We got back to Melbourne on Sunday after 2 weeks camping holiday to find the garden thriving but a little on the wild side. Thanks to my parents for sorting out a few watering issues (it turns out that it is a good idea to replace batteries in timers for sprinkling systems before going on holidays……). Today is my day for sorting out the garden but I did a quick harvest upon our return on Sunday.
This is the second last cabbage – I will probably harvest the last one next week. The beans and the cucumbers are the first of the new season harvest. I’m particularly pleased with the beans – this is the first time I have grown Majestic Butter – a bush variety which have produced quickly and abundantly as well as tasting good in a pesto and pasta dish.
Most of broccoli plants were in flower and quickly pulled but I did find one which had some decent non flowering heads. I will be interested to see how many bugs they contain…..
Other than the veg I also harvested some herbs; some mint – photographed below and some basil which I failed to snap in focus in my rush to make pesto for some ravenous pre-schoolers…..
My other major harvest was the rest of my garlic, which was fabulous – at least 50% larger than the ones I pulled 2 weeks ago: which just proves any number of old adages: patience is a virtue, plants thrive on neglect, a watched pot never boils (or bulbs….) etc etc etc.
And finally I did have one other very small harvest which was popped into my mouth quicker than you can say tomato – my first one was a broad ripple currant and very nice it was too.
For other harvests from around the world discover Daphne’s Dandelions.
Beautiful harvest. Those beans are so gorgeous.
They were really good – so good I planted some more yesterday.
Oh those beans, cabbage, cucumbers, and broccoli are beautiful! What I would not give to be enjoying summer crops fresh from the garden right now. We are relegated to root crops and hardy greens for the time being. The garlic looks good too. Glad you returned to a garden in relatively good shape after being away.
Good things grow below the ground – I like the variation of seasons – its that that creates the expectation and hope of what the next might produce.
Bugs and broccoli, that’s like hands in gloves in my garden, the two always go together. Just a little extra protein! What a wonderful harvest, it’s giving me fond memories of harvests from warmer days and is making me anticipate next summer. The winter solstice is just around the corner, yippee!
The aphids I can handle – its the squishy green caterpillars that I get a bit squemish about….
wonderful…nothing better than coming home to a home grown meal!
It was lovely I have to say.
What a good job your parents were keeping a watch. Which type of garlic did you plant – just hope that I have some plaiting to do next year.
The garlic was called Italian ”Common” – not very interesting name but it tastes good.
I’m so tired and confused and I wrote my comment on the wrong post, but I meant to say that I am so glad you are back.
I know the feeling – it all just gets a bit hectic this time of year. Thanks though!
Another advantage of the cream-coloured beans is that they are easier to spot amongst the foliage.
Are you going to post any of your holiday pictures??
I might post some holiday pictures – obviously gardening related ones although these are few and far between and those I didn’t take were in between trips to zoos, museums, beach etc etc and usually very rushed as a 5 year tried to tug the camera out of my hand…..
I think all gardeners should get to have two gardens- one in each hemisphere! That way we can always have summer veggies 🙂 Although the travel costs with maintaining two gardens may get to be a bit much. And can you take trowels and clippers in your carry-on baggage? Perhaps some logistics and details to iron out!
Great idea but I suspect no to the carry on baggage – they turned down my sister in laws baby cutlery set on the basis that the knife & fork could be used as a weapon, a very small and not very sharp one but a weapon nonetheless…..
I nominated you for the Versatile Bloggers Award http://leannecole.wordpress.com/2011/12/22/nights-and-awards/, I hope this is OK
Thankyou!!!!!! That was very nice of you!!!!!
I am impress you already harvest some cucumbers. We probably need to wait another 6 weeks perhaps. They so slow growing for us this year. Your garlic harvest look fantastic. good job.
Thats interesting that your cucumbers are slow – apart from the ones I harvested I don’t have that many coming along either. Last year was a such a good year for them here perhaps this year wont be as good.