We took a vegetable gardening class at Clark Gardens this spring.  That inspired us and gave us a good starting point to plant a small garden here at home.  I understand mother nature has been growing things for a very long time, yet I am always in awe and amazement when a seed we plant actually arises from the ground. I suppose that is the way with all living things. It's a marvel to watch them grow and change. I hope to never tire of the wonderment.  It's a humbling experience and a study in vulnerability (and persistence) to look at the garden and think of it as a major food source.

Interestingly, the critters that visit the garden are just as small in stature as the young plants - fortunately. The tiny grasshopper in the top picture is a testament to that. So small he was hard to see. He was hanging out on the southern peas.  We've even had a baby toad hanging out in the garden. Nice. The bugs are just his size.

The sweet basil is a beautiful plant. We probably planted the seeds way to close together, and way too many of them. Call it a beginners mistake. It sure has made a beautiful bunch of plants though, and tasty ones too. We made a bruschetta knock-off. Got some Italian bread and put a thin spread of butter on it, then topped it with grated mozzarella, chopped roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Then toasted it ever so slightly in the oven. My oh my, the basil sure smells wonderful, and is flavorful too. 

We were so excited to get to use some of the basil to cook with that the leaves were probably a bit on the small side. Laura (my step daughter) was even apologizing to the little plants as she gently removed each leaf. Not to worry!  The basil is still growing strong, as you can see in the progression pictures of it above. It will only be in its starter container for a short while longer - hopefully.  It will be transplanted to its proper home in the garden . We are waiting until the high temperatures for the day are below 100 degrees.  Fingers crossed.  Hope that is very soon.

We've been wonderfully busy building websites.  One new one I'm particularly fond of is www.theretreatatclarkgardens.com. It's a beautiful location.

Take care.

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