frinight

Thanks to everyone that commented on my last post! I love to hear from so many friends, family, and pals I have made on line!

Here’s a look at what we are doing tonight…can you guess?

flowers for the table

basil for homemade pizzas

fresh mint for a summer drink I am dying to make!

new neighbors as guests for dinner

Happy Weekend!

Over the weekend, Nathan and I took a closer look at our garden to see what sort of progress had been made. There were a few warm and steamy days with a couple more chillier than usual…it must have been the perfect equation for a garden BURSTING. So satisfying for the amateur gardener for sure!

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Every year we grow hops in a few places throughout the yard and it beautifully climbs all over our deck and trellis. So effortless!
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In an effort to not spend a ton of money on my flower garden. I decided to just throw a bunch of seeds in the plot and cross my fingers. Apparently the soil was ready for the challenge and I have these beautiful Zinnias to enjoy. The shasta daisies are perennials I planted a few years ago and they do not disappoint. I also have echinnacea, bachelor buttons, lavender and poppies. I’m in heaven watching them grow!
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When Nathan and I were surveying the garden, we were stunned to find 4 broccoli crowns waiting for us to cut. Home grown broccoli can not be compared with the stuff you buy at the market. The taste is 10 times more flavorful and literally blows people away when they try it! Plus, it’s a super easy vegetable to grow!

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More hops! Later in the summer, you can find Nathan and the kids harvesting the hops. Hundreds of cones are produced and yes, beer is made with it! The taste is unreal and it’s fun to boast that it came from our yard.
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I love how big drops of water just puddles on the huge broccoli leaves. Pretty, huh?
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Ellie planted marigold seeds along the perimeter of the garden plot to ward off pests. I love that they are coming in so thick and lush.
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This year we found tomatillo “starts” and are getting ready for all the fruit! We have hundreds of blossoms and are anxious to see how many we get! Salsa Verde here we come…
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tiny cucumbers=tiny pickles…yum.
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Brussel Sprouts…yes, we love them.
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We love growing lettuce and arugula. Nothing is better than heading out to the garden and picking some fresh leaves for a sandwich. This is when I like to pretend we never have to endure long winters.
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Last week, I met with a few friends and we started a “cooking class”. Our goal is to teach one another the art of canning, preserving, cheese making, and bread baking. At the end of the month, we will make sour cherry and blueberry jam and lemon verbena sugar. In August, I hope to use some of these tomatoes to make sauce. I’m sure I will post more about our fun class as we regularly meet…does anyone else do anything similar?
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As Nathan and I were admiring our thriving yard, he remarked how much he loves the midwest. Gardens are lush with the humidity and rain (not too much!), people are making the most of the nice weather, and the changing seasons keeps us always planning our garden! It was so nice to hear his positve outlook since I dragged him here about 9 years ago from California! I couldn’t ask for a better gardening partner.
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