was extremely surprised to discover just how toxic some could be—leaching ar
senic and chromium into the beds and plants.)
My selection included beets (various colors), broccoli, cantaloupe (on a high
trellis), garlic, lettuce, green onions, parsley (Italian), New Zealand spinach (on
a trellis), Swiss chard, garden cress, mâche, bok choy, and spring raab (also called
broccoli rabe). I also decided to have a section for herbs, including basil, rose
mary, dill, cilantro, marjoram, and mint.
I also chose a fair sprinkling of flowers to interact with the vegetables, as well
as to entice Treena into the greenhouse to join me for a cup of tea on a blustery
afternoon. I knew that she’d find joy in a few cold-tolerant flowers, such as pan
sies, sweetpeas, nasturtiums, snapdragons, marigolds, geraniums, chrysanthe
mums, primroses, and cyclamen. There are also some hardy bulbs that do well,
like hyacinth, crocus, and snowdrops.
As it turned out, the winter crop was disappointing but a great learning expe
rience. I now have a more modest plan for next winter, which includes spring raab
and mâche plus a few flowers, and several vegetables for food bank donations, such
as broccoli and Swiss chard. I’ve already added two citrus trees: a kefir lime and a
Meyer lemon. These will go out in the summer and return in the fall in 16-inch
diameter containers. But afternoon teas with Treena remain fi rmly planted.13. The Greenhouse
A while back we had invested heavily in one of those above
ground swimming pools (with a water pump) that sat on a
concrete slab. It didn’t work for us.
Fortunately, we found a buyer who profited hugely by
our mistake, and we were left with a grand slab of concrete
(about 16×8 feet), a water and an electrical supply, and a
small but gratefully received check.
Serendipity strikes again! The slab turned out to be just
the size for a greenhouse and in exactly the right spot. A42 • GROWING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE