The Constant Gardner Returns: The Wonders of the Harvest

I have to say that there is a lot of work that goes into being a Constant Gardner, but after all that work is the post at the end of the rainbow of the harvest.

Even Sunny-Girl has become a constant gardener assistant in that she oversees my work (while sitting in the shade I might add) and even enjoys bits of the veggies I cook almost daily. As usual click each photo for a better view.

It does not seem that long ago that I started the garden and rapidly saw it grow. It helped to have purchased seedlings for some items and unlike Daddy not have to wait for seeds to germinate.

I don't know about Sunny-Girl but there was a lot of anticipation on my part with each new day's growth. And then, to see the veggies sprout and wait with gleeful excitement to be able to pick and sample each one was a reward in itself.

But the day to begin harvesting finally came. We have cheerfully eaten and given away vegetables to friends and neighbors who seemed to enjoy them almost as much as we did.

Tomatoes are also a wonder. Most people don't realize that tomatoes are a fruit and you can pick them once you see a slight bit of orange to then let them ripen into the juicy red we all recognize. I keep a sharp eye for the slightest change in color which is my excuse to pick and watch them ripen.

And, while it has not been a bumper crop, I have gotten the hang of growing squash. I find myself picking one or two each day along with the daily haul of tomatoes. Back in Denver people grew them without effort but for me in Florida it was a test of will chore.

In fact, just the other day I had a taste for one of Chrissy's and Daddy's favorites: Okra and Tomatoes. It is a tasty dish and a quick way to stay on top of the constant stream of tomatoes I collect.

I included a photo of my preparation to add to the visual excitement. And guess what? Sunny-Girl likes okra as well!








Oh yes, watermelons are on the way. My little niece has not yet staked out her claim. The last time she was over they were just vines... but the little gardennapper cannot be far off.

And to pour a little salt into the wound, I took a few tomatoes over to Daddy and mentioned our dinner for the evening. He and his cane really went into action because that was visible evidence of just how far behind he is. He is now watering his garden day and night and in this tale the hare might just win...

The Constant Gardener

Back by popular demand (that means you Chrissy, and I hope you are laughing your head off!) I finally remembered to take the camera and get some pictures of Daddy's garden. As usual, click each photo for a better view.

I mentioned before that I learned he is shy and to get this shot I had to wait for him to look up. Later as I was experimenting with the picture I realized it some how has more impact in black and white. The black and white somehow is more him than color.

The garden itself is not huge like mine...

but he has lovingly weeded it and is very proud of the fact that his okra returns the favor by producing an abundant crop.

His tomatoes have held up well despite the heat. He laughed and proudly told me that twice this week he had Okra and tomatoes and then with a satisfied smile commented on how great they were.

I asked if he wanted to stand in front of his crop but got a reply that his fans would have to wait until the heat cooled off, and besides, he had a gossip magazine to read! I can't wait to get his take on the latest episode in the life of Lindsay Lohan!