Sod Furniture

Today I discovered a site called StumbleUpon. After I downloaded the toolbar I now have, just a click away, a never-ending supply of websites on the subjects I have checked off. We are also encouraged to rate and submit sites. Its a little faster than using a search engine, and there is the happy element of surprise. Of course the downside is that you don't get anything else done!!

from The Farm Show website
As I was stumbling around I found an interesting site about a new magazine in the UK, which yielded this article about lawn furniture and how to make it. Now this isn't the kind of furniture you buy and place on your lawn, rather this is made out of turf!! Check out the article. They call is a grass pouffe. Others call it sod furniture, organic furniture, or grass furniture. I guess it would be a bit of a pain to mow/clip, but it sure looks a great conversation piece!! More instructions here.


The article was written by Greg Tate. A quick trip to his website revealed these stunning creations pictured above.

Anyone Have Recipes for Garlic Scapes?

Since Rachel replied to my post below I realized that I am not the only person who eats garlic scapes. Therefore there must be some delicious recipes out there. Anyone want to share theirs?

Garlic Scapes

Most of the supermarket garlic is softneck garlic, but if you happen to grow hardneck garlic (such as varieties from the Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe groups) you will have flower scapes that should be cut off at this time of the year (in my Zone 5 climate).

Besides the scapes making one of the most beautiful shapes in nature, they are also delicious to eat. My friends at Boundary Garlic insure that I have a couple of huge bags of them in the fridge. They keep for at least a month.


The part beyond the bulge (it ends in a point) is really tough, so I always cut it off just below the bulge. Then they can be oiled and barbecued or marinated:

Marinated Garlic Scapes

Steamed garlic scapes, cut into bite-sized pieces
Raw red onion (or other mild onion), thinly sliced
Red pepper strips, lightly steamed
Equal amounts of olive oil and lemon juice
Chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, mint, etc, alone or in combination)

Mix oil, lemon juice and herbs in bottom of bowl. Add vegies. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Toss then refridgerate for about an hour.

I have also left the scapes to dry for use in dried flower arrangements. They loose some of their curl, but are still very interesting. I understand that in Japan the fresh scapes are popular for arranging.