Have Green Thumb

Lectures for 2011

Barbara — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:46:00 GMT

5/3/11: The Colonial Garden Club in Hollis, NH “Edible Landscape Design”

Our members thoroughly enjoyed Barbara’s motivating PowerPoint presentation, her vast gardening expertise and her engaging interaction with us when answering questions. Her handouts on the “how to’s” of edible landscaping, related resources, and cooking suggestions were an added bonus. With the recent surge of interest in homegrown food, Barbara and her timely program would be a definite “draw” for any gardening conference.

Priscilla Levasseur

Program Coordinator, The Colonial Garden Club of Hollis, NH

5/16/11 Bedford, NH Garden Club “Edible Landscape Design”

11/5/11 Composting Demonstration Brookwood School Sustainability Fair

Garden Tour to Bressingham England 2011

Barbara — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:02:00 GMT

Joe Kunkel and I organized a week long tour to gardens in East Anglia and London area for a group of intrepid travelers from the Mass Hort Society and the Massachusetts Master Gardeners. The trip was highlighted by a 2 day intensive at Bressingham Garden in Diss. Adrian and his wife were wonderful hosts. Adrian Bloom spent much of the the time with us sharing his experiences and how the gardens have developed over time. The goal was to bring this in depth learning back to Elm Bank and use it to continue to improve the Bressingham garden there.

We also visited Beth Chatto's garden and garden center, Cambridge Botanic Garden, the Plant Finders Fair at Cottesbrooke, and Savill. The was time to explore the cities of Cambridge and Windsor. It was a marvelous trip.

Lectures for 2010

Barbara — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:41:00 GMT

3/20/10 Manchester Library: A young neighbor and I share ownership of a bantam chicken named Rosie who lives at my house. Erin and I brought Rosie to the library for story time and vegetable seed planting.

3/27-28/10 Boston Flower and Garden Show “Worm Composting” Demonstration at The Trustees of the Reservations booth

2/4/10 Amherst, NH Garden Club “Edible Landscape Design”

3/8/10 Duck River Garden Club, CT “Edible Landscape Design”

3/25/10 Westwood, MA “Growing Herbs” including cooking with them

5/12/10 Manchester Library Edible Landscape Design

5/15/10 Natick Community Organic Farm Composting Demonstration

10/20/10: Natick Community Organic Farm “Backyard Chickens Workshop”

10/23/10: Manchester Library “Worm Composting”

10/27/10: Natick Community Organic Farm “Edible Landscape Design”

Happy Thanksgiving

Barbara — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Another article has really hit home. For some folks it may not be what they want to read on the day before Thanksgiving. None the less, I share it because I believe, for a better world, we have to get closer to the food we eat.

It is a New York Times article titled "The Main Course had an Unhappy Face." http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/nyregion/21citycritic.html

This summer we visited a "fresh" chicken store on Federal Hill in Providence, RI. It was similar to the store mentioned in the article but without the prayer ahead of the slaughter. I like the idea of giving a blessing of some sort. Each according to their beliefs. The experience was disturbing, the smells were of blood and guts unpleasant, but in the end I saw other shoppers grateful for the still warm birds they took home to their families. Maybe next year.

A wish for readers: Tomorrow be thankful for the meal before you. Think of others less fortunate and then do something for someone. Be grateful for friends and family. And finally, even if you can't quite manage livestock, consider growing your own food next season.

Food, Inc.

Barbara — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:36:49 GMT

Seems like local, healthy food is a recurring theme in my blog. This Boston Globe article about a must see movie inspired me to write again!

http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2009/06/21/robert_kenner_discusses__food_inc/

When the movie was shown to Obama's Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, his response was that the bottom line was that to change the system, we need a movement. We need people out there demanding that change. Producer and Director, Robert Kenner said "I can only hope this film contributes to this demand, that instead of a farm bill it turns into a food bill."

So get on the band wagon...eat local, spend the extra money for organic produce (preferably local), go to farmer's markets this summer. There is a window for serious change right now. The Obama's have an organic garden on the White House Lawn! We can't continue to have our food system run by corporate interests that don't have the long term health of their customers in mind.

Take a look at the long lists of ingredients in any prepared foods you are thinking about buying and choose those that have the names you recognize and I don't mean corn syrup...

Happy eating this summer when there is a surplus of fabulous healthy food available locally!! And if you feel motivated buy extra and freeze or can it for winter use!

New website called AskAGardenQuestion.com

Barbara — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:38:00 GMT

Ellen Wells is Editor at Large for Green Profit magazine, garden writer for the Boston Globe, and passionate about encouraging folks to try home gardening! This week she launched a new website called AskAGardenQuestion that connects home gardeners that have questions with gardening professionals who have answers. It is a wonderful idea.

I signed up to help out and just saw my answer to a question on her blog on the website!

http://askagardenquestion.com/ask-a-garden-question-blog.

Please take a look for yourself and ask a question or sign up to answer them. Either way you'll have fun!

Lectures for 2009

Barbara — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:45:00 GMT

Edible Landscape Design

Manchester, MA Public Library Monday April 27, 2009 at 6:30PM

Learn how to include gorgeous, healthy vegetables and fruits in your landscape. Anyone with a spot that gets 6-8 hours of sun can grow a bountiful crop and also enjoy flowers and other ornamentals. I will include basic tips for success as well as some unusual plant combinations to consider. Vegetables do well in containers and that will be covered too. Come and enjoy! There is no charge for this talk.

Family Gardening

Manchester, MA Public Library Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 4PM

A big welcome to children of all ages. Come and learn how to grow your favorite vegetables from seed. Everyone will go home with a little planted container to get them started. If my pet chicken named Polly is being good, she'll be invited to tell about the fun of living in Manchester. There is no charge for this talk

Polly and I went to the library and had a great time with the kids. There was an overflow crowd of about 24 children plus parents. Polly was a hit...and she did wonderfully with being touched by so many kidlets. She wasn't real happy when they got too close to her face but was quite docile with gentle petting. It was the first time that many of them had seen a chicken and they loved seeing all the colored egg shells I brought from home.

Peat pots were planted with snap pea, long bean and nasturtium seeds...great fun.

Edible Garden Design
Long Hill Beverly, MA Thursday, March 5, 7-9PM

Using my years of experience at Horticulture magazine and in my own garden, I will share how to create edible landscapes that are bountiful, boldly designed and easily maintained. This lecture will include tips and techniques for success, a seed staring demonstration and a raffle of gardening products. The proceeds will help support the Long Hill children's vegetable garden. Members $15. Nonmembers $20.

Long Hill is one of the properties belonging to The Trustees of Reservation. More information can be found at www.thetrustees.org.

From 1916 to 1979, Long Hill was the summer home of noted author and editor of The Atlantic Monthly, Ellery Sedgwick, and his first wife, Mabel Cabot Sedgwick, an accomplished horticulturist, gardener, and author of The Garden Month by Month. The Federal-style house was completed in 1925 and contains original woodwork from the ca.1812 Isaac Ball House in Charleston, South Carolina.

Mrs. Sedgwick designed and planted the original gardens. After her death in 1937, Mr. Sedgwick's second wife, the former Marjorie Russell, herself a distinguished gardener and propagator of rare plants, added many plants to the gardens, including unusual species and varieties of trees and shrubs, some introduced by the Arnold Arboretum.

Today the gardens reflect the collective interests and tastes of both women. Five acres of cultivated grounds are laid out in a series of separate garden "rooms" surrounding the house. Each area is distinct in its own way and is accented by garden ornaments, structures, and statuary. The gardens are flanked on all sides by more than 100 acres of woodland as well as an apple orchard, meadow, and agricultural fields.

3/23/09
Here is some feedback from the talk!
" Barbara
Thank you so VERY much for putting on a fabulous lecture here at Long Hill. Your presentation was wonderful and I know that everyone gained some insight and ideasd in the world of edible landscaping."
Beth Zschau
Horticulture Educator
The Trustees of Reservations

Obamas to Plant Vegetable Garden at White House

Barbara — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:55:00 GMT

No matter what your politics, it is safe to say that on many levels, the Obamba family is clearly having an impact on the social fabric of America and perhaps the world. Their family life and personal styles offer much to learn from. Today the news is particularly exciting for me.

After much lobbying by many groups, there will be a White House organic vegetable garden!!! Here is a link to learn more.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/dining/20garden.html

Articles Published in 2009

Barbara — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:39:00 GMT

Today's Garden Center January, 2009 issue

"The Valuable Vegetable" by Barbara Emerson

This article aims to help garden centers merchandise everything associated with food gardening more effectively. All indications are that this will be an area of growth in the coming season so it is important to do it right!

The process starts with sales folks remembering SET...asking the customer what their Sun conditions are, Eating likes and dislikes, and the Time they want to spend...this gives important clues about where to start. Then making sure they have everything they need to be successful from supports, potting soil, fertilizer, watering supplies, decorative items etc. Finally, the store layout needs to reflect what goes with what. Put veggie plants with the annuals and perennial vegetables with perennial plants...for more hints you have to read the article!

It can be found at this link: http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/magazine/?storyid=1411. Or if you want a fancier 4/c version just write me a note at Barbara@HaveGreenThumb.com

Want to toot my own horn a bit!
Ann-Marie Conroy, Associate Editor at Today’s Garden Center, wrote and said “Thanks so much for the fantastic story on marketing veggies you contributed for our January issue!”

Green Profit February, 2009 issue

"The Valuable Vegetable" by Barbara Emerson

In this article, we wanted to encourage garden centers to educate their customers about growing vegetables as a part of the landscape. The article didn't try to cover the entire subject but was meant to open the door.

I have a PDF of the article available if you would like it, just send me an email: Barbara@HaveGreenThumb.com

Ellen Wells, Editor at Large for Green Profit and the person who made me look good with careful editing, sent me this note after it was published.

Hi Barbara-
Wanted to share some reader feedback with you:
“Just wanted to say that the February issue of GrowerTalks/GreenProfit is one of the best you've ever put together. Those of us who run garden centers are at the end of the growing/selling chain and the articles on woody ornamentals, DIY customers, and marketing veggies are timely and provide us with a wealth of information. We are growing our own vegetables from seed this year in anticipation of increased sales so when I flipped the magazine over to Grower Talks, I was thrilled to see the article on veggie culture.

We are planting a display garden this spring in a very prominent place that will showcase veggies, herbs, ground covers, and annuals all mixed together in a raised bed. Your article on veggies that suggested a "kit" which included a planting diagram was wonderful advice. I'm creating the diagram now while it's cold so we'll have it ready come April. The diagram should increase sales along with helping the customer succeed by suggesting varieties that anyone can grow.”

We couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks for your contribution to the issue.

Best,
Ellen

Sow Those Seeds!

Barbara — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:59:00 GMT

I always enjoy Verlyn Klinkenborg's column in the Sunday New York Times. He writes an editorial column called The Rural Life where he reflects on his life living in the country. They are brief but rich with experience and joy. There is a book with the same name, containing a collection of columns, available on Amazon.

This Sunday his column is particularly appealing. He is comparing these challenging times to the national crisis during World War II when Victory Gardens became prevalent. That movement helped generations of Americans become familiar with food gardening. Let's hope this current interest in local food and food gardening will encourage all generations to enjoy the pleasures of growing your own. Now is the time to Sow Those Seeds!

Here is a link..

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/opinion/15sun4.html

MGA Meeting Baltimore 1/5-7/09

Barbara — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:24:00 GMT

It was a great meeting and the mood of our members about the coming season was very positive! The feeling is that edibles will be particularly successful. 2008 saw big growth over 2007 and it seems that trend will continue. How nice that my area of expertise is right in step!

Our speakers were fabulous and included Ian Baldwin, a renowned consultant to lawn and garden retail stores. He explained that while the baby boomers represent the majority of our member company’s customers, the promising group of customers for the future is generations X and Y, the 18-44 year olds. There are about the same number of them as there are of us!

That same theme resonated through the talks and the huge plus for the mail order gardening is that we already know the internet inside out. Ian pointed out that the young folks are tied to this method of communication...they still want catalogs, but will be ordering and want as much information as possible from member web sites. Many local garden centers and big box stores, are way behind MGA companies in this area.

The future looks great for companies that have strong marketing plans, have web sites that pop, provide lots of information that is geared for people who have very little basic knowledge of gardening, and that maximize their presence in social network opportunities.

The summer meeting is in Minneapolis, MN. Dates are 7/14-17. Hope to see you there.

Proposition 2 in California

Barbara — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:33:00 GMT

As is so often the case, California is leading the way on an important issue. Here is a quote from the article in today's NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/26/magazine/26animal-t.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

"Proposition 2, co-sponsored by the Humane Society and Farm Sanctuary, the biggest farm-animal-rights group in the United States, focuses on what are considered the worst animal-confinement systems in factory farms. The ballot initiative, which voters will decide on Nov. 4, requires that by 2015 farm animals be able to stand up, lie down, turn around and fully extend their limbs. In effect that translates into a ban on the two-foot-wide crates that tightly confine pregnant pigs and calves raised for veal — a space so small that they can’t turn around. And it would eliminate so-called battery cages where four or more hens share a space about the size of a file drawer."

This is so exciting! Please read the whole article! It looks very favorable for a passage of the Proposition and hopefully that will led to further action in other states. According to the article, large meat producers such as Smithfield Foods are listening. And while they say they are not bending to activist or voter pressure and simply complying with request of McDonald's and supermarkets (good news in itself!!), changes are being made in the conditions of quarters for their animals.

Hooray for Wayne Pacelle, President of the Human Society of the United States, the organization responsible for the Proposition.

Simple steps towards a healthier economy. Sun food vs. oil food.

Barbara — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:28:00 GMT

This article by Michael Pollan from Sunday’s NY Times spoke to me. It gave me hope in these truly troubled times by offering a solution because everyone can do their part to help in an immediate way. Perhaps the impact is so strong for me because the past few weeks of extreme stock market volatility and the emotionally charged Presidential race have taken their toll. Additional good news is that I know venturing out into my own vegetable garden really does help to lift my spirits.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/magazine/12policy-t.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

It is a long article. If you take the time to read the whole thing, you will be rewarded with hope. For those who don’t have the time, here is a quick overview. The bottom line is that an overhaul of our current food system, with its high dependence on fossil fuels, must be a major focus for the next President. The solutions offered by Michael Pollan are simple, less costly in the long run, and everyone can participate.

We are already seeing steps in a better direction. The sizes of factory farms in the Midwest are being reduced as farmers take part of their land to grow diversified crops for local farmer’s markets. CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) programs are increasing in numbers across America.

Most important is that every individual can participate by growing their own food if they have the space, buying local, and supporting government leaders who embrace this concept. Here is a link that will help you find out about local food in your area. Enjoy!

http://www.umassvegetable.org/food_farming_systems/csa/resources.html

IGC Show Chicago

Barbara — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:22:00 GMT

The Independent Garden Center Show is an annual trade show put on by Nursery Retailer magazine. Attending the Hardware Show and the IGC Show help me keep up-to-date on the newest trends in lawn and garden and aware of new products that can help my clients be more successful.

The magazine invites owners and managers of independent garden centers to come to the show to visit with key suppliers to their channel in a trade show environment. These buyers are treated very well...one of the gifts was a great carryall that is just the right size for a laptop and all the assorted brochures, etc. that one accumulates at shows like this. There were two free evening parties (including a concert by the band "Kansas") sponsored by exhibitors to add to the fun.

The positive energy at the show was extraordinary. Even though the doors opened 1/2 hour late the first day, my guess is that all of the attendees were delighted they came. On the whole, high quality products were offered and many exhibitors offered special pricing at the show. The aisles were not too wide...one felt that there was a good crowd as people moved from booth to booth.

The exhibitors saw great traffic and they were ready to take orders. Several of the exhibitors that I talked with said that the show paid for itself and in this business, that is not always the case. I talked with many old friends and formed some new connections both for Johnstone Advantage and my company Have Green Thumb. And it was great to see so many members of the Mailorder Gardening Association there looking for new products for their businesses!

Even though I was there for all three days, it wasn't enough time to talk with everyone that I wanted to. I left excited but a little frustrated because I wasn't able to see everyone that I would have liked to see. Oh well, there is always MANTS and the MGA meeting in January!

Column in today's New York Times

Barbara — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:34:00 GMT

Thought this might be of interest as a follow up to yesterday's message. It is helping to clarify my thinking.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/opinion/31kristof.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Ira Glass talks with David Letterman about chickens

Barbara — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:27:00 GMT

I saw this interview on You Tube and couldn't resist sharing the story because it centers on my dilemma. I buy chicken that is said to be antibiotic free and "free range" but that is not the full story of store-bought poultry...the "range" is outside but the food is inside. Guess where they all stay.

My chickens are living a much more comfortable life than their kin who are headed for grocery shelves and living on the best free range farms...no one there would ever give them papaya, an occasional taste of pasta, or fresh corn cobs after the kernels have been eaten by the humans. But I simply can't imagine eating them. And even if they were chickens with no names and therefore not designated as pets, I am not sure that I could. So how can I justify eating the store bought ones???

Ira Glass tells you his story here. Don't be put off by the time it appears to take...it is only about 5 minutes and well worth the visit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1TcL0wZ-pM

Independent Garden Center Show in Chicago

Barbara — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:21:00 GMT

I will be attending the IGC Show August 19th and 20th. This is a trade show where owners and managers of independent garden centers can come to see the newest products available that are specifically marketed to their channel. I am working with Tim Johnstone of Johnstone Advantage and would be happy to set up a meeting to discuss how we can help grow your business. Please send me a note if you would like to set up a meeting.

More to come after the show.

Mailorder Gardening Association Update

Barbara — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:56:00 GMT

I just returned from Colorado Springs where the summer meeting of the Mailorder Gardening Association was held. MGA is the only trade association for business that are specifically selling plants, seeds, garden tools and other garden accessories direct to the consumer. Have Green Thumb is an Allied Member. We specialize in helping lawn and garden companies with their sales and marketing challenges and the meetings are an outstanding opportunity to see the people I do business with (or would like to do business with!) The purpose of the meetings is primarily education . . . there is not a "trade show" attached. Plenty of opportunity is given to networking and informal conversation as well.

The meeting was well attended and the speakers were well-received. Representatives from Lenser spoke about list hygiene; Amy Africa from Eight by Eight gave a talk on how to make a web site as powerful as possible; three direct marketing experts critiqued member catalogs; three experts on internet safety spoke about online security; and Kip Creel from Standpoint Marketing led a session that helped members focus on their marketing mix and what can be cone to improve in these tough times. We wrapped up with a focus group of gardeners from the Colorado Springs area...these are always popular and members had lots of questions.

If you would like to know more about the MGA or have questions about any of the topics mentioned above, please send me a note and I would be happy to help.

Black from Tula Tomatoes

Barbara — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:13:00 GMT

I have grown these particular heirloom tomatoes for two years now and they are delicious. My mouth waters just thinking about this year's crop that are still little green balls. Anyone can grow tomatoes if they have 8 hours of sun and enough room in that spot for a five gallon bucket. But better than a plain bucket is a self-watering container. I have tried containers from Earthbox, Gardener's Supply and Lechuza and they all are effective. The Lechuza ones are more expensive but the bright colors help them to become a focal point on a deck.

You can grow pretty much any vegetable in a container...if you would like to know more, write me a note with your question.