I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve written about my garden! We’re already well into summer with nary an update. Of course, I’ve been a little busy. And Portland, well, Portland hasn’t really been cooperating. I ran across this graphic on the net today (thanks Monika!) that seemed pretty apt . . . sadly:
Yes, while the rest of the country roasts and toasts with record heat, we’re experiencing highs a good 10 degrees below our average. And it rained last night. And my tomatoes do NOT appreciate it.
But I’m a shiny-side sort of gal, so I’m choosing to see the positive and notice that the season for greens has been extended this year. And you all know how I love me some greens!
Anyway, on to the garden:
Two months ago the northwest bed looked like this, which I described at the time as “blowing up”. Ha! Clearly, it has truly been blown. The borage has reached mammoth heights and provides great shade for the three varieties of kale, which are nestled in the center. I enjoyed that kale all through early summer, and just used up the last of it in a super exciting project, to be posted soon. Borage is a common companion plant and works especially well with brassicas. The little purple flowers are so lovely! If I had been able to find some extra time, I would have been picking them to use in my kitchen. Borage flowers act as both a culinary and a medicinal herb.
Also in the northwest box are calendula flowers, dill, and some mighty snow peas. The snow peas were wonderful just like they are every year, and we made many a stir fry (and many raw meals as well). They’ve pretty much died back by now; I need to get in there and harvest the seeds and clear out the dead brush.
The northeast box is a solid wall of aster tops – cosmos to be exact. You may remember that two months ago, it looked a little barren. Well no more! Still, there’s no sign of blooms which is pretty funny. At least I’m fond of green.
But there’s actually a lot going on under there:
Pumpkin! You may remember how much fun I had with my homegrown pumpkin last year, so I’m super excited for this.
Pumpkin on the run, haha. Okay, moving right along!
The southeast bed is thriving. Two months back this bed was all about the perimeter of spinach. Now that spinach has bolted and I let it go completely to seed. I’d just laid it down to compost right back into the soil, before this picture was taken. I’m wondering if I mightn’t get a fall round of spinach with those seeds!
The zinnias are amazingly, amazingly beautiful. In early spring I simply tossed out a bunch of zinnia seeds and a bunch of basil seeds, but none of the basil took. That’s okay. The zinnias are lovely and they make good companions for my tomatoes. Alas, my poor tomatoes . . .
It’s another rough year for my little red treasures. These late-start summers just suck the momentum right out of them. Poor babies!
But it’s not over yet and I’m not giving up. Tomorrow, we fertilize!
And finally, the southeast bed continues to provide its bounty. It was already doing great in this picture from two months ago, and it’s continued to thrive with an abundance of swiss chard, beet greens, bok choy, and snow peas. I need to harvest the dill, and the walla wallas and beets will be ready in the next few months. Aren’t the calendulas purty? They’re edible, too!
And that about wraps it up for the Bonzai Garden. What about you my friends? How are you growing this year? Is this heat hindering your grand plans, or are you keeping things under control? Do tell!
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http://exoticdonkeymeat.com Kate
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http://windycityvegan.wordpress.com Monika {windycityvegan}
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Rebecca
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TeniseRae
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http://eerosa.wordpress.com erosan
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http://www.vegansunshine.wordpress.com whitney
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Meghan
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http://www.naturallyseasoned.blog.com Lauren – Naturally Seasoned
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TeniseRae
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TeniseRae
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TeniseRae
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http://windycityvegan.wordpress.com Monika {windycityvegan}
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http://www.naturallyseasoned.blog.com Lauren – Naturally Seasoned
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Meghan
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http://miraz38.livejournal.com Mandie
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http://miraz38.livejournal.com Mandie