Happy Halloween!!!

I harvested Beets today and they are fabulous! I'm loving the stripes they have, can't wait to try them in my salad with goat cheese! I also planted Romaine and Red Leaf lettuce. AND...my white potatoes from last year have decided that NOW is the time to replant themselves. I'm hoping they grow this time..since it was their own decision to grow again!! Happy Halloween!!!I

Herb Pile!

Tarragon in it's natural state! Who knew! I had such a good time pruning and weeding the herb garden at FCG the other day! It was so interesting to see the herbs in their natural environment! Tarragon is one of my favorites, seems like I could grow this one at home unlike the epic fail of the cilantro that keeps happening! St John's wart looks just like a weed, thank goodness someone had the good sense to put a sign up. Lemongrass, mint, lemon tea tree, rosemary, oregano, and so many more that I didn't know. Can't wait to help with the signs, figure out what is what and try some new herbs cooking at home!

Butterfly Bush

The Butterfly Bush or Buddleja was blooming out of control at my in-laws in North Carolina. Couldn't wait to get out there every morning and take some photos! The mosquitoes were out too, didn't love all the bites but I do love these pix I took!

Corn down..Beets OK!!

My corn didn't do very well at all but the beets are awesome! I think they are just about ready for harvest! My husband doesn't like beets but I told him I was going to boil them, then cut and pan fry with garlic and olive oil and add them to a baby greens salad with goat cheese, he was willing to try it! I planted strawberries and more corn as well, keep you posted!

Red Corn???

The ends of my corn are looking a little red...I have no idea why! I looked it up online and it said that it was fine and I had to check the actual ear to see if it was ready. None of the other corn in our community has a red look to it...sigh. I'm hoping that it will be fine. I will show you an ear when I pick one to test!

Potato Death...sigh...

The potatoes have died, it was a sad day. I didn't want to pull them from the ground but I did. I found a couple small potatoes that had grown and I have taken them home to cook. I replanted with dill, onions and cucumbers. Next time, I will plat them when it's warmer, I think it was too cold and then too hot...sigh...

Squash!!

Summer, Crook Neck or Yellow squash...no matter what you call it, it's grown and was my first harvest yesterday! I got two and I'm super excited. I found out that my leaves have mold and the cure you ask for said mold...1 part milk and 9 parts water, spray and wait. I'm going to try this trick next time and see what happens. Nobody wants moldy squash. Dinner tonight, fresh squash!!

Knee High by the 4th of July

My husband tells me that's what they say about corn. It's past me knee but I planted early and watered often. I am so excited about the corn. It seems like the healthiest item in the garden right now. I geeked out with Julie from the FCG yesterday about our gardens and our corn! I planted sweet corn and she went crazy with Blue corn. Good luck to us both!

This is what happens....

...when you let your artichokes go too long without harvest! I was out of town when this one was ready and I'm so sad. I pruned this one and 2 others off, I hope the plant continues to grow. Looks like there could be a new baby on the way...baby artichoke that is!

Growing!!

My plants are growing...kind of. My baby artichoke looks a little like Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors. I'm still very excited about it! I was talking to one of my fellow FCG peeps today and he told me that it's best for tomatoes if you pinch off the first flowers that grow. It strengthens the roots and makes the plant grow better therefore, produce more tomatoes! He also said that if you pick off the first tomato, pick out the seeds and let them ferment in a glass jar you can dry those seeds and they will be ready for next year. Ohhh so much learning at the FCG! I thought I knew a fair bit about plants, I don't. These people are as crazy about plants as I am. Where else can you cheer about artichokes with friends!!

Freaking Genius!!

The best way to label your garden rows...a plastic knife and a sharpie! That's freaking genius! It's inexpensive and lasts. I have tired ALL of the different stakes, glass, metal, wood and they did not work for me. I'm going to say is again, genius! Thanks for all the new ideas FCG!

FCG Planted!

I have planted!!! Here is the list: artichokes, squash, potatoes, beets, chives, tomato, corn, blueberry, thyme and rosemary. It was a lot of work but soooo fun! That artichoke his spines down by the base so when you plant one, look out! How do you know when all of these veggies are ready to pick? I will learn with you and post the answers as each veggie is ready to harvest!

Fountian Community Gardens!!

Thank you to Fountain Community Gardens for letting me have a plot! Lucky plot 19 is ALL mine! I'm so excited to plant, I can't even tell you! I've made a plant map and will be shopping tomorrow for all things NEW GARDEN!! I will definitely keep you posted on the progress! YAYAYAYAY!!!

McGroarty Arts Center

I will be participating in a group show at the McGroarty Arts Center. The opening reception is Friday March 9, 2012 from 6-9pm. The show will run from March 10-24. They are open Tues-Sat from 10-6. Please visit their Website at www.mcgroartyartscenter.org

How to move this plant-Kitchen Tongs of Course

I lost this plant in the last windstorm and wondered how in the world I was going to lift and replant?! Salad tongs of curse was the answer. The crown of thorns has particularly sharp spines so, without injury to me or the plant, I gently lifted it using two sets of kitchen tongs! Mission accomplished!!

Rain...it's a coming!!!

Get ready for the rain! Rain water is best for plants as it does not contain fluoride, chlorine and all of the other chemicals that come in your tap and hose water. Rain water is full of Nitrogen which the plants love. move your plants to catch as much as possible!

Happy New Year!!

I trust you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. I came back from vacation to some very grown up bulbs! The paper white is first but the Tulips, Freesia, Tuberose and Daffodils are on their way. This next week is definitely rose pruning time! However my 4th of July rose is still crazy blooming! Since it is Winter, if you have a small patio like I do, make sure that your "full sun" plants are moved to catch as much Winter sun as possible. On a different note, I'm trying to score a plot at a community garden. I would love to try some large trailing veggies this year. Squash and cucumber are on my list. Wish me luck!!!