A Note for Your Pad Spring 2017

PAD

NOTE FOR YOUR

SPRING 2017

The Botanical Balcony

CONTAINER GARDENS ARE VERSATILE + EASY

by Ryan Boswell, Uptown Farmer-in-Residence Spring has sprung, and the season is off to a very wet start. But in Arkansas, we can rarely count on the weather to stay the same for long. The old adage goes, “Don’t like the weather? Just wait a few hours, and it’ll all be different.”

So how can you be the kind of garden ninja that keeps up with Mother Nature? First off, don’t overdo it. There is nothing more disappointing than investing the time and energy in planning a spring garden, just to see the summer heat, a busy schedule, or plain old “burnout” obliterate all the hard work. But the surest way to keep those spring dreams of flowers and veggies on track with that future “I’m sweating just thinking about being outside” summer reality is to plant a container garden.

Whether you fancy yourself a “green thumb” or not, everyone can try their hand at container gardening. There are three simple considerations when transforming your patio or balcony into the next Garden of Eden: Choose plants to fit your life, the right container, and sun, soil & water.

Choosing Plants Herbs, flowers, and veggies are all great choices for your container garden. When choosing what you want to grow, think about what you’re likely to enjoy the most. Basil for homemade pesto or summer cocktails? Sun-loving zinnias for a flash of color and food source for pollinators? Or the irresistible flavor of a fresh-off-the-vine, warmed by sun, heirloom tomato?

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MAY

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Block Street Block Party School is out for summer, which means it’s time for Fayetteville’s homegrown festival. Dozens of bands, more than 125 arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and a whole lot of fun! Don’t miss the waiters’ race, where Fayetteville’s finest servers will navigate a course without running while carrying a fully loaded tray. Noon ‘til 9pm in Downtown Fayetteville.

JUNE Experience PIE!

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Neighbors at Wilson Park Apartments gather in the community garden for spring planting and a drink or two.

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Fayetteville’s First Thursday festical returns with a fresh new twist. Each festival will have a theme, and June is all about…pie! Several different takes on a fried pie – from southern fried pies to empanadas - art from local artists, craft beer, interactive activities and live music from Mike Hosty gives you a chance to welcome the summer season and celebrate Fayetteville with all your senses.

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The Botanical Balcony (from Page 1)

RECIPE: FRESH HERB BUTTER Emalie shares this fave recipe via The Pioneer Woman. Quick and easy to make with herbs from your community garden or container garden.

Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, parsley, or whatever you love) ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground pepper Instructions: Whip the butter in a mixer (or by hand, in a bowl with a fork). Once the butter is fluffy, mix in your herbs and spices. Scoop your butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and roll the butter into a log (1 to 1.5 inches across), wrapping tightly. Chill for at least 2 hours.

When ready to use or serve, cut the butter into thin rounds.

Use this herb butter in place of regular butter in making garlic bread, or spread on rolls. Dollop it onto baked potatoes. Cook chicken and steak with it. Cook vegetables in it, or drizzle it on after cooking—sweet potato fries baked in herb butter? PLEASE. Note: If you are dairy-free or vegan, you can also use coconut oil or vegan butter in making this recipe!

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Make Magic at Mealtime with Fresh Herbs

ENJOY HERBS FROM YOUR COMMUNITY GARDEN

by Emalie Cockrell In recent years, I’ve discovered the magical effect of fresh herbs in food—verdant cilantro in guacamole, fragrant basil garnishing caprese, mint leaves steeping in lemonades. But fresh herbs require different storage, ratios, and techniques than their dried, pantry counterparts. For those of us who live near a community garden, here are a few quick tips for using fresh herbs in your favorite recipes (and a suggestion for a new one!)

The best time to pick herbs is in the morning, while the plant is still dewy. In general, look for well-formed, bright stems and leaves, without any holes or defects. Using scissors or a knife, pick the top third of the stem (most herbs will continue to grow.)

To wash herbs, fill a bowl with cool water and swirl them around gently. Use your hands or a slotted spoon to remove them, and dry using paper towels or a salad spinner. For tender herbs, pinch the stem firmly and slide your finger and thumb along its length to remove the leaves. For an easy, time-saving hack, use kitchen scissors instead of a knife to chop up your herbs!

It’s easy to use fresh herbs in place of their dried counterparts in a recipe you normally make: use a 1.5 ratio of fresh, chopped herbs to dried (e.g., 1.5 tbsp of fresh oregano instead of 1 tbsp dried). If you’re getting creative, add a whole stem of rosemary or savory to sauces and soups. Cut basil into long strips and toss it with salad leaves or pasta just before serving. Get playful! Fresh garden herbs can transform a normal dish into a spectacular one.

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Maybe you travel a lot for work and would prefer a lowmaintenance succulent that will still be thriving after a week on the road. All of these are possible with the right container, the right preparation, and the appropriate amount of attention and care.

The Right Container One of the most important considerations when planning your container garden is…well…the container! Most plants are likely to need a variety of containers throughout their lifecycle. Young plants are sold or started in small containers, like a four-inch pot. Small containers require less soil for young plants, and help the seedling develop a strong root system as it takes over all available space. As the plant matures it can become stunted in size and more susceptible to disease if not transplanted into a larger container.

Researching the plants you wish to cultivate and considering how large the plant will grow (both above ground and its root system below ground) will guide your choices when selecting a container. A container can be as simple as a plastic five-gallon bucket (great for tomatoes) or as quirky as an old tea pot (perfect for low growing herbs like thyme). Be sure the container drains easily and holds the right amount of soil for your plant.

Soil, Sun, and Water Just about every terrestrial plant on earth requires soil, sun, and water to survive. Each plant has specific needs, but most will tolerate a range of conditions with all three inputs. When preparing your container garden, the right soil mix lays a foundation for success. For best results, choose an organic soil blend like those available locally at the The Homestead at ONF. This soil blend can be supplemented with all kinds of fertilizers and minerals. Check online or in the public library for information on organic soil amendments.

Sunlight is another essential nutrient. Different plants require different amounts of sun exposure. Some prefer shade, others like partial shade, while some like direct sun all day. Choosing plants that fit the amount of sunlight that your container garden receives will help ensure success. Those who are lucky enough to have sun exposure from the south will have plenty of light all day. Remember: the more sunlight, the more you need to pay attention to watering.

The fastest way to turn your green thumb to a dry, crunchy, brown hue is to neglect to water your plants. Container plants dry out faster than plants that are rooted in the earth, so water vigilance is key. Watering daily or twice a day may be necessary during hot summer months. It’s best to water early in the morning or late at night. This gives plants more opportunity to make use of the water before the sun evaporates it away. One last thing to consider with water… do you have neighbors below who might not appreciate the shower? Saucers beneath your container plant can help retain water and avoid neighborly conflicts.

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“

The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway. ” -Michael Pollan

YOUR GARDEN HOTLINE Need advice on growing veggies, herbs, and flowers? Our Farmer-in-Residence is at your service! Email Ryan Boswell. farmer@uptownfay.com

WINNERS! Thank you to everyone who took the spring resident survey. We read every single one, and we try to implement your suggestions when we can - like new gym equipment at North Creekside Apartments. Congratulations to everyone who won a $50 Wood Stone Pizza gift card: Bryan S., Madison J., Sherri H., Derek R., and Patrick F., who also claimed the Walton Arts Center tickets.

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15 N. Church Avenue, Suite 103 Fayetteville AR, 72701

It’s Finally Garden Season!

This issue is all about apartment gardening! Uptown’s Farmer-inResidence tells all you need to know to create a verdant container garden for your porch or balcony, and Emalie Cockrell gives you yummy advice for spicing up your cooking using ingredients from your community garden!

OUR FAMILY OF COMMUNITIES In Fayetteville Willow Park Apartments ECO Modern Flats North Creekside Apartments Wilson Park Apartments Uptown Fayetteville Apartments In Rogers: Plantation Laura

Neighbors are digging in at the North Creekside Community Garden. Contact your manager to find out how to get involved.