Thursday, December 29, 2011

Garden in Review

With the New Year just around the corner, it seems appropriate to wander the garden and see what is going on. Plus, there is a break in the rain and it really hasn't been that cold. Perfect for taking a look at how the plants are doing.

I was shocked to see a rose blooming!


Mild indeed...the rose knows!

I noticed my tatsoi is also putting out new leaves. The rosettes are definitely bigger and I think the slugs have either moved on or decided to hibernate for a bit.

I can't wait for these to get a little bigger and cook them up!

And I am really enjoying this combination of Ruby Streaks mustard, escarole, and red lettuce. The lettuce came from a mix and I think it might be a red romaine.

I don't want to get too greedy with using the lettuce, but in a couple of weeks I think I'll have enough for a salad for two!

And yes, I looked at what I needed to weed. I didn't document it with photos. But, my "to do" list is tucked away in my head. I have some sections that have liverwort and fireweed seedlings that need to be removed.

Now, if someone can please explain why my "early" purple sprouting broccoli never sprouted, that would be great! I planted it plenty early in the spring.


It's huge--at least three feet tall--with gorgeous, inedible leaves and no flowers. What to do? I am tempted to yank it if it's not going to produce anything. On the other hand, it's providing some interesting structure to the bed in a spot that would typically be bare at this time of year. I guess I'll leave it in for now.

Happy New Year everyone. Stay tuned for dreaming with seed catalogs!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Italiko Rosso Dandelion

We've passed the winter solistice and the days now start getting longer. Hurrah!

Although we've had a mild winter yet, the garden is stil resting. Meanwhile, I am enjoying my red dandelion. The contrasting burgundy midribs with the bright green blades are appreciated when not much else is happening. Plus, the red and green goes with the holiday theme as well.



I was apprehensive purposefully planting a dandelion. I am now glad I did for its color and soon for eating. I hope to use the greens in a creamy stuffed pasta dish. The type of comfort food for soldiering on through the winter.

Best wishes to all of you for 2012!

Monday, December 12, 2011

More fig tree observations

I'm getting used to the new look of my fig tree and looking forward to how it will take shape once we emerge from winter.

Pruning the fig was tricky for me. The branches are much more flexible than what I'm used to. I felt the whole tree bend and twist as I worked away. Left over figs rained down on my head. I'm sure it was quite the spectacle.

As I cleaned up, my husband looked at the tree and asked, "What are the starlings going to eat?"

"Exactly!" I replied. Maybe with a small crop next season, my tree will fall off their radar and I can actually have a harvest one of these years!


Another view looking towards the house.