Friday, May 8, 2009

THE OLD GARDENS

Even though my Dad was a photographer, he apparently didn't
think the vegetable garden was worthy to record it's

history on film. The garden in the front yard was
another story. Gourds and beans grew at each side of the little bridge going to the front door.
Roses bloomed alongside beds of zinnias.

There were flowers everywhere.
My Mother loved pots of this and that scattered throughout the larger beds. She could create the most interesting array of arrangements from found articles... buckets, boxes, anything that was old iron that had an appropriate hole in it, was suitable for planting.
Hens and chicks still grow on the rock wall behind the house.


Even years after she was gone, I would find Sweetpeas and California poppies blooming in hap-hazard places. A group of iris hidden behind my garden shed, The ferns that come up every year and are tucked away so that when their lime green color hits your eye, it is a reminder to pay attention!



Beets and Beans and Carrots OH MY!


Autumn Beauty and Teddy Bear Sunflowers

Atomic Reds and Little Finger Carrots

Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans... an old reliable with high yields and tons of flavor.

Detroit Darks, Early Wonders and Italian Cylindra Beets... We love the tops cooked like spinach and Pickled Beets are a favorite.

Boston Pickling.. a great Highly Productive Cucumber for those of you that like to make pickles.

TWO kinds of Zucchini... a must for my spagetti sauce and Morning Glory Muffins!

Radishes..... Scarlet Globe and French Breakfast... Did you know you can saute radishes?

And a variety of canning and table tomatoes, Heirloom varieties all...... compliments of my Cousin Chuck's greenhouse.

My canners are ready, the cold pantry is being organized... GET GROWING!


Francious Rene Chateaubriand

When God on earth was making the primal Paradice,
A garden, say the Scriptures, was fashioned to suffice.
And man these years remembers, and every spring recants....
One step toward his Eden with every seed he plants.