November In Pics

First egg after molting--a small one:



Pretty bird after molting:



Ornamental grass plumes:



Sleeping garden:



Old nest:


Lone leaf, mirrored branches:



Lavender:



Still colorful perennial geranium leaves:



'Autumn Joy' sedum:

Get Your Garlic in the Ground

I'm probably a week or two late this year in getting my garlic in the ground, but I think it will forgive me. Last year, I planted about 3 dozen organic cloves; the results were small but powerful. This year, I might plant a mix of those same cloves and some larger ones from the grocery, as La Familia goes through a lot of garlic in a year, so I would like some larger heads.

The happy sight of garlic shoots in the spring rivals those of crocus and asparagus. Harvest in July, when the leaves/stalks start to turn brown, dry for a few weeks, wipe off the dirt, and store in a dark, dry place.

Little work for a big return.

2009 Grade -- Just Average

Vegetable Garden is on the other side of her hill now. Thing is, I don't think she ever really hit a peak this year...

Two thumbs up: Lettuce, chard, zucchini, basil, potatoes, peaches

Thumbs to come: butternut squash, peppers, cantaloupe

One thumb: cukes, green beans, asparsagus, corn

Thumbs down: beets, peas, soy beans, tomatoes, apples

********************************************

Overall grade: B-
So much time and sweat for a B-...

Notes for next year:

• Try bush beans instead of pole beans.
• Use Park Seed's 'Marai' corn seeds.
• Get peppers form Arcana nursery again.
• Don't bother with broccoli. It bolts too fast.
• Bring seeds inside for the winter; don't leave them in the greenhouse.
• Don't bother with melon. Use the space for cukes.
• Easy on the chard. A little goes a long way.
• Plant parsley.
• Chop down old apple tree; plant four new ones.