As our enthusiasm mounts about the impending improvements to our neglected backyard (which will include a new fence, redesign of the bluestone layout and the importation of some sod), we took Miss Brownstoner along to the much-lauded GRDN shop at 103 Hoyt in Boerum Hill. We decided to start there, rather than the Gowanus Nursery (which we fully intend to graduate to), because we are absolute novices and needed a small, well curated shop for our first foray. GRDN fits the bill. The saleswoman there was incredibly helpful in selecting the plants for a window box, which seemed like a good way to get our feet wet. We chose two very simple cedar boxes and four plants for each. The biggest challenge was convincing Miss B that not everything had to be pink. Evidently, we are getting a late start, as the two other places we looked were out of potting soil. (Our neighbours very generously gave us a bag). Our green-ness (no pun intended) was underscored when we got to potting and found we had no gloves or shovel. We did manage to finish one box and went to bed with images of heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs and peonies dancing in our heads. — Mrs. B
For the Urban Gardener [GRDN] GMAP