Minerva, Master-Weeder
Amazingly, since Minerva has taken up residence in the garden, it is virtually weed free (we won't mention that I spent the entire past week on my hands and knees). Regardless, the garden is the best it has ever looked at this point of the season. Hopefully, with a little daily maintenance, I can keep a relatively weed-free garden all summer.
Having Minerva there in the center of the garden gives you an idea just how big it is. She is life size and there is still half of the garden behind her. In the front is our strawberry patch...uncovered from its' wintery straw blanket. Blossoms abound; and with the right mix of rain and sun, we should have a marvelous harvest this June. These plants are ever-bearing and will produce fresh strawberries well into Fall.
Directly behind the strawberries is a row of lavender...my favorite perrenial, favorite herb, favorite scent. Lavender and other flowers help to repel insects naturally...an essential part of an organic garden.
The wooden boxes hold non-edible herbs and flowers such as zinnias and tansy.
Behind the boxes I have planted onions, garlic, celery, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, several types of peppers, sugar peas, green beans, asparagus, rhubarb, beets, radishes, cucumbers, squash (several varieties) and sunflowers. In the next week or two I will add sweet potatoes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, more beets, and corn. I also want to get some gourds and pumpkins planted close to the fence, to vine up the fence.
Lots of care in these beginning weeks will assure that we have a freezer and pantry full of food for the rest of the year.
I would encourage you, no matter what you living situation to try your hand at growing some of your own food. There is nothing tastier or more nutritious...certainly not what you buy in the grocery store that has been shipped across the country or halfway around the world. And if you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint, growing some of your own food is the way to start. Even if you are an apartment dweller, you can plant a patio tomato, and various vegetable plants in pots. A window box makes an excellent lettuce, spinach, radish, or carrot garden. With adequate sun and daily watering, you can enjoy the benefits of home-grown foods.
To me, there is nothing more satisfying than earth beneath my fingernails and homegrown produce on my table....not to mention the financial savings of not having to buy these things at the store.
Plant your own.....or, if you absolutely cannot.....please consider buying local!
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