The Chef’s Garden by HGEL will support the growing food revolution by promoting HGEL’s approach to hyper-locavorism. At our first location, the HGEL urban growers at the Chef’s Garden will work with the best and brightest chefs and mixologists on the hot Abbot Kinney restaurant row in the heart of Venice, custom growing the rare culinary ingredients their craft demands…. all with a minimal carbon footprint and sustainable organic practice.

We saw much this last week – evil, tragic loss of life and life-changing injury, courage and unity. I prefer to focus on and remember the shining light of the wondrous acts of bravery and kindness rather than the heinous acts of two.

What would our culinary creations be without the pretty pepper?

It seems to me that many times in our adult lives we abandon our bliss too quickly when we run into obstacles; not allowing time to figure a way through or around the thing blocking our way.

Cole Crops are a group of veggies that belong to the mustard family – Brassicaceae. The varieties included in this family are Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, Kale and Collards, and Kohlrabi.

IN HONOR OF WORLD WATER DAY! Many of us reap great harvests from our garden. What about harvesting rain? Yes, harvest our rain! Collecting rainwater is not a new concept! It is an ancient traditional practice. Historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago. Maybe it’s time to put some of these ancient techniques of rainwater harvesting back into practice!

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing

Spring equinox is March 20th around my part of the world and it’s coming up fast and furious. Now, I have to admit that doing my spring garden prep work was never a source of serious intestinal “knottage” in my earlier years. In fact it was a seasonal milestone that I really looked forward to…a sort of “back to school” feeling that everything was nothing but possibilities.

Two newer (to our commercial nurseries) citrus varieties sure to make you pucker up and kiss your nursery owner!

What makes a perfect Valentine’s Day? Many think it means material things given…a fine dinner, expensive jewelry, exotic perfume, a big box of chocolates. Really? I think all you and your love need do is spend some time in a garden. Well, ok…you can throw in the chocolates too.