From hanging baskets of cascading orchids to pots of basil and rosemary by the kitchen door, Nonna’s garden is where the kitchen begins — and where birds, bees and butterflies are always welcome.
The island of Cres and Lošinj is famous for its wild aromatic herbs — sage, rosemary, myrtle and immortelle.
| Herb | Light | Water | Nonna uses it in… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Full sun, warm | Keep evenly moist | Pesto, Sunday sauce, Caprese |
| Rosemary | Full sun | Let dry between waterings | Roast potatoes, lamb, focaccia |
| Sage (kadulja) | Full sun | On the dry side | Sage butter gnocchi, pork medallions |
| Oregano | Full sun | Drought-tolerant | Marinara, pizza, grilled fish |
| Parsley | Sun to part shade | Evenly moist | Everything! Soups, fish, meatballs |
| Bay laurel | Sun, shelter in winter | Moderate | Soups, stews, brudet |
| Thyme | Full sun | Dry between waterings | Roast chicken, beans |
| Lavender | Full sun | Dry, great drainage | Sachets, bees, beauty |
Full guide: Growing a Mediterranean Herb Garden in Pots →
One spring a mourning dove chose one of Nonna’s wicker hanging baskets as the perfect nursery. Mourning doves usually lay two white eggs, and both parents take turns keeping them warm. The family watched quietly — and left the basket right where it was.
A mourning dove chose one of Nonna Do's wicker hanging baskets for her nest. Here's how to welcome doves and songbirds with plants, water and feeders, and how to care for a nest.
Basil for Sunday sauce, sage for gnocchi, rosemary for roast potatoes: how to grow Nonna Do's favorite Mediterranean herbs in pots, inspired by the wild herbs of Lošinj.
Your orchid finished blooming. Now what? Nonna Do's rebloom plan: the cool-night trick, the right light, her feeding calendar, spike care and what to do with a keiki.
Moth orchids, Cattleyas, dancing ladies, spider orchids and cane Dendrobiums: meet the orchids in Nonna Do's collection and learn what each one needs to thrive.
When to repot, what to have ready, and how to handle the roots gently: Nonna Do's step-by-step method for repotting orchids, plus the best potting mix for each type.
Ice cubes, weekly schedules, misting instead of watering: Nonna Do clears up seven common orchid watering myths and shows how to read your orchid's roots.
Container herbs and beginner vegetable gardens.
Beloved books to learn from, cook from and dream with.
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