City Gardener

For the past five years it has been a distinct pleasure to volunteer my time at the Conservatory and Botanic Collection  at the University of Minnesota. Within those greenhouses I quickly learned there are many dangerous plants. For example, imagine having to relocate the pot of a 5-foot 30 pound cactus covered in 2-inch needles sharp enough to pierce almost any glove. As another example, imagine dividing and repotting an agave measuring 4 feet in height and diameter, with leaf edges as sharp as any knife blade. Many Euphorbia from Africa evolved to fill the same niche as American cacti The Desert Biome room at the greenhouse, filled with dangerous plants Despite all the dagger-like thorns and razor-edged leaves, these plants must still be cared for with regular watering, re-potting, pruning, and cleaning. Because the plants are precious, they must not be damaged in the process. But still, the slightest inattention might result in a painful skin puncture or laceration. Working with...

In April of this year I had the pleasure of backpacking along a 80-mile trail in Scotland, the Rob Roy Way . Situated in the Highlands near Glasgow, the trail begins near Loch Lomond and winds its way to the town of Pitlochry on the edge of the famous Cairngorms National Park in central Scotland. My partner and two other long-time friends and hiking buddies spread the 80 miles over 8 days.  Three highlights of the trip:  the lovely Highland scenery; the weather was delightful for hiking - cool-ish and dry; and there were no major injuries along the trail. Carpet of American Sitka spruce trees overlooking a small highland lake Tree harvest activity is visible for miles Focusing in on the scenery, it struck me how much of the landscape along the trail was occupied by cultivated plantations of pine trees. Before the trip, my naive idea of the Highlands was of windswept moors, heather, and stones. But, the reality of what I saw in this corner of Scotland was much more managed, wit...