'Bashful botaniste writes ... Cucs are busting out all over!!

Have you noticed that this now-past spring season was opulent, blowsy and eager to strut her stuff? Many,  plants bloomed early. But not the peonies - they are blooming right on schedule. Now, peonies require the active presence of ants to bloom. Were the ants lazy this year, or are they better watchdogs of the calendar?

Spring came early to Garrett Hill, as 15 family units, representing 4 generations became involved in the Common Ground Community Garden  and began to build their new garden the last Saturday in March. Within 2 hours the raised beds were built; the following Saturday the new gardeners moved 10,000 pounds of great soil. Finally, 6-8 helpers built the fence to surround the garden.

It was time to garden. And rushing the season [quite] a bit, they began. Cold hardy plants went in - seeds of beets, carrots, onions, lettuce, arugula. Mother spring cooperated - no heavy frosts. So, once again the envelope was pushed. In went potatoes, cucumbers, winter squash, broccoli, brusselsprouts. Finally, gardeners planted peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes and all sorts of flowers.

These last several days of 90+ degree heat has been just what the garden needed. The garden is bursting out all over. Tomatoes are forming, lettuce and spinach and arugula and brocoli raab are in their final days for harvesting, beans are flowering and baby cucs are forming on vines that seem to grow a foot/day.  It's just amazing!!

Once again, Garrett Hillians are creating something new and exciting and a new circle  of community is forming.