Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Be on the look out for

I'm not sure where it is headed, but the summer squash is on the move again. Last seen heading over the fence into the strawberry patch. Approach with caution as we are not sure of it's powers, we think it may be trying to link up with the zucchini. The zucchini seems to have tapped into a secret source of nutrition as they are reaching monstrous proportions. The tomatoes seem to be sharing the same source as they are also exceeding all expectations. I know it is hard to tell from the pictures but the zucchini is about the length of my forearm. With the tomatoes think the largest beefeater type and that is where they are. I tried lifting the branches and gave up as the weight is so much I thought the branch would probably break. My mouth is watering for a good BLT. The zucchini amaze me with the speed with which they grow. The gourd plants are spreading like mad and covered with flowers, but I am afraid it is too late in the year for me to expect any gourds. I talked to a lady in the hardware store and she said hers do not even have flowers yet. The cold wet spring coupled with low temps over the summer has slowed the growth in many plants. I am just going to have to plan more carefully next year and start everything much earlier inside. I need to make lists and timetables so I can keep myself on track with all these projects.
I guess now would also be a time to start on Christmas projects, I have not made my Angels for a few years. With all the upsets and changes my creative juices were at a trickle. Time to open the floodgates and get back at it. I also need to twink Jim's Santa suit, actually I think I may make a whole new one. We went with a soft fabric thinking the kids would like it, but I think it is too soft. I am thinking a stiffer fabric that will hold it's shape.
It was very misty this morning and I thought my roses looked so pretty like they were gem encrusted. I also finished a new project on Monday, an arch. When in Mankato for the dentist my friend Ellen spotted the arches on sale at Michael's. On Sunday I had finally decided where I wanted to put it and went to work. I was moving right along and feeling pleased with my efforts when it came to a screeching halt. There were not enough screws!! bummer!
Being Sunday nothing close was open so had to wait until Monday and then success. I was rather pleased with myself, not having to take it back apart because I had put something in the wrong place. I am the person who in home Ec had to take her shirt apart 3 times due to putting sleeve inside blouse, putting it on upside down and inside out. Takes me a bit to get it all together. So, wadda ya think?? I have a whole scenario planed with paths and lots of plants , then it will not look so lonely. I want to have climbing roses and clematis growing over it. I plan on making lots of stepping stones in different patterns and will use those. My goal is a cottage garden with little lawn and tons of perennials. Was pleased so many of the plants came up this Spring. The white flowers are Cleones or Spider flowers and the original plants were pink and white. The ones that came up are 99% white, hummm. Mother Nature likes to give me puzzles.
I have yammered on far too long here, thank you for coming to visit. Looking through and seeing who shared their time with me, I get joy and smiles from your visits. Best to all, Barbara

13 comments:

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Barbara!

Your zucchini looks wonderful! I like to pick them off while they are somewhat smaller and more tender. The biggie's are good for zucchini bread though. I know they can escape notice sometimes, and grow to a monstrous size. And you must have good soil in your garden.

Actually, your garden looks pretty darn good! I have been eating tomatoes since early July, and cucumbers and zucchini as well. That is the extent of my garden this year, except for the tasty lettuce I had this spring. Will plant more in early September, to get a nice fall crop.

Your roses are beautiful. And I love the arch! That will look lovely with climbing flowers on it. And you did pretty well on putting it together!

Christmas? Oh, I don't even want to think about it. But lots of folks begin planning it in July.

Loved your post and photos. Your homestead looks lovely. All your hard work is certainly paying off.

Have a great week!

Hugs,

Renie

Mary said...

Barbara,

All of your veggies look delicious and I'm glad you have a bumper crop. I love home grown tomatoes and am just waiting for mine to get ripe. Mmm! I too love BLTs.

Your garden is beautiful. Thanks so much for posting these lovely flowers.

Blessings,
Mary

BClark said...

Yes Renie, I believe the soil must be very good as I have not fertilized at all. For the heck of it I weighed the zucchini and it was 4 1/2 pounds! They seem to grow overnight. I too prefer the smaller ones but some of them get away from me. A neighbor told me she slices them in half, takes out the seeds and puts a burger mixture in and bakes. Think I will have to try it. I also want to try the zucchini bread. So much fun

BClark said...

BLTs rule Mary, and being able to pick the maters myself is so much fun. I am going to have to plan the garden much better next year. Never realized how these things spread!

Karen said...

Your garden is just beautiful, Barbara. It's been years since I've attempted to grow vegetables and it was nothing like this, so I can appreciate your hard work. My neighbor used to give me zucchini from her garden and we would make stuffed zucch with a cottage cheese & egg mixture -- zucchini boats, she called them.

The arch is wonderful and perfect for roses. I'm looking forward to planting a small rose garden here at my new place. I do miss my rosebushes from the "old house", but it will be fun to start over again. And clematis. I must put in a clematis!

Carole Burant said...

Hmmmm I think my zucchini plants have been talking to yours and are now doing the same things yours is! lol I went to check this morning and I was shocked at how huge it's gotten and found a couple of nice big zucchinis. My cucumber plants have winded their way into everything else..no neat rows anymore! lol I just love your arch and congrats for putting it up yourself...I'm the same way, I love figuring it out for myself:-) xoxo

Joanne said...

There's def something in the zucchini this year. Mine are all over the map too, overtaking the garden as my eggplant cry out for help! Love the idea of your cottage garden - the climbing roses is a perfect idea. Just the idea is so comforting, peaceful, a cottage garden :) It inspires me to dress up a corner of my own yard.

Nancy Jo said...

WOW Barb,
You got some garden thing going on there. I wish I had room for one. But we have so much shade and I can't cut a tree down. So I guess there is no garden for me.Perhaps you could send me a bushel of your best.
NANCY JO

2 LMZ FARMS said...

Your garden is doing better than mine did. I think my problem was it was way too hot and dry even though I watered it every day. I hate to say it but I didn't even plant flowers this year. Yea, I was being lazy.lol Hope you and yours have a blessed day.

pbb29556 said...

Hey Barbara
I hadnt been by here to see what was new on your homestead for awhile and am glad I did today. The pictures of your flowers and of the house are great. I'm jealous of you being able to pick your own tomatoes for BLT's. The last couple years I didnt have much luck with them so I didnt grow any this year and the ones I have bought from road side stands and the farmers market werent all that good. Funny you mentioned zucchini - Sue made some zucchini bread yesterday and I was eating some as I read your post.

pbb29556 said...

Hey Barbara
I hadnt been by here to see what was new on your homestead for awhile and am glad I did today. The pictures of your flowers and of the house are great. I'm jealous of you being able to pick your own tomatoes for BLT's. The last couple years I didnt have much luck with them so I didnt grow any this year and the ones I have bought from road side stands and the farmers market werent all that good. Funny you mentioned zucchini - Sue made some zucchini bread yesterday and I was eating some as I read your post.

Nancy said...

Hi Barbara!

Your garden is gorgeous!!! What are you fertilizing with??? Those zucchini look huge!!!

The arch is beautiful!!! I'll be waiting to see more pcis as you work on your cottage garden! Sounds like a beautiful project!

Your roses are beautiful!!! The wonder of Nature amazes me!!!

Molly looks so small beside Charley! She looks darling and he is a very stately and handsome male!!!

I am going to try to get my wheat bread recipe posted tomorrow....I believe we talked about wheat bread or wheat flour one time.

Have a great week! This was a beautiful post!!!

(((((( HUGS ))))))

Terri Tiffany said...

I love your pictures! Your place is so beautiful and you are blessed to own it!