Planting seeds in our garden – English peas
Yes, it is winter. Yes, the landscape is relatively barren as some trees have lost their leaves and (I am pleased to say) a few of the weeds that wreck havoc during the summer are more dormant for these cooler months. However, one of the totally awesome things about living in Florida is that we still have a garden that is thriving!
Max examines our pea vines and bamboo stakes
About a month ago our family began fostering two small plots in our local community garden. Since that time we have visited regularly with great enthusiasm to find that the small seeds we recently planted are now plants approaching edible sizes! This last weekend we shared some of our small harvest with friends as I made a baby greens salad with tiny lettuces and baby spinach from our plot! I’ve even picked a few of the adorable radishes that we have enjoyed as a garnish with our meal.
Other, more established gardeners surround us with the fruits of their labor–some awe inspiring leafy greens, fresh herbs, and even broccoli neighbor our plot and thrive! Though our small seedlings aren’t up to these standards quite yet, Max and Madeline have relished monitoring the progress of all that is in the garden. We even enjoy the friendly visits of the resident honeybees as they fly from their hive to inspect the many blossoms that are almost hidden by the lush green plants of our winter garden.
A HUGE, beautiful head of cabbage.
Honey bees visit the flowering broccoli.
A neighbor’s row of beautiful purple cabbage.
A baby radish fresh from our garden.
