Metropolitan Gardening

Jose Rodriguez keeps a plot of land in the south Bronx near an overpass. There's a  wave of vehicles rushing past - the traffic streams by with the sound of  a constant wind. The garden is dry - Jose explains that this was the driest season he has ever seen. "I think they broke something in the sky." Jose has a wry grin on his face - his eyes are mischievous. The Bronx farmer harvests white beans, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes., melon, squash, eggplant and pumpkins here. "People don't believe I have a garden here in the Bronx - but they gave me a permit and I built this house" He waves at a small gazebo. " I built this the way they wanted it.. They wanted to be able to see inside from the outside."

What do the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Independent, The San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Times have in common? Well besides the fact that they are serious newspapers... They all rave about the interior design idea site Houzz . I have to admit at first glance it's difficult to tell exactly what it izz. It's not a shop... exactly. It's not really a magazine or a blog. It's sort of a crowd sourced place to get your nesting juices flowing. After about 30 seconds of adjusting my perceptions of what a web site should be, I started to get it. And wow. There are thousands of home professionals and sources for home furnishings and, and, and, Houzz is a cornucopia of awesome ways to make the place that you live in easier on the eyes.  I think it was the shot of the bathroom with the shower that could be seen though glass doors to a small enclosed blinded patio that made the whole thing turn the corner for me. Anywayzz - Houzz is basically a go to

Recently came across a informative article describing the findings of the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service that seems to put to bed some serious concerns over urban gardening produce. The basic gist of the matter is that in many cases when gardening in challenged areas the use of compost and other soil additions and an adjustment of the soil pH can alter the soil to the point that it can be safely used to grow food. The researchers also endorse using raised plant beds, making sure to wash your hands after gardening and to wash all produce. Read the full article here :  Researchers Work to Ensure Safety of Urban Gardens

Ingredients : 1/4 cup Sesame Oil 2 lbs Fresh Shrimp 1lb Sugar Snap Peas 2 table spoons Sichuan Peppercorns 2 table spoons Grains of Paradise 1/4 cup Pickled Ginger 1/4 Chopped Roasted Garlic Dash Soy Sauce 5 cups Water Be careful but make sure the wok is sizzling hot! Utensils: Large Wok Wooden Spoon Measuring Cups 2 Bowls large enough  for Shrimp and Sugar Snap Peas 1 small bowl for grated peppercorn mixture Large Boiling Pot Strainer Pepper Mill Sissors Put the pepper corns and the grains of paradise into the pepper mill. Grate the mixture into a small bowl.  Put water in pot to boil.  Wash and remove the shells from the shrimp wash shrimp again and place them in the large pot of water reduce to simmer until they turn pink (2 minutes). Remove from heat, Strain the shrimp from the water put them in a bowl. Set aside. Wash the Peas and snip the ends from the sugar snap peas with the scissors. Set aside.

September 10-12 at  Milwaukee 's State Fair Grounds is the Growing Power National and International Urban and Small Farm Conference . This is the premier event of it's kind. With over 7 tracks and over 100 presenters of merit. This conference will feature illustrious keynote speakers such as Grace Lee Boggs , Dr. Judith Palfrey , and Winona LaDuke .  Will Allen  is the founder, a giant of a man - leading the way to a bright future and innovation in urban agriculture.

Green in Bklyn is out in force during the Move about Myrtle  event going on September 5th. Both these things are near and dear to me as I get my fizz @ Green in Bklyn. The events at Green range from book signings to composting to making bags from umbrellas. They are also doing an electronic waste disposal drive!

Been hunkered down  to study up on how things might go in the future of urban gardening. Three articles in Green Tech Media over the past year have been formative. The New American Farmer takes a look at the attrition aging will have on the agricultural industry and suggests that the young urban farmer may be a serious contender to fill the work boots of rural grand dad. Green Agriculture - the next hot investment sector? Explores the notion that California VC's have been looking at agriculture to put money into. Most notably for us they mention Organic Girl  who had 150 million in sales in only the second year in business. However recently when handing out investment advice, urban farming isn't mentioned. Take a look at GreenTechMedia's Top Ten IPO Candidates   The company reviews are dense and arguments are beyond this writer's scope but somewhat puzzling.With the growth of Farmer's Markets  one might think that a hot new startup could pop up in the urban

The Overlooked New York Urban Gardener Series of Portraits done by Zina Saunders are whimsical watercolorish illustrations that capture the spirit of her subjects - the artist also included an interview of each. The sheer number of these portraits shows a passion and devotion to the people of New York City that is inspirational. The interface is a bit puzzling when you first hit the page but just click on the pictures at the top for each gardener's interview and the portrait. Ms. Saunders art is fluid, fresh and not overworked, capturing the essence of each person, somewhere between a sidewalk caricature   and sacred iconography - these folks are elevated playfully from street to our hearts.

The New Green City Fair 2010  will be located in Union Square this Year on September 29, 2010 from 10am - 6 pm. This free event expects over 100,000 visitors for what may be one of the largest green events in NYC. The event is presented annually by Grow NYC a non-profit organization with a 40 year history of pivotal leadership in community gardening, teaching, recycling, and green market support. The New Green City fair will have interactive art exhibits, DIY tutorials and a Green Market.

Of course the New York Botanical Garden is amazing to visit - 250 acres of  heaven- and especially " The Edible Garden " exhibit running now. There's nothing like seeing the herbal choices of celebrity chefs! - but isn't it great to hear from gardeners that are summering in NYC from other cities? Hip Chick Digs tells the story of her visit to the NY Botanical. Her blog is like hanging out with a cool friend visiting from the Pacific Coast that knows more than you but just wants to tell you about stuff - her enthusiasm and easy going writing style are very charming. Ms. Hip  has visited several botanicals recently including the Brooklyn Botanical and the White House veggy garden. She just finished her vacation here  said her kind goodbyes put the keys on the counter and left to go back west. See ya around pal...