Tomatillo Salsa
Summer has faded into fall. In the permaculture garden at Minnetrista, our tomatillos gave us buckets of fruit! But we ran into a problem: what to do with the produce that can’t be eaten right away? Luckily for us, the answer was easy–salsa! Recently, the Permaculture Initiative hosted their first canning event and participants made six quarts of tomatillo salsa.
Pumpkin: How can I preserve it?
It’s pumpkin time! Pumpkin pie ice cream, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pie, pumpkin…everything! It is the time of the year when people start thinking about ways to keep pumpkin around longer because they love it so much. “How can I preserve it?” “Can I make pumpkin pie filling and store it in a jar?”
101 New Uses for Ball Jars
Everything that is old is new again, or so it seems. During the past few years, ideas for using Ball jars for everything but canning have been everywhere – on Pinterest, in magazines, in craft supply stores, etc. And, of course, is it even possible to have a wedding reception without Ball jars anymore?
The Living Lightly Fair
The Living Lightly Fair, will be held at Minnetrista on September 19 from 9–4 p.m. It is an annual celebration of resources for sustainable lifestyles. This year’s fair features ten engaging speakers, interactive kids’ activities, live music, a marketplace of green vendors, youth dance performances, food demos, the opportunity to test drive a hybrid car, and an expired medication drop-off.
Open Space: Art About the Land
I’m going to veer off of the featured historical artifact path and talk about the upcoming Open Space: Art About the Land juried art exhibition opening September 19 at Minnetrista. Early in 2001, Muncie artist Brian Gordy asked, “Would you be interested in collaborating with Red-tail Land Conservancy on a juried art show?” Of course, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” And, thus, a lovely partnership began.
Propagating Strawberries
Who doesn’t love strawberries? My impromptu survey of the horticulture staff at Minnetrista indicates that strawberries may be the most popular fruit. Luckily for everyone, fall is the time to spread the wealth! Here is how you can turn one strawberry plant into dozens to share with your friends.
Things to Remember while Pressure Canning
There is something about a pressure canner that baffles people. Some may recall horror stories from grandmothers and/or mothers that detail canner explosions, jars not sealing, or more. Others may have noticed recent news articles with growing concerns of botulism outbreaks in canned goods. Botulism is a type of food poisoning caused by a bacterium growing on improperly sterilized canned meats and other preserved foods. Stories like these that we have heard or read about have led people to misunderstand some aspects of pressure canning.
Memories of Childhood on the Boulevard, Part II
Last month, I shared stories of growing up on Minnetrista Boulevard from Janice, Helen, and their cousin Doris Mauck. This month, we’ll check out the memories of sisters Lucy, Margaret, and Rosemary. Their parents were Frank C. and Elizabeth “Bessie” Brady Ball.
Minnetrista Collects Maps
With a great map in hand, you can dream about exploring a different city, state, country, or continent. You can even go back in time and, in some cases, way, way back in time. One of more than 80 maps in the collection donated by Edmund F. Ball is titled America Novi Orbis, Nova Descriptio. The black and white wood-engraved map from a 1588 – yes, that is the correct date – atlas shows a much different America than the one we know.
Joe-Pye Weed: A Towering Beauty
Of the herbaceous perennials at Minnetrista, Joe-Pye weed is one of the skyscrapers, reaching 7–8 feet tall. Although it’s slow to get going—it’s one of the last plants to start growing in spring—its height soon surpasses most plants around it.
Memories of Childhood on the Boulevard, Part I
Along with the usual contents such as community memorabilia and newspaper articles, there are some very special letters included in the Minnetrista cornerstone. They were written by Janice Ball Fisher, Helen Ball Robinson, Lucy Ball Owsley, Rosemary Ball Bracken, and their cousin Doris Mauck Friedrichs.
Diamond Heels Hattie Wows Muncie
In the early 20th century, Harriett Mitchell Anthony, a.k.a. “Diamond Heels Hattie” and “Hattie Bell” made quite a splash in her hometown of Muncie for her extraordinary clothing and for her shoes set with diamonds in the heels.
Watch Out! Crown Rot is Here
About this time last summer, I briefly mentioned a plant disease the gardeners and I were dealing with in the Minnetrista Boulevard planting bed. Called crown rot or southern blight, it was making quick work of hostas.
One year later, I wanted to write about it again, because guess what? We still have it and it is killing more hostas.
Three to Four Million Lids Made Per Day in Muncie!
Recently, I spent a pleasant lunch hour talking about the Ball family and the history of the company with approximately forty Jarden Home Brand employees. Jarden, of course, holds the license to make Ball jars. The company also manufactures the lids and bands for all canning jars at a facility located on the former site of Ball Brothers Company at Memorial Drive and Macedonia Avenue.
Perma—What?!
Behind The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista, there is a secret garden. Unassuming as it is, you might walk right past it. But take a closer look. This garden is bursting with food! And people! And…dogs? This is the Permaculture Demonstration Garden at Minnetrista, started in partnership with The Permaculture Initiative.
Remember, remember the rules for the canner!
This is not the first time I have written a blog like this. However, I think this information bears repeating. It is the beginning of garden season. Many of us who want a veggie garden already have the plants in the ground. This also means it is coming into the season for some heavy duty canning.
Happy Anniversary, Oakhurst
In March, I told you about the renovation work that will be done at Oakhurst this summer. There have been some delays, but the work is starting now, just in time to mark the twentieth anniversary of the public opening of the house on May 27. This year also marks 120 years since George and Frances Ball moved into the house.
The Mighty Portland High School
Two disclaimers to this article: (1) This photo is not a featured artifact from the Minnetrista Heritage Collection, and (2) I am not a football fan. However, I do know a good story when I hear one.