An email friend gifted me a great book idea by John Kallas, PhD titled: Edible Wild
Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate, 2010 Gibbs Smith publishers.
www.wildfoodadventures.com

This is the first book in a series (I was told) that this foraging expert plans
to write. This first book focuses on the most readily available greens.
I think it is perfect for those of you in cities as well as for those of
you out in the country as you will quickly learn to see the wild foods
readily available all around you.

The author focuses on the best parts of the plants to use, and even
recipes. I think he took the time to do so as most people are put off on
harvesting "weeds," let alone when they actually try one (think
dandelion leaves), they think, "Yuck, this stuff tastes awful." This is
not a pocket field guide for the quick I.D. of a plant, but more of an
in-depth look at the plant, look a likes, and the best ways to utilize
said plant. That being said, it is not tedious to find the plant or info
you are after.

The chapter on the Mallow plant alone should be enough to get most
people out in their yards hunting and pecking for a wonderful Nature
provided treat. Recipes for this plant include: various "mumbo" gumbo
recipes, Mallow confections using Mallow whites for items like whipped
cream, meringues, and "Mallowmallows." Yes, the Mallow plant is a cousin
to the Marsh Mallow plant!

The cover and paper used in the book are high gloss and will hold up to
years of thumbing through, even from going in and out of a backpack on a
"less than ideal weather condition" trip. The photography is excellent
and I believe was shot by the author as well. It has the DK/Eyewitness
books feel to it which I just love! I think his goal is for people to
really "learn the plant" so you will recognize it anywhere.

Country Art by Robert Duncan

Today I want to share with you some wonderful Country Art I found. Also you can purchase calenders for the upcoming year 2011. Just visit the web sight of Robert Duncan Artist at the link here!

http://www.robertduncanstudios.com/

Robert Duncans Paintings

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Robert Duncans Paintings

View more presentations from John Wold.

Knee High Corn by the 4th of July

I don't know where the saying "knee high by the fourth of July" came from in regards to corn, but I'd be worried if we arrived at this point of summer and my corn was still just knee high.

But no worries here! My new-to-me corn variety, 'Spring Treat' is way taller than "knee high" and is tasseling now.