Garden Friday

Happy Birthday to Big K today!

 

 

Welcome back to Garden Friday!

We are winding down our summer garden,

and the weather has been significantly cooler.

It's enough to make a gardener think about planting fall crops!

Overall, I can't say I've been that ambitious yet,

but each day, I try to do a little something out there.

Even 15 minutes a day makes a difference.

 

We ate our first (and probably last) ear of corn this week!

It had to be harvested early, 

so it probably would have been a bit bigger.

It was sweet and juicy, and I loved every bite!

Why is it our last ear, you may ask?

 

This is why.

The squirrels not only helped themselves

to the first ear, but most of them since.

The half eaten remains lay scattered on the lawn,

on the tree stump and other parts unknown,

where they have been feasting on the fruit of my labors.

I don't have enough room to grow a large amount,

and it's just not worth the trouble.

I'm proud of myself for trying this new crop.

 

Keeping in mind the squirrels' antics,

sister suggested wrapping this volunteer watermelon

in welded wire to deter them from getting to it first.

We'll see what happens.

 

All of the seedlings that were started last week are doing well,

also wrapped in their protective shields.

 I'm hoping to get these Piggot Peas and cukes 

planted this weekend.

The Piggot Pea is an heirloom variety that is akin to

field peas or black-eyed peas.

They can be dried on the vine, used fresh,

or sprouted!

 

Not all creatures here on the homestead are destructive.

This orbital spider is working her magic 

on the front porch.

No doubt she has had many good meals here.

 

It's been a slow, steamy summer,

and I have been dealing with the lack of motivation

along with a bout of fatigue and another rooster attack,

but all in all, it's been rewarding.

Especially seeing all of the beautiful flowers emerge

without any help from me.

 

I will be downsizing the garden for next spring,

and concentrating on growing just a few things

that aren't too much trouble.

Adding more self-managing pollinator plants is on the agenda,

as well as improving the overall look of the flower beds.

 

I'm also considering doing away with the Garden Friday post

and creating a once a week post about more general things,

perhaps everything that went on during the week.

 

 

A couple of off-topic things:

I've been making fruit ice cubes for the chooks,

to help them stay cooler and hydrated.

They are a hit!

 

Our grocery store stopped carrying the Hu chocolates I love,

They are the cleanest, no sugar confections I have found.

So, my own treats have been made,

using only cocoa butter, cocoa powder (dark),

salt and maple syrup for sweetening.

I added chopped pecans here because I'm a

dark chocolate and nut lovin' gal.

Not the same as my beloved Hu bars, but mighty good.

 I will take another photo of this field when the flowers fill in,

but I just wanted to share these amazing sunflowers

being used as a cover crop at a friend's house.

Stunning, isn't it?

Just you wait until next week!