Everything is coming in so quickly now. Corn is harvested, tomatoes ripening, potatoes about ready to dig. The beans (planted late) are covered with flowers and tiny beans as well. Another week or so.
The peas are done and the lettuce has bolted. Space is opening for fall plantings. Compost is added and the weeding... well, you know that never ends.
The basil is doing exceedingly well considering each plant was nothing more than two tiny yellowing leaves that were planted in haste (in not so great soil). But oh, to see that row shine now. A garden star for sure.
We haven't had any trouble with critters of the furry kind thanks to a six foot fence, but the insects have begun to make themselves at home so we are now out there two or three times a day to take care of that.
And how about that crazy looking fence? (The one in the picture with the red barn.) When we made the last minute decision to expand our garden in late Spring, we were without enough fencing and decided to make do with what we could find right here. The solution? A dog kennel that was found on the property! It doesn't win any points for beauty, but the height was in keeping with our need to keep deer on the outside of the garden. And as it turns out, the fully operational swinging door is quite convenient for us gardener folk.
Blueberries and zucchini have been near daily ingredients in the kitchen. Filling our bellies for today and filling the freezer for the upcoming months. I went to the grocery store for a few things yesterday and in doing so realized I hadn't been in nearly three weeks! Our garden and local pick your own places are keeping us well fed this summer.
Meals have been simple. One night at dinner, the table held an assortment of corn on the cob, blueberries, popcorn, walnuts, and cherry tomatoes. Lovely, yes? (And so easy on the cook!)
I feel like I need to make a public service announcement, a very bold one at that...
This is the best chocolate I've ever tasted!! (Adam agrees.)
I have no idea where it can be purchased around the country, I imagine their website can help out with that. I brought this bar back from Kripalu, found in the refrigerator at the cafe (it is raw and highly perishable). The idea of lavender and peppermint intrigued me, and it turns out both work beautifully together in this chocolate. Neither are overpowering, more akin to the subtle aromatic sensation you get in the back of your nose when using flower essence remedies. Magical!
I need to finish up this quick little post and get back to the kitchen as I am busy simmering and stirring these twenty pounds of peaches into a batch of Spiced Peach Butter, to then be canned.
I do hope everything is abundant and summery in your garden and kitchen.
