Maeme's Clover Lawn

Gardens, growing and green things. These are all things our Maeme - as well as twin sister Callie live for. The spring starts with grow lights, leads to summer sun (and weeds) harvesting and perserving for the non-producing seasons. We love all things outdoors in the summer and have a soft spot in our hearts for pollinators. Growing up and even to this day our father is a bee keeper. On the homepage of rasberrys.net check out that little bee on his plump dandelion.

In the Wood River Valley area of Idaho where we are firmly planted, green lawns are abundant. We have fresh, cold water flowing down from the Sawtooth Mountains in the Big Wood River. Most years…but not always. Since 2007, the Wood River Land Trust (a local conservancy organization) has been working with homeowners and businesses alike with the Trout Friendly Program. It’s good for not only for the fish, but also promoting drought tolerant landscaping.

This year our own Maeme started a “clover lawn.” Clover uses less water and requires less maintenance than traditional lawns. The hardy white clover - the species predominantly used for clover lawns today - is actually a primary source for pollinators. In some areas of the world 30-60% of a bee’s nectar comes from this clover type.

If you are interested in learning more about Maeme’s clover lawn in downtown Hailey, Idaho stop into Rasberrys Bistro at 411 East 5th Street under Tribes. She would be happy to share her tips and tricks.

Container Gardening in Sun Valley, Idaho

While we all may not have acres of land, growing is a summer pastime with so many benefits. Containers come in all shapes and sizes and add beauty just as the green things they grow. Clay pots are attractive and sustainable and we mostly use this type. Many veggies flower and are a pretty compliment to non-edibles in a shared container.

A few key considerations when choosing your containers:

• drainage - make sure there are ample holes at the base and drip trays

• substrate - fill your container with compost, soil, gravel, etc. for optimal plant health

• fertilizer - produce and annual crops require lots of food. The smaller the container the more they need.

• sunlight - choose plants for your light conditions. This element is key to the plants thriving.

In our years of backyard gardening in the Hailey, Idaho area, we have found success with the following plants:

• Basil

• Chilis

• Cilantro

• Eggplant

• Kale

• Potatoes

• Rosemary

• Spinach

• Tarragon

• Tomatoes

There are a number of garden stores in the Wood River Valley. They are very knowledgeable and stock a nice assortment of product. Stay tuned for Maeme’s homemade “miracle grow”, she will be making some as the summer gets rolling.

Happy gardening!

Plant a Bee Garden

Bees and water are both important ingredients to growing the fresh food our community enjoys.  Rasberrys takes these major contributors very seriously as many of our fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes depend on them!  This spring we overhauled our gardens in a major way.  We brought in more veggies, bee friendly plants and flowers and overall reduced our water use.  It was a project, but we are looking forward to seeing increased production.  The next time you taste a fabulous ingredient as us - it may have been grown right here in the Wood River Valley.  

Here are a few ways to make your gardens bee friendly too:

• Rethink your lawn, can you add a few flowering plants?
• Select single flower tops like marigolds and daisys, the nectar is easier to access
• Skip the hydbridized plants, they don't produce alot of pollen
• Plan for blooms season round, providing a constant food source
• Build homes for native bees, this may mean things like loose soil, hollow reeds, water or mud
• Create a bee bath - fresh clean water source
• Consider a window container or rooftop if you do not have land

There are many free resources available on this topic a few are The Honeybee Conservancy, High Country Gardens and Pollinator Partnership