The Garden

I haven't updated in a long time because I've been so busy working at the church and working outside. So I've decided that I'd write about what's been taking all my time -- the garden!

I doubt that anyone cares about this, but to my mind, it's just as interesting as the political points of view posted on thousands of other blogs. Here it is:

We moved into this house 12 years ago (this Labor Day) and the only color outside came from 5 geranium plants the previous owners put in because they were having a wedding at their house! We added a 50 x 50 garden the next summer and only figured out how to deer-proof it last year (hence, the 8 foot fence). This year, it's probably the best it's ever been.

In the foreground is one of the two strawberry pyramids. Also, on the right are 2 gates with pickling cucumbers on them. To the left are peppers (red, green and yellow bells) and behind the ladder are broccoli. The ladder is there on purpose -- soon the "Baby Boo" (tiny white pumpkins) and "Jack Be Little" (tiny orange pumpkins) will be climbing on it. The airy plants at the back left are asparagus (which we're now finished cutting and are letting grow to put strength back to the plants) and the tomatoes -- romas, cherry and slicing tomatoes -- are next to those.

Here you can see the "Sugar Baby" watermelons and "Blue Lake" bush beans. All along the back are raspberries -- which are REALLY coming in right now.

Raspberries on the canes

Raspberries in the bucket -- we've picked at least
10 times this much already

Turner eating Raspberries off the bushes.
Who knew he'd have a sweet tooth -- he "picks"
from the outside while we pick from
the inside!!

A "Sugar Baby" pumpkin, still small

Growing things and playing in the dirt is one of the great pleasures of life. It's also very therapeutic -- whether listening to the weekend shows on NPR or working in silence and thinking things through. I often think about the nature of sin as I weed -- the little bit of weed shows above ground, but there's usually a big root system under ground where it spreads. You never can get rid of all of it, either.

Then, when the work is done, I like to just sit and look at the fruits (literally) of my labors! It's one of the few places where I put aside restlessness and follow the command to "Be Still"!

Thanks for visiting the garden!