Today we’re visiting with Art in Ada, Michigan, who has found a beautiful and unusual way to enjoy the bounty of the garden.
There was a time when I had an expansive garden in suburban Chicago, but inevitable downsizing led me in new directions. Now focusing on container gardens and a new wildflower garden for our community. I completed the MSU Master Gardener program in 2019 and was a finalist in container competition in Chicago in 2017.
Another way I like to look at my garden is how I can bring it to the dinner table. Here are a few examples of my beet salads that keep the garden always in view. OK, so the beets are from the local farmers market, but the herbs and flowers are all from my container garden. Add a little chèvre and balsamic reduction, and hey, it’s a fancy salad.
There isn’t any formula, inspiration, or other influence on how they are made. It’s all an “in the moment” creation. In addition to beets I like to use pears and other fruit, pistachios, and either chèvre (French) or blue (French or domestic) cheese. Edible flowers are finding their way into the plates as well. I grow sweet basil and Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum, annual), English thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Zones 5–9), lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus, Zones 6–9), chives (Allium schoenoprasum, Zones 3–9), Calendula (annual), nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus, annual), mojito mint (Mentha × villosa, Zones 4–9), a melon sage (Salvia elegans, Zones 8–11 or as an annual), and, of course, rosemary. Local farmers offer three types of beets (red, orange, and candy stripe) so I can mix and match as needed. I try to buy “salad-size” beets so I have an appropriate scale to work with.
Art’s “herb farm,” which comes in handy when dressing up meals. Herbs are a great choice for gardeners in small spaces and containers because a little bit of them goes a long way, and you can easily add them to nearly every meal you cook.
Another view of the herbs–and flowers–growing on the small porch to make a beautiful and productive space.
Two chairs and a table make a little breakfast nook, while planters on the railing add beauty.
The rest of the images are of Art’s incredible creative beet salads that show off the herbs and edible flowers he grows to perfection. Such a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of gardening!
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Comments
Fleuris là où tu es plantée" (Bloom where you are planted). You have done this to perfection. I know that if I were served one of those beet salads I may fall off your balcony they look so amazing. Well done and bravo to your both!
I love seeing things that would never occur to me to do. How creative and scrumptious looking.
Lovely.
Art - I enjoyed reading your gardening story and looking at your photos. Thank you for sharing!
Your salads are amazing- they are a form of garden art and I want one now!
Just love your little balcony garden, it too is artistic!
All very inspiring!
Very creative Art! Nice job!
You are aptly named Art !!!! Art creates art ! Fabulous!!!!
So absolutely delightful!!! Just starting with the plates you served your stunning salads on - where does one go from there? Heavenly! If I lived nearby, I would beg to be a guest at one (well, at least one) of your dinner parties!!! Thank you for taking the time to share with us all!
Art - I love beets and you've done them proud ;-) And a lovely & functional way to decorate your balcony!
Your little balcony garden and those beet salads are really beautiful! Yum all around!
Working with beads is a fantastic method to foster creativity while also improving fine motor skills. These wire and bead garden markers are a fun project to make with your kids! Brand Design Company
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