Gotham Gardens in the Clouds

Jun 16

Herbal Heights

The New York City Chapter of the Garden Writers (GWA) held a meeting last night in Manhattan in one of those glorious rooftop gardens that inspire movies and poetry among artists and envy in gardeners – especially the urban gardener.

Ellen Spector Platt hosted the meeting cum dinner party at her building’s rooftop on the Upper East Side.

What's better than sitting in a garden in the sky, eating and drinking and talking about gardens?

Ellen explained she nurtures this garden solo.

I remarked how lucky her neighbors are that she takes care of the entire garden.

Without hesitation she asserted, “How lucky am I that I get to work in this garden every day?!”

The world of gardening took on a decidedly selfless and inclusive perspective from this height…

The rooftop garden with the view

Just like any proud gardener, Ellen couldn’t wait to take us on a garden tour – showing off her herbal and vegetable garden.

Ellen Spector with her herbs

Ellen and me (and the basil)

She told us about a quaint tradition she started a few years ago, encouraging neighbors to come to the garden and “Pinch an Inch” of the herbs to use in their cooking.

It’s like having your own private garden estate a mile up!

For those of you not in the neighborhood, enjoy the garden from the blog, “Garden Bytes From The Big Apple” http://www.gardenbytes.com

that is written and maintained by “The Two Ellens” as I heard them referred to.

That would be Ellen Spector and Ellen Zachos.

Zachos is an energized talent that is in constant motion. She is a singer, writer, gardener and also is the Garden Coordinator for The New York Botanical Garden’s Continuing Education program in Gardening.

Not to mention a wonderful supportive garden goddess. Whew!

Pictured is Ellen Zachos, Left talking it up with author Cindy Krezel

It was a Pot Luck Dinner. The buffet table laid out with fabulous food fare.

I brought the spicy wild arugula and mache from Satur Farms.

Eberhard Muller and his spectacular wife, Paulette Satur, own and manage Satur Farms.

Chef Eberhard is a legendary master chef and he will be featured in my book:

“The Long Island Homegrown Cookbook” about Master Chefs and the gardens that inspire them.

Satur Farms is an amazing operation. Beautiful, flavorful, clean vegetables and herbs picked and delivered fresh every day.

You can find Satur produce in all the best restaurants and in Whole Foods and Fairway.

Eberhard showing how the produce is cleaned and admiring a fresh-picked leek below

To top off the greens, I brought the edible flowers from Windfall Farms, from their stand at the Union Square Greenmarket. Pretty and colorful confetti of nasturtiums, violets, chamomile and johnny jump ups.

Just saw the talented and dreamy farmer, Kevin Caplicki there at Windfall Farms today.

We first met farmer Kevin and owner Morris Pitts last fall when we visited Windfall Farms for Savoy Restaurant’s Chef Peter Hoffman’s location of choice photo shoot for the book. It was the garden/farm that helps inspire his culinary art.

One look at their luscious vegetables and herbs and there is not doubt how the colors and textures seduce chefs and cooks…

HSNY Penthouse Perch

Great Rosarians of the World Lecture Series

Tomorrow, be sure to attend The Horticultural Society of New York event featuring Sarah Owens, Curator of the Cranford Rose Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

A horticulturist and ceramic artist, Sarah will speak about the beloved Rose and its ability to inspire artists.

I worked with Sarah at BBG and she contributed to the Fine Gardening team for Duchess Designs, LLC, my landscape design firm. She possesses an artist’s soul – and a Hollywood style that she makes her own! (People often say she looks like Julia Roberts)

But whether discussing roses with Martha Stewart on air or explaining best hort practices with a client, she is utterly charming.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see and hear Sarah.

Thursday, June 17^th

Celebrating Forgotten Treasures: The Use of Uncommon Roses in Today’s Landscape with Sarah Owens

http://tinyurl.com/22ktvma