Garden party

Carol's Labor Day harvest

Yesterday, I decided that it would be a good way to get my exercise by going into the garden and working my little plot. Lots of buttercup leaves had begun to encroach into my area, and the sweet peas and other plants were ready to join the compost heap. So that's just what I did.

One of Nate's sunflowers and clouds

At first it was on the hot and sunny side, but then these clouds came in to give us some cover from the sun. I was joined by Carol, Nate, Hedi and Joan before too long. Joan didn't stay, but the rest of us did, and we worked on clearing our various areas. Nate has finished earning his degree and is currently looking for a job. He's been offered one from Boeing and another from some place in Georgia. We all hope he takes the Boeing job because then he'll be nearby, even if he has to move from our apartments.

Nate's garden spot, next to mine on the left side

Since we still have some open spots, I think it might be possible for me to take over Nate's plot, at least for next season. If there are more people who want to join us, we'll work from there. On the back fence he's got some really good raspberries, and you can see my strawberry plants on the left are encroaching on his plot. They are the best strawberries I ever tasted, so it sure would be nice to have more room for them. We'll see.

Nate sipping his drink, Carol clearing the community garden

We gathered chairs and brought our drinks of choice: Nate had something with gin in it, Carol got a beer, and I drank my wine (Hedi doesn't drink), while we talked about the successful season, with what worked and what didn't. In the picture, the ground under Carol's feet was full of old squash plants and weeds, and she had finished clearing the area when I took this picture. Soon after, she joined us in libations. It was fun, and I have to say I have enjoyed this, my third planting season, the most of any so far. And I'm looking forward to next year!

Right now I'm cooking a stew, made with one of Carol's onions, Nate's parsnips, my garlic and zucchini, and Hedi's crookneck squash. I could add more, but the pot is full, bubbling away happily as I write this. And it will be enjoyed for dinner tonight, along with some good bread! Who would ever have thought I'd actually become an accomplished gardener, looking for more garden real estate? Certainly not me!
:-)