gardening

We've enjoyed so much tending to our garden this summer. It's amazing how rewarding the work is, including weeding and watering. And we're learning lessons. Like I planted so many things too close together, especially the radishes and green onion, not giving them enough space to grow. And I had no idea a couple envelopes of lettuce would produce THAT MUCH. We do eat salad with all of our meals, but it's too much even for us. Also next time, I'm going to spread out the seeding of the salad seeds more. And I'm going to be more patient with the perennial flower seeds ...

Nonetheless, much to be proud about. Compare these pics, taken just a few weeks apart:

EARLY GARDENING STAGE:

MATURING GARDENING STAGE:

The best part about it is how fun it is to garden as a family. Leighton clears land, cuts down branches, mows, and waters; Lilly walks around with her bucket and spade, points to the growing plants saying "blomst," and picks twigs and rocks; and I plan the garden beds, purchase the seeds and seedlings, sow seeds, plant seedlings, weed, tend to the garden, and harvest. We've already savored bountiful amounts of salad, arugula, cilantro, basil, parsley and chives. Yesterday and today our first HUGE cucumber (with Greek salad and tzatziki yesterday; Norwegian cucumber salad today as a compliment to salmon). The hot peppers, bell peppers, and tomatoes are coming. Today all three of a poppy, cosmo and zinnia came into bloom. The purple and yellow UW pansies (from seeds dated 2008) are in bloom. As are marigolds (as you can see). And more. Hostas, day lilies, lambs ear, campanulas, iris and more plants in the two flower beds behind the garage, most received as transplants from friends. The hostas in the front of the house facing east are not included in these pictures; they're just there tending to themselves. As soon as the lily is in bloom though, we'll include a snapshot of it too where it stands among the hostas and ferns.