Edibles

Strawberries ripe for tonight's dinner salad.

In 2022 bare roots of Albion, Chandler, Seascape and Sequoia were planted along the west fence.  Those purchased from Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery did the worst, some withering and dying before they fully leafed out. When I attempted to get a refund, it was refused since I did not bring the dead plants. Well, I now avoid shopping at what use to be my "go to place". 

At the North most destination along the brick abutting the shed two bare root Boyne (Rubus idaeus) Summer bearing raspberry were planted. Red raspberries are one of my very favorite berries to pick and eat immediately. Eventually the two bushes will produce enough to make jam.  

Then on the North side of the shed two bare root Rubus (subgenus Rubus Watson) ‘Black Satin’ Thornless were planted. They are thriving with many baby blackberries noticeable on the bushes now.

Since I and the hummingbirds love the bright red flowers of the Scarlett runner beans, seeds from last years' crop were dried. A few weeks ago the stunningly beautiful seeds were planted. The first leaves now adorn the plant. Unfortunately some BEing is munching on the leaves. Oh well, "they have to eat too" is my mantra.

Pink Pearl apple tree had many flowers which then developed into many teeny, tiny apples. Since the tree is young, all but a few apples were left on the tree to grow to their normal size. This is the apple I use to pink applesauce since the flesh is marbled pink in color . . . hence the name.

Cascadia peas are twining their way up the wire support. With this particular variety of peas the pods can be harvested OR they can be left to develop peas inside. The pods are great in salads or sautéed. I can hardly wait to begin picking peas! Many of the peas rarely see the inside of the house as I love to shell and eat them immediately after picking.

The raised bed was planted a few days ago with the lettuce. The seeds were started on April 09 in a Todd planter. This particular seed package contains seeds from every lettuce Wild Garden Seed grows. The diversity is stunningly beautiful to behold: there is head lettuce as well as red, green and oak lettuce, loose leaf lettuce. So when I scatter the seeds onto the Todd planter I am never sure what exactly will sprout. I love this kind of surprise! 

'Wild Garden Lettuce Mix' 
purchased from Wild Garden Seed.

 

Friday Three Sisters (beans, corn, melon instead of squash) were planted in three circles. When the sun is shining, this particular spot in the backyard receives full sun most all day. The Three Sisters thrive on the warmth of the sun. Radish seeds, to deter insects, were also scattered about. About an inch of soil mixed with chicken manure covered the seeds. Soil amendments was generously applied as well. Once the task was completed, remay was secured to prevent the pesky squirrels from digging in the moist soil.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a must have plant for Midwest girl. Luckily this plant resided in the backyard when we purchased this house some two years ago. I cook three or four stalks with just enough organic maple sugar to sweeten. This warm sauce I then pour over my organic blue corn meal pancake for a delicious breakfast!

The edible garden created here on Page Street is providing much food for both the human and canine who lives here. As I tweak the garden so it is "more perfect" (the albatross for a One on the Enneagram), I thoroughly enjoy the process and

Scorching

Viewing a spectacular early morning from 
the dining room double doors.

                                           I do so love what I call "popcorn" clouds.

This week here in Northern California the temperatures outside have been scorching hot . . . literally. My outside thermometer has read as high as 118 degrees in the mid afternoon . . . yikes!  It has been too hot to be outside caring for the garden. I do water either right after breakfast or in the late evening. Last evening as I tended the garden in the rear of the house I discovered all of the Scarlett Runner beans leaves essentially fried. I cut them to the ground and transported them to my compost pile.

The Stupice tomato plant in the
East most raised bed.
The tomatoes do not
seem to be affected.
The leaves on the other hand
are another story.

The single rhubarb plant,
a cultivated plant of the dock family,
that grows beneath the plum tree.
As you can see the leaves
have indeed been fried by 
the hot temperatures
now stretching almost into a week.

The recently planted lemon tree in the front yard is looking very droopy inspite of regular morning watering. I do hope it not only survives but flourishes since its name is "Dwight"! Tanis decided we should call this lemon tree she brought me Dwight since he is the person who really wanted a Meyers Lemon Tree growing in our garden.

Lonicera involucrata (Twinberry honeysuckle)
planted last Fall against the West
outside wall of the garage.
The most recent leaves have
been seared by the hot,
hot, hot sun.

Luckily the temperatures are to be returning to "normal" (mid '80's) for this time of the year by early next week. I have noticed that each day the temperatures are a bit lower than the previous day. For those who believe "climate change" is a hoax, they are now experiencing often drastic changes in their previously usual everyday weather.

On this note of accepting our changing climate AND doing something about it . . . those who live in Sonoma County (and I am sure elsewhere in Northern California) are early adopters. When we sought a replacement for our Subaru whose engine needed replacing, I had my heart set on Prius, a used one of course. We did find one and purchased it on the spot. Shasta was none to sure since she could not tell when the engine was on then turned off. She asked Sandy, "how am I suppose to protect the car?" 

At that time Prius was the chosen car people to reduce fuel consumption thus affecting the production of greenhouse gases. Presently, as I am about the county, I find the chosen car is Tesla. I see them plugged in at the local charging station as well as in people's driveways. I am sure those of you who live elsewhere are finding similarities.

                                    Monardella villosa (Coyote mint ‘Russian River’),
                                        Epolibium canum  (California fuschsia ‘Calistoga’,
                                                          & bird bath Dwight created.

                                  These plants seem unaffected by the hot temperatures.

With this incredible heat I am so fortunate that we decided to install air conditioning when we had our ducts and furnace replaced. The house remains fairly cool. When I get up in the very early morning, I shut all the windows and pull the window coverings down. Still my "crazy" dog Shasta likes to have an outside regular midday "baking" in the sun. When she's in the house she finds the coolest spot . . . "go figure" my long time friend Lynette would say.

As I walk about the garden and survey how the literally baking hot temperatures are affecting the  garden, to blunt the sadness, I have a frequent