After all of this hot weather and sunny days my garden is finally a tangled dense chaotic lovely place. I have been drying a lot of herbs, and we have eaten a LOT of swiss chard, radishes, parsley, beets and greens so far, among other things. The big stuff is almost here - cucumbers are finally popping out and climbing like crazy. The pumpkins and squash are long with massive leaves. We even have pumpkins and squash growing up our deck and gazebo! And of course the peppers, carrots and tomatoes are *so close*. Once those start, there will be much more work, getting everything frozen, dried, or made into sauces for the winter. Yum.
I was looking through photos from late May to see the before/after...here are a few shots. On the left is late May, on the right is this week. I just love seeing how much has grown ... for those times when I think in a panic:: !!I should be growing MORE!!! It reminds me how much we have expanded our growing space this year, and inspires me to do even more next year!
There are a few places opening up as I harvest the beets and soon carrots, so I am planning to plant some more vegetables for fall harvest. I love when everything gets to thick and green. I also love seeing things growing that nourish us in spaces that contained only lawn and that most people would think is not usable. While it is not the perfect space, we work with what we have, experiment, expand, learn from our mistakes, and keep trying!
I have also been sketching and planning for next year. I am planning to expand growing space again, and hope we can add some cold frames or a lean-to mini greenhouse. For me, now is the time to think of everything as I have it all in front of me, see the sun and shade, see (and therefore remember) where everything is and what is or is not working. And by sketching ideas and taking lots of pictures NOW, it will help me a lot in February when I am attempting to plan!
23 comments:
Wow, amazing!! I am so impressed with how much you are growing in a small space.
all sounds really good
yummy too I bet
Jen
Our garden is not doing well at all. It is all very behind.
wonderful!
you amaze me always xoxo
Looks awesome. Your peppers are huge compared to mine. We are lacking serious rain but hope to get alot today so I think that should help!
Wow...you don't waste any space at all! It's so very beautiful and lush. Looking at your photos shows me all the possibilities in my own yard where I could grow more.
Hi!
Wow, your garden is so inspiring. I just love your blog and I think you do such a great job raising your boys to really appreciate nature.
Your yard and garden looks great!
First of all, thanks for stopping by and visiting my new blog. Wow, you've got great stuff growing! And your gardens look so lush. I'm totally with you on garden not lawn.
Here in New England, we've been getting tons of rain lately, which is good. But I think my pumpkins and tomatoes are starving for a little more sun time. They'll need it to catch up to your lot!
Great, inspiring post.
oh how lovely to see the before and after...you have a fantastic green thumb!
Everything looks YUMMERS!
Wow! Your garden looks great!
Next year is going to be the year for me to finally have a decent garden. I'm going to keep checking in with you for tips and inspiration!
I love how you have made such a cool edible landscape! The way it fits right in with your flowers and yard - awesome.
July is the time when everything seems to 'pop' - a small break before you are trying your best to can/freeze and dry everthing you can get your hands on.
I always look at people's huge, sunny lawns and think, they could grow all their own veggies right there!
But what a great idea to use borders to grow veggies.
I love the photos comparing spring and your now lush summer growth. It is important to keep notes on what produces well, which variety is best, etc. It's hard to remember everything in the middle of winter.
I think Urban Farming is the way to go! "Food not Lawns"!
How gorgeous! Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings.
I love before and after garden photos ... as well as all the in-between ones!
My garden really needs my attentioni, but I'm so sore and so tired. I'm hoping to capture enough energy and oomph today to get out there and stake some tomatoes, throw some compost from the heap onto the garden. *fingers crossed* ;)
Thanks for sharing your garden, Denise.
The cucumber photo is so cute it looks like a pickle! Your
garden is doing great! I've harvested some squash and zuc's. And have loads of green tomatoes!
I would willingly trade you some of my long winters and wide open space for some sun, soil, and longer growing season. I loved seeing this! Thank you!
I love the before and after pics. It really looks great. You are doing such a good job in your space, and I know there's a lot of restrictions and neighbor issues. I hope they're appreciating it now! You're smart to do all that.
Your garden is further along than ours, and it all sounds so yummy!
Lisa
BOUNTIFUL!!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
NOTHIN but RAIN here!!!! Unhappy garden! I am still waiting for summer to start. Seriously.
I'm glad someone is doing well with there garden!!!!
I love before and after garden photos. Don't they just make you feel good? ;-)
Denise, you have a wonderful gentle way.. i really like that.. you have done such a beautiful job with your surroundings.. It is a pleasure to see...
You know... I have nuthin but room, so why don't you pop on down here and garden up my space! You can lead us in gardening and art activities, and I'll... well, I'll... I'll do... laundry? :-)
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