Spring Gardening Gear, NoFo Plant Shops & Simple Grilled Asparagus

Sometimes, I stare out at our North Fork backyard in sheer disbelief.

I am having one of those moments as I write this week’s newsletter. It is a sunny 68 degrees, the electric awning is extended to shade the back deck, and birdsong echoes from every direction. A robin currently taking a bath in the pond and waterfall that anchors our yard. Little butterflies frolic in the sun—a sight that always reminds me of my dad.

I don’t mean for that to sound like a weird humble brag; I’m just incredibly grateful this is where we get to call home. And I am not even joking: two young deer just chased each other around the yard as I typed that sentence.

So yeah… “I can’t believe we get to live here” is a pretty common phrase around here.

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It wasn’t long ago that we were Brooklynites with a corner apartment in Williamsburg, within walking distance of pretty much anything we could possibly need. One day you’re taking an evening stroll to your favorite pizza spot, and the next, you’re waking up early to weed the garden and marvel at the cardinals building a nest in your backyard.

To say Justin and I have fully embraced our birdwatching and gardening era would be an understatement. As we head into our second summer on the North Fork, I want to share some of our go-to gardening gear, a few favorite local nurseries, and a moment of appreciation for the simplicity of grilled asparagus.

Essential Spring Gardening Gear

Permasteel Self-Watering Planter: For garden 2.0 this season, I wanted a few things right on the deck for easy access while cooking. This planter mostly holds my herb garden—rosemary, oregano, and my “fun basil” (purple, Thai, and bonsai). I also added my Thai chile for a quick hit of heat, plus strawberries, which are great for snacking and will produce fruit all summer. This planter is absolutely perfect for thirsty plants like herbs and strawberries because the self-watering feature provides consistent moisture while ensuring proper drainage so the roots never rot. (Justin just put it together a couple days ago, so I’ll report back later in the summer!)

Gardenheir Clogs: I have to highlight that Gardenheir is a fantastic New York-based company (up in Windham!). Their Italian-made clogs are 100% waterproof, lightweight, and incredibly comfy. They are so convenient for effortlessly slipping on and off at the door before heading out into the dirt.

Japanese Weeding Sickle (Nejiri Kama): The previous owner of our home left behind a stash of helpful tools, and this angled hand hoe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. The sharp blade is perfect for easily slicing through shallow, low-to-the-ground weeds that aggressively take over the garden beds in what feels like hours.

Where to Get Plants on the North Fork

• Papa’s Organic Plants (540 Rocky Point Road, East Marion): I loved chatting with owner Walter Gaipa here recently for the North Fork Sun. I am so excited about the scotch bonnet peppers I picked up for jerk marinades, plus the nutter butter squash for the fall. We also grabbed mini cucumbers, Asian eggplant, corn, tomatoes, and shishitos, among many others. (They have over 400 organic varieties to choose from!)

• Sang Lee Farms (25180 County Rd 48, Peconic): You’ve probably heard of their amazing farm stand and CSA, but they also sell phenomenal starter plants in the spring! I scooped up some fairytale eggplant, purple basil, and mint to fill in a few things I forgot on our Papa’s visit.

• Herrick’s Lane Farm (81 Herricks Ln, Jamesport): Another great spot for organic starter plants. It is the only place I know that sells the honey drop tomato, which is a super-sweet, golden-orange cherry tomato (similar to sungold but prone to less cracking.) They also have the BEST compost, which is self-serve at the farm stand!

• Colorful Gardens (24005 Main Rd, Jamesport): This spot is entirely self-serve on an honor system, and I was blown away by the sheer volume of flowers hidden behind the main building. We grabbed some beautiful blooms for our hanging baskets, as well as a few ranunculus for our back garden area.

• Garden Worx (1071 Main Rd, Aquebogue): A fantastic seasonal greenhouse right on the Main Road. We love to stop in whenever they are open, but right now is definitely their prime time. We picked up some annual flowers and dahlias that I will actively try not to kill this year (unlike my first year in the house!)

Hot Grill Summer: Simple Grilled Asparagus

For those who followed me over from Instagram, you’re probably already familiar with my annual “Hot Grill Summer” series, featuring accessible recipes throughout the warmer months. Before the big move, we’d have to film these on the roof of our Brooklyn apartment or rent Airbnbs with grills upstate. Now, we literally just get to step outside!

I kicked off Season 4 with a Memorial Day Weekend “clam bake,” swapping out the traditional corn for some gorgeous, thick-cut asparagus (alongside plenty of Little Neck clams and shrimp). While charring up the extra veggies, I was reminded just how incredible asparagus gets over an open flame. So, when I spotted this stunning mix of green and purple spears at Sang Lee, I knew exactly where it was going. My friend Marisa and I agreed, it was some of the best asparagus we’ve ever had!

I don’t always go for thick-cut asparagus because it can sometimes be a bit woody, but these were not in the slightest. The thicker stalks held up perfectly to the high heat without falling through the grates, and keeping the preparation simple is really the best approach when you have super fresh local produce like this.

I love my asparagus tossed in olive oil and seasoned simply with salt, fresh cracked pepper, and a little granulated garlic (sometimes I’m too lazy to chop fresh garlic and I find it can easily burn on the grill.) The little asparagus tops on the other hand… they get perfectly charred and crispy over the open flame. Before serving, top it with a shower of lemon zest.

Quick Grilled Asparagus

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch thick-cut asparagus (like the green and purple mix from Sang Lee), woody ends trimmed/snapped

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

• A dash of granulated garlic

• Fresh lemon zest, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Season: Toss the trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet with the olive oil, kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and granulated garlic until evenly coated.

3. Grill: Place the spears directly on the grill grates, perpendicular to the bars so they don’t fall through.

4. Char: Grill for 5-7 minutes, rolling them occasionally, until the stalks are tender and the tips have a nice, crispy char.

5. Finish: Remove from the grill and immediately finish with a shower of fresh lemon zest.

What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy asparagus? Drop them in the comments below!

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