Yes indeedy, there went summer...

Technically it's still very warm for this part of the country, but once again I feel my favorite season has been cut short. I recently found myself in a conversation that led me to the words... "I need to reinvent my idea of gardening..." I was referring to the extreme difference in climate and the fact that to me [cold = inside] up until recently. Ahhh, the hunt for long johns will start soon.

The garden is still very small, we did enjoy a delicious cucumber salad fresh from the vine last night at dinner. I think a few tomatoes will be ripe soon, hopefully enough for a salad. The greens are still prolific and I have intentions to beef up the production of easier things soon. I missed another season of abundance... here's to learning and not giving up.

On the coop front I have begun to suspect it will have to be a nap project spear headed by Tricia and I.

and the rain comes down

I'm actually getting accustomed to the cold rain, I don't pretend to enjoy or like it but it's easier to not complain about it. I can also see the benefits of the weather in my garden, where I still have healthy spring fare popping up all over.

I posted yesterday regarding the back yard... here is what we've done thus far.

and here for fun is Medusa can

this lingering cold is strange

With a high of around 70 today, and keeping in mind that last night I could actually see my breathe things in the garden are looking a lot like spring instead of in what most areas is mid summer. We have beautiful cucumber blossoms gracing us with their golden delight, we also have a bevvy of tomato blossoms. I've been proactive this week for a winter harvest as well, I procured two starts for carnival squash, I think I might head back to get a blue variety that looks interesting.

The weekend was productive in many ways regarding the yard, we finally had a good portion of the asphalt "stones" removed and hauled away. Unfortunately this has created the new challenge of sifting away the beauty bark and river rock that litters the rich looking soil. The idea of step-able plants came up, in the end we've decided on crimson clover. I think it will be beautiful and a wonderful alternative to boring old grass. I hope to either use the clover myself or get a herd of bunnies to help us keep it clean.

The next true harvest will be the french breakfast radishes, we are continuously harvesting lettuce and kale now which is neat. I've sown a gourmet blend of lettuces and radishes this week, I sort of hope the weather stays mild enough for us to continue to have a bountiful garden. All the greens are really making us both feel more active. I am eager to start growing bizarre veggies, I think kohlrabi may have to be my next big vegture, after the blue squash of course.

for real this time...

Little lemon thyme...up close.

The grande finale.....

this will change our quality of life

and then there were herbs...

It has been for the most part a very lovely week, the sun shone brightly the wind was mild it was for once resplendent. Today was overcast and a touch cool but it was no less productive. I took the morning and made a little dream come true. Below are pictures of my handy work.

This is the beginnings of our steppable yard...it's lemon thyme.

and up close...

Progress Sweet Progress!

It has been hot, the last few days and I am basking in the glory of little beads of sweat. We have been relaxing and going at what some would consider a snails place, I however am excited and with a little more work I really thing this lil' Ghetto Farms project could be really rolling soon. Tonight I intend on using a few items from the garden in our dinner. Here are a few pictures, and then I'm back out there while the lil' man is still napping.

The first photo is the "raised" beds (we used old dresser drawers and the lasagna gardening method)
The second photo is the area in front of the back house cleared of red rock and being prepped to be a raised herb garden...I am so excited.

Herbs and Greens!

These are my current focus/ obsession. I have begun dill, chives, oregano, and lavender in a mini seed starter greenhouse on the dining room table. I have sown greens anywhere I believe I may get them to grow. We have become a family of diligent label readers once again, I have decided label free products will save us time and be better for us. The  move to the PNW somehow made us more relaxed about our purchasing and consumption habits. I equate it with going away to school for me, and a year long holiday with the 'rents for Husband Man. It's taken the fact that our son now needs to share everything we eat for me to awaken out of the coma of corn syrup, processed foods, and inhumanly raised livestock. I shook it off quickly though, I still feel grubby from the last year of ick, but all the salad and kombucha should help get me back in balance. I will welcome back the healthier metabolism too, hopefully that will be close on my heals soon.

Getting in touch with the land and watching greens pop up or flowers open has helped to reconnect me to myself. Today I will arrange my seeds by season of sowing...tomorrow after the dentist I have a date with dirt!