I cannot begin to tell you how full my heart is. Today is the day I get to reveal to you the natural beauty that is my zone 6b garden and the results of all the hard work Kel and I have been investing into it. This year is our biggest improvement yet which leads me to think that we just may be doing something right. As you see here, all we had started this time last year were almost~bare boxes. But that proud feeling of accomplishment that we are presently wading in was the same then as it is now.

I don’t need to tell you where we started, if you’re an avid reader of the blog you already know. If you’re not, you can read our story here. Since purchasing our home some of our most frequently recurring thoughts have been our health, one day starting a family and leaving a legacy to guide and sustain our children and theirs. The islanders that we are, growing our own food was and remains something near and dear to us. So along with the ability to provide for and be accountable for our own health and well being, it was exactly what we set out to do in this new found land we now call home.

Growing your own food is nothing short of amazing, rewarding and fulfilling. Amazing in that you plant a seed and it just grows; rewarding because you get to enjoy the fruit of your labor; and fulfilling because of the sense of accomplishment you achieve by doing these. On a personal level, I saw maintaining a garden as my way of breaking the cycle of unhealthy lifestyle choices. It has certainly helped me on my path to natural health and healing and continues to inspire not only me but all those who see the awesomeness growing on here, friends and family alike.

We have greatly expanded our selections this year and have built every thing on our own from scratch. At times it felt as though it would never end but those were the times that we took a step back, remembered why we were undertaking such a great feat and pressed on. Except for the sweet potatoes, fruit trees, fruits vines and four eggplants grown from seedlings, all that you are about to see were grown from seeds purchased at Bakercreek Hierloom Seed Company. I do apologize for such a lengthy post but I have no doubt that you will enjoy every bit of it. Keep in mind that this is where the garden currently is but it keeps growing daily as you will see in next months’ follow up. So let’s begin, shall we?

Garden Tour

On the opposite side of the vegetable garden to the left of the house is this humongous hydrangea patch that I just can’t get enough of. Looks like I will be having my share of fresh floral arrangements daily.

And to the back is the weed whack patio that hosts our grape vines, trellised rose bush and newly added herb beds.

Newly added: two hanging baskets of passion fruit. These will be overwintered indoors during the colder months.

Newly added: three beds containing herbal delights including sage, oregano, mint, marjoram, cilantro, parsley, yarrow, artichokes, chives and nasturtium. They’ve been placed behind bars as a last resort to protect them from foraging groundhogs.

Newly added: a salad bar bed containing, lettuces, and the now~bolted mizuna and arugula.

What’s growing in the main garden is nothing short of amazing. Newly added: three beds currently home to carrots, beets , turnips, amaranth, chard, collards and kale.

Here’re a few close ups…

Carrots

Turnips

Chard

Red amaranth

And the original vegetable garden. It has come leaps and bounds. We planted a host of new veggies and crops that we did not have the opportunity to grow before including…

Garlic

Eggplants, four of which we bought as seedlings and the other six we started from seeds. How lovely is that flower from the black beauty eggplant? It’s name suits it well.

Various squash

Beans

Corn. They are in need of a little support by way of some added soil around the bases but other than that, they’re growing so beautifully.

Rhubarb. This is the Victoria variety with leaves well over 2 feet long! It surely needs its own post to highlight its beauty.

Tomatoes, my fave!



And the biggest surprise and most rewarding crop of this season, wheat! Yup you heard right. These stalks are brimming with ears of wheat and are doing beautifully. Can’t wait for harvest and to bake some freshly picked and grounded wheat bread.

Moving over toward the front/side of the house we have our climbers and vines.

Carille, also known as bitter melon

Bodi also known as Asian long beans

Cucumbers. These are set to trellis our repurposed driveway gates.

Sorrel, also known as Thai red roselle

Last year I grew the potatoes in burlap bags, this year I opted for buckets. In addition to maximizing the use of space, they have been more manageable than the bags and are a breeze to maintain. This year we have several varieties including red, blue, Yukon gold and russet. There are also a few sweet potatoes as well.

Russet

All Blue

Sweet potato

And finally, our fruit tree collection. I have always loved the idea of seasonal fruit picking so what better than to have my favorite of fruits right at my fingertips? This Spring we planted pears, apples, pomegranate, a fig tree, cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. They have been added to the ranks of the peaches and grapes we inherited with the property.

Apples and Pears

Pomegranate

Raspberry

As you can see there’s still quite some work to be done. While we do hope to complete it in the weeks to come, the work will be done on a part time basis as we gear up to hit the trails, bike the rails and enjoy the long awaited beautiful weather now upon us.

What do you have planted and growing this season? And what are your plans for next?Regardless of how big or small of a space you have to grow, go ahead, give it a whirl. The hardest part of it all is starting, once you have done that you will be well on your way. Without a doubt I know that we are truly blessed and I thank all of you for your continued support and encouraging words whether you have been with me over the past year, months or more recent days.