It's been a rather strange summer: first, cool and dry, then very hot. Our garden has been quite productive in spite of the unusual weather, but it has needed regular watering.
The term garden to me has always meant a vegetable garden. Flowers and shrubs are very attractive, but one cannot make salads from them. I enjoy the flowers that we have, but gardening to me implies food – potatoes, tomatoes, corn, peas, raspberries, rhubarb, beans, basil and more.
We have a large garden and our summer meals (and many of our meals in other seasons) consist primarily of our produce.
Vegetables which have been picked in another country days or weeks before they reach local stores cannot compete with vegetables which have been picked or dug minutes before cooking.
Not everyone has the opportunity of owning and managing a large garden. But many people have opportunities to grow tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables in pots on balconies or back steps. Most of us can also buy local produce at farmers' markets or directly from producers.
Our preoccupation with growing grass in our yards came, I believe, from our ancestors who copied those who lived in large homes and on large estates in Europe. They had and probably still have acres of grass and flowers, all cared for by hired help. We have continued to emulate those people: but lush lawns require water and fertilizer and most people cut them with mowers powered by two-cycle engines, the most inefficient engines available.
Consider growing some of your own food in your yard or on your deck. Become an urban organic farmer. You'll produce food which is delicious, nutritious, and virtually free.
In the meantime drop by some afternoon in the next week or two. The raspberries are going strong, there's lots of spinach and fresh chard: and I'd be happy to offer you a fresh tomato.
PJ:
Man, you keep busy - all over the map (and world - ie: London). Good deal - that's what keeps you young ! Good photo of the geese - there sure are lots of them flying these days -and too many of them are in the park Judy walks the dog through in T Bay !!
I presume you got the song/dance list for Rouleau next year - thought you would like to play "All of Me' and that you didn't get a chance to sing Hello Dolly last year. Are there any other songs you would prefer? Wondered if you might like Moonglow rather than I'm in the Nude for Love...
Please look it over critically and make some suggestions - it would be nice if it was (nearly) settled by January and then we could all practice the same songs and not have (too many) changes the day we land at Terry's in Sask. (Speaking of Sask - the other photos besides the geese were very good too).
Will call you one day when Judy and I are in Edm - coming there for the Canadian Olympic Curling Trial Playdowns. Dec 5 - 13th.
Keep healthy (on those home grown veggies !).
Ted
Posted by: Ted | November 08, 2009 at 04:10 PM