Vacation is a time for recharging energy, getting a new perspective on situations, and preparing for moving forward again. My short staycation on the beach with my family did all these things and more. I return to the garden to find that what once a worry, a slow start, a problem, now looks like a beautiful thriving accomplishment.
BEETS
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Beets are really starting to grow! |
CARROTS
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| Carrot tops are strong and healthy on the left, although the beets on the right did not make it. |
LETTUCE
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Lettuce in the back is past its prime, but tastes strong and zesty still. Arugula in the front is perfectly tender and delicious.BASIL
Basil on the top picture was planted from seedling and is doing fine. The tomato plant on the right is heavy with fruit. The marigolds have regenerated and continue to prove natural pest control. The bottom photo is my basil planted from seeds. It is one hearty stalk with beautiful vibrant leaves.
  HOT PEPPERS  
These pepper plants continue to amaze. All are plants that went dormant in the winter and blossomed again this season. I'll have to make some fresh salsa soon!
CUCUMBER
Cucumber plant, the sole survivor puts out the first fruit of the season. The pests look like they are determined to feed off these leaves, but the plant soldiers on. What a testament to perseverance.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries continue to fruit, but I am still convinced that I need to remove this crop because the plants should be on mounded dirt that allows the fruit to hang over the side, rather than wallow in the shade of its leaves. But, the fruit I do get is sweet.
CHIVES
These chives have been with me since the beginning, five years now!
TOMATOS 
The orange cherry tomatoes are the sweetest, but the red cherry are vast.
These are plum tomatoes used for sauces. I peel and cook tomatoes with garlic and use with homemade pasta. What could be better?
ARTICHOKE
This artichoke gave use about 8 chokes. A new volunteer is sprouting beneath these old leaves so I am hopeful that another plant will produce another crop, how unexpected!
CORN 
This is the first year of successful corn crop. Tonight we eat the first four corn cobs picked just now and put into the hot water for cooking. These were the best sweetest and tender corn every, yummy.
THE PROOF OF A PROSPEROUS HARVEST!
Tomatoes, arugula, strawberries, chives, hot peppers and lettuce.
Plum tomatoes and shallots, with a side of peppers.
I can only sum up by expressing joy and satisfaction with this most excellent summer harvest.
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