of the asparagus harvest.

Here in Haywood, we love Spring Pea Pesto. Here’s how we make it:

Spring Pea Pesto

Quick and easy to make, this Spring Pea Pesto is deliciously vibrant with fresh herby flavor. Perfect for a dip, spread or use as a sauce with pasta.

INGREDIENTS

  • peas: petite frozen or fresh English peas
  • herbs: mint and a bit of basil
  • lemon: juice and zest
  • chives or green onion
  • 1 small clove of garlic
  • salt & black pepper
  • olive oil
  • Parmigiano Reggiano, grated (can be left out if seeking a vegan alternative)

STEPS OF PREPARATION

  • Zest and juice one lemon, set aside.
  • Chop the herbs. Feel free to play with the herbs and switch out for what you have on hand. We highly recommend trying the combo of mint, tarragon and dill when your garden is in full season. There is a magic that happens with these flavors!
  • Add everything into a food processor.
  • Pulse until peas are broken down but still textured. Taste for salt + pepper, adjust accordingly.
  • Serve on crostini with a wide shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano to garnish. Schmear on a sandwich to add flavor (instead of mayo). Or, add more EVOO and serve with pasta.

I read a great quote once, written by a great author: “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” ― Margaret Atwood, Bluebeard’s Egg

Happy gardening all!

Tina Masciarelli, MLA
Buy Haywood Project Coordinator