Bill & Judy's Garden August Update

Bill & Judy’s hard work in the spring paid them back handsomely this summer. This is the time of harvesting, using, and preserving. It’s a busy time and Bill & Judy are no exception. The last of the broccoli and cauliflower has been harvested along with the end of the season sweet corn.

The pepper explosion in the garden has been a grand one and continues with tiny red-hot Asian peppers covering plants, cayennes, and green peppers turning to yellow and red. According to Bill, they picked about a hundred jalapenos and 25 Hungarian wax peppers. Large well-shaped green peppers ended up in the kitchen. Plans for peppers include pickling and drying for cold weather recipes when a bit of heat is needed. .

The tomatoes are finally coming on and one bout of canning has all ready filled the kitchen with homey aromas of tomatoes cooking. Delicious pop-in-you-mouth-warm-from-the garden cherry tomatoes are ready for picking.

Plump, purple eggplants ripen to become eggplant parmigiana or a delectable side dish for dinner. Swiss chard, onions, and carrots are harvested and being used with plans to plant more of some and less of others. The leeks are growing and Bill said, “…something tells me they’ll (leeks) will be great in our corn sauté.”

A garden is an ever-changing project discarding the idea that caused excitement in the spring, but turned less than satisfying as the year wore on. It’s replacing this variety for a new one. In Bill’s words…

“We've really enjoyed the garden! I wasn't too sure when we started this project, but to this point it's been a good time, other than the pesky weeds. We're already making plans for next year and some of the changes and additions we'll be making.”

I can’t thank my brother Bill and sister-in-law Judy enough for allowing me to follow their brand new venture into gardening and share it with readers. It’s been fun on my end and a lot of work on theirs. I sipped Margaritas and took photos while they toiled. The hard work reaps rewards beyond the dinner table…so here’s to both of you for a job well done and a great growing season. Cheers!

The Flowers of West Unity

A couple weeks ago, I took the hand of a handsome brown-eyed fellow and we strolled around my hometown…West Unity, Ohio. I grew up in a white house on a corner with a small garden in the back yard surrounded by the fragrance of lilac bushes in spring, a redbud tree splendid in a gown of blossoms, a row of daffodils and red tulips smiling, roses unfurling in June, and glorious zinnias that created a touchable rainbow in the middle of summer. My first garden experiences were watching my dad hoe rows of beans and my mom start roses beneath canning jars. A garden still grows in the same spot that I knew as a child with a new gardener, my brother Paul.

We started at this spot with so many memories, one hand holding a little hand and the other clutching a camera. We trekked around the town of West Unity searching for flowers, vegetables, inviting entryways, and captivating gardens. As we walked, I told him little stories about life in a rural town, playing softball, and who lived where. We discussed gardens and flowers, “ooing and ahhing” at tall sunflowers and a welcome at one door that included a teapot, cup and saucer on a front porch. A tiny place in my heart grew just a bit bigger when he’d ask a question proving that he too was enjoying our sojourn. So this is what we found…whimsical flowerbeds, lush plantings, entrances to homes that beckoned family and friends with a smile, and so much more. Together, Mimi and Redding discovered that joy for beauty resides in small towns just as much as it does in big ones.
Over the weekend, West Unity, Ohio, celebrated the 175th anniversary of its founding. So here is my gift to a town that holds so many memories, good ones, bad ones, happy ones, sad ones, silly times, and maybe just a regret or two. I’m sorry to say I do not know some of the people whose gardens enchanted me. If you find out that I’ve photographed your garden or yard, please let me know. I’d love to tell the world who turned a piece of earth into a wondrous place.

Brandywine Update

I am in love. Last night I feasted on cabbage rolls and fresh-out-of-the-oven Hungarian crusty bread with Paul. While we waited for the rolls to finish cooking, Paul sliced a Brandywine tomato. I took my first bite of the funky shaped, pink tomato. The flavor burst on my tongue, lingering with a satisfying tingle. Never in my life have I tasted a tomato that can only be described as vibrant. Eating tomatoes will never be the same, for I have tasted as close to tomato perfection as possible…at least for now.
I am happy to report that my container grown Brandywine sports a faint blush of pink on the cheek. Renewed hope, that I too will have the delectable tomato just outside my door, brings delight to my gardener heart.

A slice of tomato Nirvana.

Dreaming in Pink

I suppose it’s too late now to research the heirloom tomato, Brandywine, but what the heck…I did it anyhow. This spring I planted one Brandywine tomato in a container that sits in full sun on my patio. As I wait for my first ripe bite, I’ve become curious about the variety and I’m hoping the fruit of the vine holds up to the stellar reports that precede it. I'm having my doubts as I dream of biting into a luscious pink tomato. My first clue that maybe Brandywine’s would be less then pure should have come when every nursery and garden center started selling Brandywine plants.
Come to find out…it’s become such a popular tomato variety that there’s reason to believe that seed saving and sharing has developed sub-strains of Brandywines that may be less flavorful. Well…that’s what I get for waiting too long.

I started reading about heirloom seeds many years ago, but never took the next step, purchasing seed from the Seed Savers Program. When I lived on a farm with acres of tillable garden space, I was too busy raising herbs, flowers, vegetables and kids to delve into heirloom seeds. The PC and its quick research tools were in the future, so I read about heirloom seeds in garden magazines. The photos of black, pink, and orange tomatoes delighted my sense of color and I imagined tomato juice in deep, dark purple, whole pink tomatoes canned and standing on the shelf in the cellar, and slices of orange tomatoes for sandwiches and eating out of hand coming from my rainbow tomato garden.
Fast-forward a few hundred years (just kidding) and I have my first heirloom tomato, only to learn that it may not be the true, authentic, one and only Brandywine. Insert bosom heaving sigh here. My plant in a pot doesn’t look as good as my brother’s. His stands 8 feet tall, covered in green tomatoes getting bigger by the day. In comparison, my plant has about nine tomatoes developing. If I get nine tomatoes off that plant that taste as good as the marching band that goes before claims, I’ll be as happy as a plump, bursting with flavor, pink tomato on a healthy vine in August.

I discovered while researching the history of the Brandywine tomato that Seed Savers acquired the heirloom seed from a fellow in Ohio…Ben Quisenberry Mr. Quisenberry, now deceased, received seeds from Doris Sudduth Hill of Tennessee who claimed the seeds had been in her family for over 80 years. Sometime in the future I’ll do more research on Mr. Quisenberry and his Big Tomato Garden in Syracuse, Ohio. If you’d like in-depth history of the Brandywine tomato, check out Craig LeHoullier’s article on the Victory Seed Company’s website.

Lately, I feel like Linus in the pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin to make his appearance with one difference, I’m dreaming in pink and waiting for my Brandywine tomatoes to turn red… I mean pink.

Quick Update: Paul's Brandywines are turning pink.... mine are still

green.

Van Wert Garden Walk

Forget the sunblock, no need to grab sunglasses, and leave the hat on the shelf. You won’t need five bucks and the camera can stay put, ready for another Kodak moment. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy Garden Walk 2009 in and around Van Wert, Ohio because I went…I saw….I photographed….and the sweat poured out.…just for you.

Sunday, August 9th, my sister and I headed out on the hottest day of the summer thus far for Van Wert. We took a back road that ended up being the wrong road, but we finally made it to our first sunflower stop.


Larry & Emily Riley

We didn’t go in order. We simply stopped at the first house we could find and that happened to be the home and gardens of Larry & Emily Riley in Van Wert. The three words that describe the landscaping and gardens are…whimsical, innovative, and charming. An iron fence surrounds the back yard that holds a plethora of flowers in a mass of colors, shapes, and textures. The items used to accent and hold plants bring smiles to even the reddest-from-heat faces. Naming the vignettes proved to be almost as much fun as viewing and photographing the flowerbeds…and yes one area takes “bed” quite literally. An old wringer washer rests against a white building bearing plants instead of wet clothing; a washboard juts out, as an accent, from a cascading plant that touches a hosta leaf below with a friendly hello. Wall art, reminiscent of a quilt, became a background that drew the eye upward. I bestowed the title, floral washday, on the outdoor vignette.

The Rileys put antique, yard sale, flea market, or attic finds to new and unique uses. The basket on an old bicycle spills over with a charming arrangement of annuals. A watering can, that gave its bottom for the cause years back, was placed permanently in a pouring position with a lush of plants and flowers all around it. A silly toad spewed water into a tiny pond adding the serenity of water. Emily created an eye-catching display using hostas and begonias around five tea cups perched on table legs painted in red, blue, orange, peach, and lavender using floral sticky clay to hold the components.

From the welcoming front door to a peek through an open door in the backyard, the Rileys have created beguiling garden scenes and relaxing spaces within a small yard that screams personality.



Robbie & Madison Adams
A drive down a tree-lined street in Van Wert took us to the home of Rob & Madison Adams. An elegant entrance with large containers framing the hosta lined walk to the door greeted visitors. A short walk into the yard led us to striking metal art. Rob designs landscapes and incorporates his iron works with stunning appeal. The bright flowers captured my eye and the glint of the sun gave the sculpture and surrounding plants a surreal element. In the back yard, plantings and art harmonize forming an outdoor living space that soothes the soul, even on a hot day in August. Rob’s father began creating metal sculptures and wall hangings in his free time from being a physician. Rob and his sister, Beth, leaned the art through the guidance of their father. Rob’s wife, Madison, is also an artist with Street Artists, located in Van Wert. Check out their website and be sure to take a look at the gallery. My favorite piece in Rob and Madison’s yard was a wall hanging of the sun gazing in timeless mystery over the yard from near the back door.

Rob & Leslie Moser
After a quick bite to eat, we were back on the road heading out of Van Wert proper. We came upon Rob and Leslie Moser’s home and, of course, had to stop. One of the master gardeners at the residence, told us that the aim of the previous owners, Brent & Kris Tow, was to create an easy maintenance landscape and oh, how they achieved their goal. The natural setting for the log home fits like a bird in a nest. Blue and green container plantings, along with a wooden rocking chair, set the porch off drawing attention to the entry. A curving stonewall surrounds the back of the home with a woods off to the side and a pond in the front. Roses, pink hydrangeas, heucheras (coral bells), and impatiens stand their ground next to fountain grass and spruce trees.

The landscaping may be low-maintenance, but the owners also attained a balance of natural, serene, and lovely.

Roman & Kylee Baumle
The last stop of the day happened in Paulding County at the home and gardens of Roman and Kylee Baumle. Surprising, jubilant, and lush offer an overall description of the gardens. Around every corner inspiration lurked ready to leap into my brain and be stored for a future gardening project.

From a tree that holds a tiny secret door with a fairy watching close-by to a stand of sunflowers emulating the bright sun overhead, the gardens danced as mirages in the heat. The vegetable vignette complete with sweet corn and a bib-wearing scare crow added humor to the gardens and flowerbeds. Roses, growing along side the fence, stately lilies, and a triangular bed with a colorful sign directing visitors this way and that brought elegance and character to their respective corners. Fountains soothed the soul and eased the sweating brow. A freestanding background of lattice provided space for a climber and sumptuous foliage plants. A shabby chic chandelier became a pot holder hung from an overhead arbor that shaded the patio. In the corner, a growing vine hid necessary pipes and wires that every homeowner must deal with. Birdhouses, hummingbird feeders, baubles and rocks added decorative layers among foliage, flowers, and plants.

The heat of the day and a late start ended the tour early. We missed viewing the gardens of Carolyn Girod, Ray & Mary Young, and Dave & Janet Myers. I just know I missed spectacular gardens and novel approaches to growing vegetables and flowers. My admiration goes out to the Van Wert Master Gardeners who organized such a fine event, even when the weather decided not to cooperate. To the garden lovers who willingly put their “growing babies” out into the world… you are my heroes.

Still hungry for more? Don’t forget to take a look at the slide show. Just follow the link under Slideshows on Flickr. Also, Kylee Baumle's blog, Our Little Acre gives you a guided tour of her yard and gardens. You’ll find loads of inspiration, bountiful ideas from quirky to quaint, and a relaxing tour of the Garden Walk 2009 in Van Wert, Ohio.

Leave a Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Day

It’s all about zucchini on garden blogs across the information highway. I happen to like summer squashes and make delicious side dishes with yellow crookneck or straight squash and zucchini. The great thing about zucchini is how many ways can you use the largesse from the garden. Boiled, broiled, roasted, toasted, chilled, grilled, in a casserole. Shred it, fry it, use it, never buy it. One year my garden provided so much zucchini it was coming out my ears. I made zucchini bread, spicy and chocolate, and froze extra loaves. The long green vegetable became boats with a mixture of rice, ground beef, and cheese filling it up. I went so far as to make zucchini burgers. After shredding a large zucchini, add egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Patty the mixture and fry it as you would a burger patty. My family was not thrilled….to say the least. Even on a bun with ketchup, zucchini burgers just didn’t quite tickle the taste buds in a good way. I tossed out the recipe, but who knows you may be able to come up with a workable combination for zucchini burgers.

Saturday, August 8th has been proclaimed, “Leave a zucchini on your neighbor’s porch Day.” Want more information? Check out Bloggers Unite for the objectives and more information. Why not lay a recipe under the zucchini you place on your neighbor's porch giving neighbors a new way to enjoy the excess bounty of your garden.

I found the following recipe in Early American Life magazine, years ago and it has become one of my family’s favorite side dishes.

Gratin of Summer Squash

2 pounds of yellow summer squash, zucchini, or a mix of the two
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
½ cup onion, chopped coarsely (I cut a whole onion in half and then slice leaving large slivers of onion)
¼ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Topping
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons melted butter

Place sliced squash in a double boiler top or steamer. Add the onion and sprinkle with salt and sugar. Steam vegetables until tender. Put steamed vegetables into an 11-inch gratin or casserole dish, add butter, and mash slightly with a fork. To the vegetables and butter, add cheddar cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, and wine. Season with pepper and stir until mixed. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and toss with fresh bread crumbs. Spread the buttered crumbs evenly over the squash mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. The casserole should bubbly hot and the top a golden brown. This is an elegant side dish that can be mixed together earlier in the day and then baked just in time for dinner.

Get out there...share your zucchini and share a recipe.

Welcome August

Can you believe it…August is here. I’ve always thought August was one of those transition months; it’s not yet fall, but the best days of summer seem to be behind us. This year, we’ve barely had a summer in many parts of the US. Temperatures have been cooler than normal and breezy winds blew through open doors and windows keeping air conditioners off. I’ve enjoyed the cooler summer, but we’ll see how the garden fares. I have noticed it’s taking longer for tomatoes to ripen.

July Photo Fun
I want to thank each person who sent in photographs for the July Photo Fun slide show. All the pictures gave viewers and readers various perspectives. MJ’s urban flower beds and back yard deck, the Short’s rustic country charm in the garden photos, Olga’s garden in Belarus, and Denise’s photo of the alien asparagus offered ideas and fun browsing. The slide show will remain on the site as a link under Flickr Slide Shows. A great big thanks to each of you for participating.

Van Wert Garden Tour
I follow other blogs and one in particular keeps me coming back for more…Our Little Acre. The blogger’s location is near Van Wert, Ohio, although in Paulding County. Next Sunday, August 9th, Van Wert Master Gardeners are hosting a garden tour. The garden tour begins at noon and continues until 5:30 pm. Purchase a $5.00 ticket at any of the homes on tour. You can find more information on the Van Wert County Master Gardener website. I’m looking forward to wandering through town and country gardens, snapping photographs, and gleaning ideas next Sunday in and around Van Wert. I’ll be blogging about the garden tour next week.