What an inspiration these gals are, what with their fabulous green gardens and baskets of veggies–and you should see their thumbs. They’re totally green! After watching Ashley’s glorious experience in the garden, her father decided to start a garden of his own. Isn’t that great?
Me? I LOVE sharing the adventure. It’s too easy not to and brings such joy to those who partake, how can I not? Remember: Ashley’s already planning on adding another planter box for next season!
Back from vacation, Julie was momentarily distracted by the beach…and Fourth of July celebrations…but don’t think for a second she isn’t back in action! Yes, there were casualties. She lost most of her squash and zucchini while she was cavorting and carrying on, though this fella seems quite determined to stick it out.
Go zucchini, go! And her tomatoes are holding on, sprouting as though she were never gone. Didn’t I tell you Mother Nature will make allowances for the gardener with all the exuberance and none of the time (or talent, for some of us :))? You bet she will and these ruby reds are proof positive!
Now I will be honest with you. When I photographed this melon, I thought he was doomed. A goner. Small and covered in green, I thought for sure he’d been overcome by a mold of some sort. But alas, it’s not the case! This is a special breed of melon (one I’m not familiar with which is no big stretch–I’m as green as they come and sometimes that pertains to know how). Good thing I’m an eager student!
It’s called a Sugar Baby melon and it’s supposed to look like this. Whew! (Almost fainted when I saw her reach in and pick it up bare-handed.) Gardening can get gross. Exhilarating, but gross.
Her herbs are loving life. In Florida these will thrive without full sun. Actually, from what I’ve seen, full summer sun is NOT an herb’s friend. No, ma’am. My basil is not nearly as plump and luscious as Julie’s. Though hers could use a pinch.
Nearby, her cilantro has grown wild and wooly and is now flowering, soon to produce coriander seeds.
Did you know that cilantro and coriander stem from the same plant? They do! First you’ll harvest the flat wide leaves of cilantro–perfect for any salsa–and then you’ll wait and watch as they produce pretty white flowers which will then produce seeds. Once the seeds turn brown, you’ll have yourself a fresh supply of coriander for the kitchen. Doesn’t that sound delightful?
More than delightful, it’s YUM. This gardening thing is so rewarding. From basket to belly we gardeners really do live the sweet life.
I have garden envy! My squash is about to die and I can never get my cilantro/coriander going (I have tried twice). Congrats to the gardening girls.
Most of my squash was devoured by squash bugs — pulled it out this weekend. 🙁
My cilantro is at the flower stage, too. I picked a batch to use as an aromatic centerpiece for the table!
Great idea! I once used basil this way–surprised everyone!