I love that you have no stinging bugs, I love how low maintenence you are, and I love that despite the fact that we had high hopes for building more sophisticated low tunnels and cold frames this fall the most simple addition of a fabric row cover dug into the earth on one side and held down by brick on the other side has kept the damaging winds and cold from killing these frost hardy vegetables.
I love the pace of the autumn garden. There aren't bushels of vegetables demanding to be processed before the go bad in the heat of the sun. These crops sit paitently waiting to be turned into dinner tonight, tomarrow, next month or a few months from now, they don't mind waiting.
I love learning from this garden. Which things should I plant more of next year in late summer and which should I plant more? More kale, less lettuce. I've learned from last year not to plant your carrots in a bed that had tomatoes in it or they will be big on flavor but short on size.
I love watching the claytonia and mache grow oh so slowly despite the fact that I have yet to cover them with row cover.
I love peeking in to check on my broccoli.
I love pulling up the first of my golden beets and the utter surprise I felt as I was humbled by their intense beauty. I love that after two years I can cook beet greens in a way that makes us look forward eating them.
I love how my kids clamor for these radiant carrots.
I love remembering my first attempt at a fall garden two years ago and that it resulted in a whole lot of nothing. A few turnips, some sad carrots, and a bunch of moth laden greens that I had no idea how to prepare. Two years later, I am bringing in basket after basket of luscious greens. I love knowing I have learned so much and there is so much more to learn.
I love feeling a deep sense of gratitude for this gift of abundance.
8 comments:
I love your garden pictures... My garden dies out after the tomatoes rot so your garden inspires me to extend the season a little more over here. Well done.
i love this post, mandy, and i love your new blog header. your garden looks lovely--i am always amazed by how much you produce in such a small space. what row cover are you using? it looks thicker than mine. i am so excited about my late fall / early winter garden this year. i am learning so much from it. i am growing mache for the first time this year. i was worried that i may have planted the seeds too late, but it's been slowly growing and growing out there. i love how the carrots sit and wait too--they are so patient!
I am so. so. jealous of your fall garden. I tried planting some broccoli and Brussell Sprouts and the little plants got eaten to bits before they could develop more than 4 leaves. So depressing. You are such an inspiration!
I am so amazed at all you are harvesting. Amazed and a bit jealous (in a good way!).
What a full garden you have Mandy. The pictures of it all is just so inspiring... if only I could get something to grow...
Thank you for your kind words everyone.
Meredith, I'm not sure of the brand, it was on clearance at a farm store and I didn't save the packaging. It seems pretty similar to the type I bought last year from Johhny's Seeds though.
Erin, if you ever have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Constant inspiration...that's what you are. These garden posts never get old.
it's been a long time since I've stopped by here, I guess!
I love...this post.
And please, share the beet green recipe!
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