In the Garden with Scandal's Darby Stanchfield

While weekdays find her working with her fellow “Gladiators in suits” on the studio lot, Scandal's Darby Stanchfield (who plays sassy White House Press Secretary Abby/Gabby and if you are a true fan you will get the last reference) spends her weekends in the garden.  

 I caught up with the Alaska native this past June for a piece in the September issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Not only is she stunning, accomplished and utterly delightful, she is quite the natural gardener and cook.

Darby  grew up fishing for king crab and red salmon along with mushroom hunting and berry picking and today stays true to her culinary roots. “Eating the indigenous foods of that climate were something that influenced me at an early age,” she says.   She learned sustainability, composting and cooking meals from the garden at the feet of her grandparents who were way ahead of their time. Her garden is filled with tomatoes, arugula, blue dwarf and purple kale and a large variety of herbs. “I don’t really grow flowers as I am a little bit pragmatic. I like to grow stuff I can eat.” She cooks asparagus bisque, lentil stew, and roasts on the weekends and often makes a big salad for the cast on their Sunday potluck Scandal viewing parties, often held at actor Jeff Perry's house. Her Meatless Mondays are a staple and you can find recipes on Darby’s social media.

Scandal returns for season five on Thursday, September 24th.

Here are a few behind the scenes shots. Enjoy!