How I grew into a Garden . . .

Growing up, I caught a crawfish in the ditch using bacon and string—and named him Fred and was my pet and an instant part of my family. Two days later Fred was dead. So I went to the ditch and replaced him and there was Fred 2. Randomly, Fred was the name the smiling custodian at my kindergarten, as well as each and everyone of my loved pets. I was well up to Fred23 before I found other things to entertain me. I decided I loved plants.

This realization came to me when I was 8 and my first philodendron's name was Fred. I had an Ivy and a Phil as well. But honestly, I have killed a plethora of beautiful flora. Ivy's, trailers, even cacti and bamboo. I would over-love my plants and give them lots of water, then resent that there is no immediate satisfaction or if they suddenly got limp from a drought and then my 'love' of 4 cups of water. Then I would 'forget' to take care of them until their green leaves are limp and listless. At 25, I gave up indoor plants. At 27, I got a dog and yards became his playground so no outdoor either.

Fast forward a number of years, and I love my indoor plants, have an orchid table for my re blooming favorites and have now been banned to bring home, save, buy, or clip any more plants. I can not possibly 'need' more plants. I do though, and with home ownership came a yard-full of them. A true dream. This is the year I decided to try my very first garden. I have a small raised bed in the yard - and small is making it sound big. It is 2x4. I also have amassed an untold amount of planters from apartment and rental living. After a little research and picking up a book, I decided I was going to do vertical garden to save space and maximize my harvest.

So on June 1st, I started the garden. Unfortunately, it froze on June 2nd and everything died. (picture on left was my first try)

So attempt #2 found me with 8 planters that hold 4 different tomatoes (love having fresh tomatoes to cook with!!), a mammoth jalapeno plant, a orange bell pepper, basil, and a cucumber plant.

The planter holds three huge strawberry plants, two climbing pole bean plants, one sweet pea plant because the one I planted a bit late didn't make it, three zucchini plants, one golden rush yellow squash, one butternut squash, two lemon cucumber plants and 7 garlic plants.

And I have moved on to the yard. I have planted 25 strawberry's, 3 golden raspberries, 6 red raspberries, parsley, thyme, radishes, and even an artichoke and found an apple and plum tree and planted an Asian pear tree. My yard is a basic snack. Awesome.

And why am I sharing?? Because I have recently gotten to start cooking the things that I am growing and find that my fruit and vegetables make my meals much more satisfying and I am being more inventive with my recipes so I can incorporate my fresh veg. Yum!