Farm School Spring Series Week One

No spring break going on here!

School is in session and the garden is bustin' at the seams!

 Most of the day was overcast and temperatures were in the 70's.
Perfect weather to get a few things done.

We first checked on the status of the garden.
Peaville is still producing lots of delicious morsels.
We should be able to pick for quite some time.

The beets are vying for space in the pots.
Guess it's time to pick a few to take home!
Such sacrifices must be made for the benefit of the garden.
 ;0D

 The tomatoes we worked on two weeks ago are growing stronger.

 These crops, which were planted earlier in the season,
will soon be caged to ensure they have proper support.
Lynn's goal is to have tomatoes year-round.
Imagine that!

Scallions were harvested for the farmer's market and they practically sold out.
No surprise there.
We are scheduled to plant a new row next weekend.

The Brussels sprouts will be harvested as is
and the plants will be removed from the pots.
Lynn feels that they won't grow to their potential
and he plans to try them again in the fall 
when weather conditions are more favorable.

I can't tell you how much we've been enjoying the broccoli tips.
They are so tender and sweet,
you just know they have to be good for you!

Collards are selling out at the market as well.

 The arugula is bolting, but hasn't yet become bitter.
This batch under the shade is faring well enough that 
leaves can still be harvested and enjoyed.

 Some of the lettuce is going to seed as well...

but thankfully, there is more to be found elsewhere in the garden.

The New Zealand spinach is just plain tuckered out.
This will be taken out of the pots
to make room for new plants, possibly okra.

This bay of spinach is younger and looking pretty good.

After Faye and I finished making soil,
(that process can be seen here),
the leeks needed to be transplanted.
I'm more than happy to oblige!

As evident by the rootball,
these beauties will relish the extra space to spread out.

Depending on the size of the pot,
we transplanted 3 or 4  leeks.

These are a wonderful substitute for onions or garlic,
for those who enjoy a subtler flavor.

As the leeks grow taller, 
soil is added to the pots.
This ensures an abundance of the tender white portion.

Even if I've just eaten before I arrive,
I always get hungry seeing this array.

As well as tending a tremendous vegetable garden,
Faye and Lynn are the stalwart stewards for a colossal collection
of impressive trees and unusual ornamentals.

Golden Shower Tree

The photos of this hickory tree
really don't do it justice.
The color is unbelievable.

It's one of the resident squirrels' favorite hang-outs.

This eucalyptus tree was knocked over during the hurricanes of 2004.
It survived and you can see the branches growing out of the fallen limbs.

bridal wreath spirea

Regina Iris

Spring came in like gangbusters!
We look forward to savoring the season
with two very dear friends
who have forever changed my life.
Blessings be...

Here's how Farm School started.