Blackberry Battle

          Today, Rachel and I tackled the blackberries.  Our arch enemy:  the Orcs of the weed world, the Daleks of the garden, and the destroyer of clear space.  The battle was tough and we have many more days of fighting ahead of us, but it felt so good to get outside in the sun and breathe the fresh air.  Spring is here!

Happy Hens and Bob

Bingo

Hacking Away

The Days' Spoils

Battle Scars

Summer Has Arrived!

            The calendar page turned and the heat invaded.  After such a damp memorial day I expected a bit more chilly spring weather, but we have been hovering in the ninety degree range the last couple days.  It is finally time to get summerified, which means sweet tomatoes, warm evenings, and lots of swimming! 

          Today out at the farm we spent a good portion of our time weeding under shady trees, migrating around as the sun moved overhead.  My own garden is super small this year.  With all the business for DLC, moving, and school, I have only planted some sugar snap peas and a couple bunches of salad greens.  I do have one raised bed devoted to garlic and some onions from the winter, but they will not be ready to pick and eat for many months.  Rachel did discover a volunteer tomato plant where we had our garden last year, it is a pretty good size and we want to transplant it into a pot.  I have the pot full of dirt all ready and waiting, I just have not taken the time to actually transplant the tomato!

          I am especially looking forward this year to hot afternoons, where the heat keeps you confined indoors with a cool drink and a good book.  It is also a great way to catch up on writing letters, novels, and, of course, blogging! 

          Here are the promised baby goat pictures!  They came running over when I walked up, but they soon realized I had come without any treats so they resumed romping and playing on their little playground.  Still, they are super cute!       

        

Broccoli!

Today I harvested Broccoli!!!  Last years’ attempt was such a disappointment I was not very excited when it came time to plant again.  But I started the plants, placed them in the ground, and have pretty much ignored them ever since.  Imagine my surprise and excitement when I discovered several beautiful heads ready to harvest!  It just proves the age-old phrase, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!