Category Archives: foraging
Persimmons aren’t always what you think
I’m a big fan of wild persimmons (Diospyros virginiana). I try to hit the woods this time of year and procure a good mess of them. Sometimes the deer and other animals beat me to it. Wild fruit are seedy … Continue reading
There are three types of kiwis and we can grow them all here in eastern North Carolina
Nearly everyone is familiar with the fuzzy green fleshed kiwi fruits (Actinidia deliciosa) in grocery stores. Their taste is sweet and tart at the same time. The flavor reminds me of blackberries. Best of all, kiwi vines grow well in … Continue reading
Turmeric is more than a bright yellow spice
Turmeric is an herb likely not in most people’s spice racks, at least by itself. Curry powder is roughly 50% turmeric. Mustard owes much of its yellow color to turmeric. I like to use turmeric in most relishes and pickles … Continue reading
Rambutan is a tasty nutritious conversation fruit
I like to try new things. You never know you like or dislike something until you try it, the saying goes. I was perusing Wal-Mart recently and noticed some red spiny looking things in the produce area. They looked like … Continue reading
Carolina jessamine provides winter color and privacy
It’s so hard to find landscaping with winter interest. Once mid-December hits and freezing temperatures are commonplace, most fall foliage color is gone. Very few flowers and flowering shrubs are blooming either. Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) still manages to display … Continue reading
Vinca vines are tough and beautiful but can be invasive
Few ground covers can fill any area as effectively as periwinkle vine. There are actually two species commonly used and both have prolific bluish purple flowers. Both also have the ability to spread where they aren’t wanted. Lesser periwinkle (Vinca … Continue reading
Harvesting wild rice was a farewell to fall activity
There were times I’d curse it. When I was growing up I loved to duck hunt on the river behind the house. Huge expanses of wild rice lined the shore in the shallow muddy places. My dog wouldn’t go in … Continue reading
Ground Ivy is an aggressive perennial weed
When gardeners talk about weeds the word vine usually makes them cringe. Their anxiety increases when the word mint is added to the conversation. Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is guilty on both counts. Sometimes called creeping Charlie, this perennial can … Continue reading
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