Betty Fikes Pillsbury

If you live in upstate New York, and currently smell sweetness in the air, it is quite possibly the heavenly scent of Black Locust trees in bloom.  Robinia pseudoacacia grows 40-100 feet.  In early June, it has wondrous clusters of white flowers which look similar to wisteria.  I have several black locust trees on my property […]

Making Elderberry syrup by Betty Fikes Pillsbury “Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!” If you are a Monty Python fan, you will recognize that quote.  If you are not a Monty Python fan, look it up! Folklore holds that sitting under an elder on Midsummer allows one to see the […]

“Won’t you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you.” – Richard Brinsley Sheridan Some of the roses grown in my garden include: Row 1: Constance Spry, Alchymyst, Paul’s Himalayan Musk Row 2: Rugosas:  Therese Bugnet, Rubra, Alba Row 3: Konigen Von Danemark, Eglantine (leaves smell like green apples!), Mary Row 4: […]

Are dandelions taking over your “lawn”?   Dandelions are healthful and pretty darned tasty.  Forage your lawn – one that has NOT been sprayed with any chemicals.  Betty Fikes Pillsbury shows you an easy refrigerator pickle recipe for the buds of dandelions. Here’s a video showing how to make Pickled Dandelion Buds…delicious!!

How to make a soothing tea for a sore throat using fresh ginger and dried sage.