Beyond Bread

What do the plants pictured below have in common, and it’s not what you might think. These common plants are actually food crops…read more at the end of the photos.

Cosmos sulphureus
Nepeta (catmint)
Polymnia
Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew)
Cyperus (nutsedge)

These are a few of the plants that can be used to make wheat bread…and flavorful bread at that. Yes, the kind you eat.

A fascinating 2017 research study from Tavria State Agrotechnological University in Ukraine describes how common garden plants (and weeds) can be used in the production of bread. Most people probably have little idea of the amazing research that goes on in Ukraine. If you’re curious to give it a try, here is the link to the original research publication.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainians as they endure the horrific invasion of their wonderful country.

Purple Haze Cat Nip

Nepeta Purple Haze by gh10Here’s a shot I took of my favorite catnip in the garden, Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’.  It’s been looking like this for the past few weeks in the garden.  It looks quite different from other catnips on the market, but we think it’s pretty special. Full sun and well-drained soil are all it requires.