It’s official, summer’s here and sure signs of seasonal change come from our gardens.

While the rosemary, oregano and lettuce, (pic above), on our deck are ripe for the picking, the basil and tomato plants are still in their infancy. This past weekend, we cooked up some rosemary roasted potatoes which were sweet as candy, and pasta primavera with fresh oregano, garlic, basil, zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes which I’m happy to say, might have been our tastiest sauce ever. Cooking can be more rewarding when the ingredients come from your own efforts.

It just doesn’t get any more “local” than picking homegrown from your own garden. Growing your own is also a true test of whether or not you really have a “green thumb.” Our buddy Frank is a testament to green-ness, having transformed his backyard into a patchwork of fresh produce. Not an easy feat, given mountain climate conditions.

Beginning this past spring he started growing lettuce from inexpensive seeds, and now the Arugula, Boston lettuce and endive are thriving. Thanks to him, we have some growing happily in a planter on our deck. Frank’s mini farm also features: snow peas, snap peas, radish, tomato, garlic, currants, with colorful beets and squash on the way. Such sweet inspiration, his garden has really taken off.

These hand-made, Vegan Classic Ties from Soft Star are suitable for both kiddie formals or the next play date in the sandbox.

Machine washable, scuff and stain resistant, and made of animal-free simulated leather (polyurethane).

$34 @ wilddill.com

Related:

previously on altCon, (3.25.08) eco shoes – personal faves for spring

• We need a Manhattan Project for energy technology. Technology Could Combat Energy Challenges: IEA – reuters
• We should not be waiving laws…Court Rejects Border Fence Case – msnbc
• The Water Shortage Myth - livescience
• As celebrity endorsements go, this is less than compelling…Alan Thicke Scores All-Electric BMW Cooper: Promotes Tech – ecorazzi
• I know we don’t have many bees around…EU to Tighten Pesticide Controls – bbc
• Robot Snakes Slither Forward – cnet
• I guess this only works for women and very… large men…Sports Bra Saves US Hiker in German Alps – ap/myway

Eco savvy Alternative Consumers who care about the environment, style, and fashion ethics have a wonderful, new place to find eco chic threads with ethical cred — deuxfm.

Fair Trade and fair labor made, this Canadian based house of sustainable style fashions beautiful, chic styles from renewable, chemical-free, breathable and comfy, bamboo. Find cool summer dresses, shorts, skirts, tops, bathing suits and more @ deuxfm.com/

If you haul around a bucket-full of cables and chargers in your briefcase you might want to consider investing in the Ultrabattery. This stylishly simple charger from Datexx can give you multiple charges of your cell phone or other small devices. It packs the rechargeable power of three cell phone batteries.

Charges iPhone, Blackberry, Sony PSP, iPod and over 1,200 other devices by changing adapters. Charges through your USB port.

It features a twin cable that allows you to charge 2 devices and the Ultrabattery at the same time overnight.

$45 @ datexx.com

• Greed. Oil Prices Surge Despite Saudi Pledge – cnn.com
• National Park Bay in NYC is Boat Graveyard – msnbc
• Get over yourself, Bill…Clinton Praises Obama’s Greenhouse Policy, Sort of – reuters
• Bitchin’! Colin Firth’s Green Store has an Awesome Vertical Garden – ecorazzi
• (video) Rejected Tiger Adopted by Dog – bbc
• We’ve got enough acid rain already. Opposition Mounts to Clean Air Change Affecting Parks – yahoo! news
• Outdoors in Chicago? Watch Out for the Black Birds – breitbart

We love our organic cotton tees, and it’s never too early to learn a thing or two.

North Carolina-based, When I Grow Up makes 100% certified organic cotton tees for kiddies. Using water based colors, their sweet designs are intended to teach values: charity, compassion, Earth and health. For early sprouts these soft, comfy tees are made in the USA, come in sizes 2T, 4T and 6T and are reasonably priced at $22. Learn more @ whenigrowupiwill.com

Check out this ride. Makes me want to take up the game. (okay, I already have)

Here’s a cool rig, an electric golf cart that can be charged by either the sun or plug-in. The 72 photovoltaic cells built into the roof provide up to 33% more range between charges than a typical electric cart. With a 5.5 horse-power motor, headlights, brake lights, turn indicators, rack and pinion steering, horn, ability to climb a 28-degree incline and max-out as 24 mph, this is a sweet machine for the greens.

The cart’s 160 watt array produces up to three amps per hour for its 48-volt rechargeable battery system providing up to 49 miles of power, the approx. equivalent of up to 10 rounds of golf, before needing to be recharged. The solar panels extend the life of the battery system by 60% more than conventional carts.

If I had nine grand to drop on this, I’d use this rig for more than just playing golf.

more @ hammacher schlemmer

Organic Stereo, the brand spanking new U.K. based fashion line is having a 25% off sale until June 25th to celebrate the launch of their website.

Threads made of certified organic cotton, with eco-friendly printing and dyes, buttons made of recycled paper, and shipped to shops in biodegradable plastic bags. All that green-ness and the stuff looks good, too.

get more info and pricing @ www.organicstereo.com