Yes that is a pun, but you can’t beat it! I grew Big Beets!! And not just a pair! They’re gorgeous, and taste good, too. I incorporated the first harvest into the erev meal, and everyone was pleased. It was a full house, seven including Jess. Loucious turned tricks for challah, the slut! I did not just say that.
On the way over, I stopped at VP to see what else I could get for half price to fill out some missing gaps. I got two kinds of onions (red and white), a tomato (yellow pear), and another eggplant to keep the lone one company. Also two annuals, a yellow nonstop begonia, and a colorful purslane (related to portulaca, which is also in there) for my “desert” garden. Today was their last day, selling out everything by the cartload cheap, which I didn’t make it to, probably a good thing.
As you can see, this is the part where all the garden beds have essentially settled into their personas, or informed me that they have a better idea with what they have to work with. For example, the high and dry strawberry bed has “accidentally” doubled as a squash jackpot (because of the compost), as has one of the raised beds. Next to it, the once undecided prickly pear bed I’ve restored is obviously meant to be a dry desert succulent/ CA poppies bed. And next to that, the tall ferny asparagus fronds and the giant horseradish monster have taken over and look beautiful, with monarda (bee balm) in the background.
Same with the “hosta shade garden”. Once I sorted out that nondescript area, mostly shade, I thought about all the pre-existing hostas in the “woods” area, and thought, “hosta garden”. That suggested other non-native but non-invasive perennials that typically go in a hosta garden, much as I “disapprove”! Not very creative thinking, I admit. But there it is–some perennials I really love had an excuse to join the heinous hostas! Now that garden is starting to look intentional, at least. Hey, it improves property value, if nothing else.
The largest raised bed that I’ve tried to grow additional lettuces and greens in (because it’s shadier and cooler) is finally making some progress, but under protest. It and its sister beds are desperately in need of a soil revival– or resuscitation! Even all the natural amending I’ve done is still not enough. Each garden area is either nutrient-depleted, or its components are too heavy on clay, or it’s too shallow with gravel or concrete underneath.
I’m tempted to do a garden sabbatical next year, with plenty of natural composting, to let it recover and regenerate. I’m pretty sure at this point it would almost reincarnate itself with little “help” from me except some maintenance. Or I might let E have at it! If he’s willing, I know he’s able. Maybe Y could also participate. It’s time I loosened my proprietary grip!
Speaking of Y, he’s off to summer camp (“gay camp”, as it’s sometimes called!) for a couple of weeks, on his own this time. The kids there all have a lot in common and get a lot of love and support, and I know it will do him good. Allie and Billie also headed back to TN today. I know at least one dog who will be relieved! Then we get to graduate to the next level, with Stacey’s dog T.. (sp?). She and S will be staying here while she house-hunts.
You may think my life is boring and mundane, but I’m too busy most of the time to notice. Never a dull moment here. So much reality. I have to take off the occasional day or weekend just to keep up.
