Tuesday, September 12, 2006

WINDING DOWN


The last few bits from the garden.
This is a funky little eggplant, which is incredibly tasty when sliced, brushed with olive oil, and grilled.
HOWEVER:
I don't think I will grow them again as I got two measly eggplant per plant. Kind of pricey!
And in abundance at the Farmers Market on Saturday morning.

The last of the winter squash. I think these are called "Lil Dumplings", or something like that. It is similar to an acorn squash, only sweeter. I actually poke a few holes in it, and microwave till nearly done. Then I cut in half and seed it. Finish cooking either in the oven with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, or in the microwave.

The Butterfly Bush is the last bloomin' flower in the autumn garden, but well worth the wait! We have butterflies swarming this bush, and it is such a delight to sit on the front porch and watch the wonder of it all.
Now comes some of the dirty work.
I have to clear out all the dead and dying vegetable matter. Then top dress the garden with the dirty straw and poo from the hen house. Hopefully, this will break down over the winter, and I will have incredibly rich,fertile soil to work with come spring.
It is my hope.
CHICKEN UPDATE
The girls are 17 weeks old now, so we should be seeing some fruit from our labor very shortly. Maybe in the next 3 weeks?
I'll keep you posted!
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6 comments:

Aunt Jenny said...

I never have good luck with Eggplant either...and like you said..they are in abundance at farmers markets...I am trying my luck with okra for the second year..this year was better.
I LOVE those little dumpling squash. I should have grown some this year. Oh well..there is always next year. I am finally getting enough ripe tomatoes to do things with..hooray!
You are such a good photographer!!

homespun living said...

Great pictures! I put in 6 eggplant plants this year and see only two eggplant out there. The first year I grew eggplant, it did fabulous, but ever since I've not had much luck. I like your white butterfly bush; I have a purple one attracting lots of monarchs.

kansasrose said...

What beautiful pics! Love the butterfly on the flower...I planted a butterfly bush last summer and it died because of the drought but has come back from the roots so I have hope. I love them. They smell so good. When is your first frost date? Ours is Oct.20 but not always is this an accurate date. Your garden is amazing...hope you get some chicks soon! My friend in New Zealand calls chickens "chooks". xxoo

PamKittyMorning said...

It all looks so pretty.

savvycityfarmer said...

oh such a sad day on the farm...everything still looks amazingly swell...thank you for such a lovley compliment on the "do"...more, alot more later.

kate said...

I think i have that eggplant too --is it 'Rosa Bianca'? I grew them from seed and i have ONE eggplant from 8 plants. So i think you did rather well ;)

I need a white butterfly bush for my son's garden but i have not been able to find one around here....maybe next year, or i will order online.