Garden Harvest

In spite of its lack of attention, my kitchen garden is thriving this year.   We have had a bounty of vegetables and fruit including tomatoes, Indian corn, squash, beans, and various lettuces.

I love the "volunteers" that become pronounced and help bring beauty amidst the tired plants come September.  Sunflowers and cosmos fill the gaps and truly shine in all their glory as the sun begins to change and the shadows grow longer.

My favorite all time garden vegetable -- the green bean -- has been a staple throughout the summer.  Isabelle and I nibble them whenever we are outside.  Delicious!

Of course, I must have bursts of orange throughout my yard.  This year's pick -- small zinnias which have been blooming for over 6 weeks with no signs of stopping.

I just read last night about the absolute nutritional and cancer fighting punch of Swiss Chard.  It has always been a favorite of mine -- something I crave actually, so I am glad to see it still growing strong as we approach fall.

A dear neighbor came over with her brood and helped us can homemade spaghetti sauce for the year.  Filled with my homegrown tomatoes, onions, and herbs, it is a treat to have on the shelves and such an unexpected blessing in light of my life right now.

This is the first of many years that I have not grown pumpkins :-(  I truly miss them and will have to resort to buying some this year instead.  However, my one consolation is the small patch of miniature pumpkins which are quickly taking over the north end of the garden.  These little spots of sunshine growing over my garden wall bring warmth and smiles to my days.

As peas are quickly eaten by the quail family which lives nearby, Isabelle and I resorted to planting mini-pumpkins in their stead.  Only the very tip top of the trellis peeks outside their hand sized leaves.

Bright and cheery, these cosmos fill in where brown and withering leaves are beginning to appear. These leggy flowers plant themselves every year.  They have become a garden friend I could not do without.

Our days are truly beautiful in Idaho right now.  Mid 80's during the day and reaching into the 50's at night.  This combination is sure to bring about some stunning fall colors in the weeks ahead.  God is so good to continue to give me strength to finish well what I started this spring.  Garden blessings to you this day!