Leaf burst on grape vines
The last ten days have been hectic. Luckily, they have been hectic with cooking which I love but unluckily, they were so hectic that not a single photo was taken to be shared.
On Thursday night I hosted a dinner here at our house for Glen’s camera crew. The TV show that he works on takes a hiatus for a few months each spring and Glen really wanted to do something special for the guys who work so long and hard with him each season before the break. We talked about going out to a restaurant but decided it would be more personal and more fun to have everyone here. Invites were extended, the menu was set, flowers, wine and food were purchased and I called on some dear friends (plus my sweet Dad) to help plate and serve the food and wash dishes. We ended up with 22 people for a six course, sit-down dinner. It was lots of work but tons of fun and there is something so wonderful about opening up your home to people that you care about.
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Quince tree flower buds Red currant bushes
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Spanish lavender Chive flowers ready to burst
So today I slept in, had a lovely lunch at a restaurant with my family in our neighbourhood and had just enough energy to wander through my garden and see how much things have grown since last week when I was out there. Today I was struck by all the changes and the work that needs to be done.
Volunteer kale from last year
My garden really needs an overhaul this season. It is time to return the bricked herb garden to house only herbs and to move the chard, salad greens, tomatoes etc. to another garden bed. Earlier this season I planted a quince tree, two pear trees and a fig tree that I found in a pot in front of a house that was being renovated with a huge paper sign that said “FREE FIG TREE” taped to the trunk. I was with Mabel (our dog) and eight blocks from home but carried this tree, stopping every two blocks, to rest and to marvel at my good fortune and the good nature of all gardeners who love to share. I’m hoping that the tree survives and that it is one of the green Italian fig trees that are so prevalent in my neighbourhood and not a Brown Turkey fig tree, like the one I bought and planted 5 years ago, whose fruit always fails to ripen due to our cooler climate.
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Brown Turkey fig Alpine strawberries
I’ve also ripped up the lawn in the front yard (it is north facing and is always sad looking and mossy) and I’m hoping to transform it into a Fritz Haeg inspired Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn garden project. I’ve already planted arugula, peas, radishes and am hoping to plant more salad greens and shade loving herbs. I will let you know how it goes but would appreciate any advice from people out there that are experienced with shade growing vegetable and herb gardens.
But right now I am going to cook a big pot of garlic pasta for Max and Glen. It is our ultimate comfort food for a Sunday night and I will post that recipe tomorrow. I’ve missed being here…
Pixwell Gooseberry bush
Looks gorgeous to me! I can imagine the state of my garden since I've been away! We visited a fantastic English garden shop yesterday that was full of inspiration so I'm sure Ross will be on it the minute we get home!
What a great posting to read this morning… a great reference for my new garden… and great photos! I look forward to checking out the Fritz Haeg link as we are moving to a new house next month and that sounds like the perfect thing to do with our front yard.