tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54574407533646499762024-03-27T13:41:39.155-05:00The 6x8 gardenspace, light, texture and taste.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-38086469526957797842011-10-26T15:25:00.002-05:002021-12-08T11:04:09.777-06:00Goodbye :(I just realized I never officially closed out this blog when we moved.
I've enjoyed the adventure of gardening on my balcony the last few years, but I'm looking forward to having a little more space and flexibility at my new house.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-11374907697966131932011-06-29T07:41:00.001-05:002011-06-29T07:41:00.713-05:00Marigolds, peppers, tomatoes, violas<div style="text-align: center; font-style: ;"><div style="text-align: left;">It rained a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> last week. At least it seems that everything <span>loves</span> it. At least, nothing is dying on me. *knock on wood<br /><br />Enjoy the photos :)<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFAGRllZaDFf69TPlqxI__CoB-JpNCOVMRyKo3NH7Jj4nZegPYcF2LS3snHWGkRBNXrNhGq-hGTCN-kGIcQd-DkHmenRKRMy38pJWdOflfUpFfh1evvcxa4QfoVBgmzMwvl7Q2JVHRcKD/s720/DSCN1452.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFAGRllZaDFf69TPlqxI__CoB-JpNCOVMRyKo3NH7Jj4nZegPYcF2LS3snHWGkRBNXrNhGq-hGTCN-kGIcQd-DkHmenRKRMy38pJWdOflfUpFfh1evvcxa4QfoVBgmzMwvl7Q2JVHRcKD/s720/DSCN1452.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">violas and nasturtiums from last year's saved seeds</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusgk373wkjkhln0zae6ek2F7O70bS2i5r9H8BFZHls2SUTryiZUVc9z3ugo5XpDjii3KM1mSYWdWOePZ_tovDSpLl7AESqfNDX0Ccl44dY5jfCfeyoZ1TaC0oYm1kBS_tfgpfKidfJvF3/s720/DSCN1446.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusgk373wkjkhln0zae6ek2F7O70bS2i5r9H8BFZHls2SUTryiZUVc9z3ugo5XpDjii3KM1mSYWdWOePZ_tovDSpLl7AESqfNDX0Ccl44dY5jfCfeyoZ1TaC0oYm1kBS_tfgpfKidfJvF3/s720/DSCN1446.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">marigolds from last year's saved seeds</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeMtB72YX3evu4eF8maszPouHF-GAdkVK3nEXpL3w2zHm2J0oi1iEXMRLNeU5plXxpXW3okiLAQ8KQ5_AH6pizL5KPAen8_JdyPFlRpwiRyQ2n4jXWy9UVh1LxnG2zgomomaJnFyE_ZC5/s720/DSCN1450.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 541px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeMtB72YX3evu4eF8maszPouHF-GAdkVK3nEXpL3w2zHm2J0oi1iEXMRLNeU5plXxpXW3okiLAQ8KQ5_AH6pizL5KPAen8_JdyPFlRpwiRyQ2n4jXWy9UVh1LxnG2zgomomaJnFyE_ZC5/s720/DSCN1450.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEita3Lepw8QDvi9MQ0PioUxvnlt8NE4vYa1-SpyEiqgDZ8DxuT2CXYWcY0_SNhmcHMhbtCIan1aMuCGr2ZZnhzUnJwINAVl6fi342CoGCnbBXeIEc5cGa5-as9mkXjYIl5twfNuFLcniGLp/s720/DSCN1444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 720px; height: 540px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEita3Lepw8QDvi9MQ0PioUxvnlt8NE4vYa1-SpyEiqgDZ8DxuT2CXYWcY0_SNhmcHMhbtCIan1aMuCGr2ZZnhzUnJwINAVl6fi342CoGCnbBXeIEc5cGa5-as9mkXjYIl5twfNuFLcniGLp/s720/DSCN1444.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">patio tomato</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVVj2rQqq3Zf9qfVQTxnstNzbKgRm04hD7fu9ObI1od8n5elo5sTXrq_avN1LX0y9Gnj8f3uuiz0lBxx1_Zvjr1HOnXEPHYBJrfjhBgyQ2WnHHqo6wldi73kd-bwksNxmr8JlcbV7vLc7/s576/DSCN1441.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 577px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVVj2rQqq3Zf9qfVQTxnstNzbKgRm04hD7fu9ObI1od8n5elo5sTXrq_avN1LX0y9Gnj8f3uuiz0lBxx1_Zvjr1HOnXEPHYBJrfjhBgyQ2WnHHqo6wldi73kd-bwksNxmr8JlcbV7vLc7/s576/DSCN1441.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">'italia' pepper</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD80LTs00PPv4stSqPXER3SkxHV9lI2K7GAZH6hz1AkSC1YtHCERagTQuSsIS8ezKV3qKoEB45yK3CphbM0TwEIY1OXftPk28gV7-S_RHwGXYKlAin0trN6-ccNmYxK00YFjBLVmYSZPNO/s576/DSCN1438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 432px; height: 576px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD80LTs00PPv4stSqPXER3SkxHV9lI2K7GAZH6hz1AkSC1YtHCERagTQuSsIS8ezKV3qKoEB45yK3CphbM0TwEIY1OXftPk28gV7-S_RHwGXYKlAin0trN6-ccNmYxK00YFjBLVmYSZPNO/s576/DSCN1438.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">jalapeno pepper</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hemt5AoUKLua7PQ5zwomAkn78vk_b2bSXu0uinrBoH6ccv-MfxB8St3BTTrzOcIkpYncrSneSpRJgfYQD7YNSBZbqo3IEr9RHpyk3O3VjEYTQzNIPZxfb3URGEFQY-27X1M-qdfOXRYE/s576/DSCN1440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 432px; height: 576px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hemt5AoUKLua7PQ5zwomAkn78vk_b2bSXu0uinrBoH6ccv-MfxB8St3BTTrzOcIkpYncrSneSpRJgfYQD7YNSBZbqo3IEr9RHpyk3O3VjEYTQzNIPZxfb3URGEFQY-27X1M-qdfOXRYE/s576/DSCN1440.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">bell boy pepper</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK60mpDXnVwOzatNM5IwktHIwgRcM0vaXpqn-XlTGIfpy2b8B_u0SkE2a8Coi78lySfTGIxywgQqCovfWh5AS731negjHV5d7LmuSo8oAa_rKhkfEXPmR2TFEaTnwJH8kuKebgWKtQiZQ8/s576/DSCN1433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 432px; height: 576px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK60mpDXnVwOzatNM5IwktHIwgRcM0vaXpqn-XlTGIfpy2b8B_u0SkE2a8Coi78lySfTGIxywgQqCovfWh5AS731negjHV5d7LmuSo8oAa_rKhkfEXPmR2TFEaTnwJH8kuKebgWKtQiZQ8/s576/DSCN1433.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">'hot portugal' pepper</span><br /><br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-43718875044074976862011-06-17T09:25:00.001-05:002011-06-17T09:27:59.888-05:00Hello tiny tomatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvYq8Ds52avPqTlUmPP2kYNZKkQHoA4OgMAkcn4y66L78W_NDwfE93eXR2xU8Z8LZai6s0iUJKLeEI7tAdi9KLlRPQNSgwN95bn9GPSeSwVTHkfypWj8-jSnXbTZP6Gi8ntoADRAHg5NH/s800/DSCN1384.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvYq8Ds52avPqTlUmPP2kYNZKkQHoA4OgMAkcn4y66L78W_NDwfE93eXR2xU8Z8LZai6s0iUJKLeEI7tAdi9KLlRPQNSgwN95bn9GPSeSwVTHkfypWj8-jSnXbTZP6Gi8ntoADRAHg5NH/s800/DSCN1384.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUHSeapok4NiBMKHAZirqo_H99VEOKYa1Xi9BSQGtpP8F1kvnRuEc98Bbv5QoIpOLn6_iJymvDXjaH30rHvNCLj2W8b0udw4BFWoBeabS2QlTT4I8CH8M3QjKMPN3J_oP2KMcQUN-Llwx/s800/DSCN1386.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUHSeapok4NiBMKHAZirqo_H99VEOKYa1Xi9BSQGtpP8F1kvnRuEc98Bbv5QoIpOLn6_iJymvDXjaH30rHvNCLj2W8b0udw4BFWoBeabS2QlTT4I8CH8M3QjKMPN3J_oP2KMcQUN-Llwx/s800/DSCN1386.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-6850193386965298512011-06-13T10:42:00.006-05:002011-06-13T10:49:30.504-05:00Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBJhb9MM3dZEGO5iBXW63nYjmYLwuOZK6iNkM05lMa1yT9QwadbwpvUGzmDjbRXZBsCde1xVSKNrQSDGmkX-HSIxE6f2l_MbkhQIVgYZPlgfRYCQ9yX-H3pHIyOS51rHdRxpJMP5x0hzc/s640/DSCN1305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 467px; height: 640px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBJhb9MM3dZEGO5iBXW63nYjmYLwuOZK6iNkM05lMa1yT9QwadbwpvUGzmDjbRXZBsCde1xVSKNrQSDGmkX-HSIxE6f2l_MbkhQIVgYZPlgfRYCQ9yX-H3pHIyOS51rHdRxpJMP5x0hzc/s640/DSCN1305.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifue7RG4iWsyJx_DCGjZl7V4yvszrX41sCDjUsrvd2snuzaHU4su1mxf678X2SwfZQwQqINv5ifPnq30xoZVoNJHiaKQJpD-E_UT8522CzJoM5XD3iQse9Z6m09F8LgyuXyCoUnNKsC0bJ/s640/DSCN1307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 640px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifue7RG4iWsyJx_DCGjZl7V4yvszrX41sCDjUsrvd2snuzaHU4su1mxf678X2SwfZQwQqINv5ifPnq30xoZVoNJHiaKQJpD-E_UT8522CzJoM5XD3iQse9Z6m09F8LgyuXyCoUnNKsC0bJ/s640/DSCN1307.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXBNCClPOcKLlA3Nd1TbbcQoN_5fEWax00rQ_lUrXjTt3dORMuq3bm1ldD6jRvEX5zLTE4BvxfxiUHS8rvdDQ4Ewr-uvo1yC1k8tHzfVWoVDAgrq58sO9Ji6MqEQTShVQ4pzdMwo6Hq_i/s800/DSCN1306.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXBNCClPOcKLlA3Nd1TbbcQoN_5fEWax00rQ_lUrXjTt3dORMuq3bm1ldD6jRvEX5zLTE4BvxfxiUHS8rvdDQ4Ewr-uvo1yC1k8tHzfVWoVDAgrq58sO9Ji6MqEQTShVQ4pzdMwo6Hq_i/s800/DSCN1306.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Everything is growing beautifully. The cilantro is finishing up and bolting, but I got a week's worth of burrito toppings out of it first. The basil also has seen a lot of use—the grocery store has gorgeous heirloom tomatoes now, so I've been indulging in caprese salads quite a bit.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-39249337362429288892011-05-30T22:06:00.000-05:002011-05-30T22:06:52.789-05:00End of MayI'm really sorry that I've been so bad about updating. It's just that this spring has been really cool, so things haven't really taken off, so it never seemed like I had much to report. But I finally have something green in every pot, so you won't be subjected to completely bare, brown photos.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS010XLTrReOI0jJ5v_oBjKmn8ezXKe278u6sHcRAKTzfbOLMeATlZ8-wXtXkSGQSEamXLuONTHau_rsGAU7idX623r7X0VCV1F5nqMJDl99KH2OzZiln1py_N9ZwBFPyS4jyovd63MnKj/s640/DSCN1081.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS010XLTrReOI0jJ5v_oBjKmn8ezXKe278u6sHcRAKTzfbOLMeATlZ8-wXtXkSGQSEamXLuONTHau_rsGAU7idX623r7X0VCV1F5nqMJDl99KH2OzZiln1py_N9ZwBFPyS4jyovd63MnKj/s640/DSCN1081.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtVZugCfZKsuffi8boa8Fw5fnQu3Xx6Iv7xKwvt7-MsZ36XwDVOwmuCUkrgd-wI8QEK4KdzDOHWE_NiG7kGufsWDK7BriIWKacILUFLfxYZKUhLDeZV_o_bNQCD8KItjFSXSpMjwLAcj0/s640/DSCN1084.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 601px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtVZugCfZKsuffi8boa8Fw5fnQu3Xx6Iv7xKwvt7-MsZ36XwDVOwmuCUkrgd-wI8QEK4KdzDOHWE_NiG7kGufsWDK7BriIWKacILUFLfxYZKUhLDeZV_o_bNQCD8KItjFSXSpMjwLAcj0/s640/DSCN1084.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The herbs are very happy outside again. I harvested from them lightly, but regularly, through the winter, and they didn't put out much new growth, so they got snipped down pretty far, but they've taken off in the last couple weeks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGmY4iApgUDZo_DaeOIFwxExiYgk9Kuu3qSZiyBEJKvUtgc1fVq5QRQfkpSQt8FQTTGNwkiNi3xax2l7TEq2asmqN94fz6HhMJ62JBNNEiUJBSKUbRZhlFYsqoffyTjigDsSLsbHYyJ2n/s640/DSCN1080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 599px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGmY4iApgUDZo_DaeOIFwxExiYgk9Kuu3qSZiyBEJKvUtgc1fVq5QRQfkpSQt8FQTTGNwkiNi3xax2l7TEq2asmqN94fz6HhMJ62JBNNEiUJBSKUbRZhlFYsqoffyTjigDsSLsbHYyJ2n/s640/DSCN1080.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last year was my first experience with growing a tomato. I decided one wasn't enough. I got 3 this year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK09gnDQ7oW5aULGG6_XkaB5ITh6VPA6tuWkqGRizozeryMXrlRtQv7mhNDmFfJtUz1qMEvyqRcxz_VMBQMV21aSIO7HJqstgxCEs-LKqjotP0lRgShVlOfEk9l_Ig55z-G2AvNisS1XG/s640/DSCN1082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK09gnDQ7oW5aULGG6_XkaB5ITh6VPA6tuWkqGRizozeryMXrlRtQv7mhNDmFfJtUz1qMEvyqRcxz_VMBQMV21aSIO7HJqstgxCEs-LKqjotP0lRgShVlOfEk9l_Ig55z-G2AvNisS1XG/s640/DSCN1082.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Got 5 varieties of pepper. I don't like to think I'm missing out on something really great, so I like to get lots of varieties, instead of many of just one variety. Got a couple well-known ones and a couple I hadn't heard of before. Sweet peppers: Bell Boy, Italian Sweet, California Wonder. Hot peppers: Hot Portugal and Jalapeno.<br /><br />Also got new basil and mint plants.<br /><br />It's been cool enough that <a href="http://the6x8garden.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-back.html">the mesclun mix I planted</a> is still going. But it'll meet it's end this week. I'll harvest it before it gets too hot. Salads for me!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvIKaXZbSofSgBzAnDUpZ6wrbgdIpSWkLPmsDvx44lW5ihJXaAnWzloZ_Grd_zrF5Bbot3Jh2NpAL5-83M3IYTQG3YEZqEvaxNzc1dS5DUIw-y20AuVNTPgtJCMzX6DV5aTDhjUewnY8a/s800/DSCN1090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvIKaXZbSofSgBzAnDUpZ6wrbgdIpSWkLPmsDvx44lW5ihJXaAnWzloZ_Grd_zrF5Bbot3Jh2NpAL5-83M3IYTQG3YEZqEvaxNzc1dS5DUIw-y20AuVNTPgtJCMzX6DV5aTDhjUewnY8a/s800/DSCN1090.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And the cilantro is fabulous. I need to make vegetarian burritos so I can use it before it gets too hot.<br /><br />I sowed nasturtiums and marigolds a couple weeks ago. They took their sweet time coming up, but they're looking pretty strong now.<br /><br />Also have a little bunch of self-seeded petunias or violas. I guess we'll see what exactly they are when they bloom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEy_7GBECliaIGrePVWqZUTAF1fjJGuIEw31EH4YWcQ_XQnecS4Xn0exDXPeBEAoNID4ytimrI0GenrseMQn4ir6GkOLHMY3NTy1a2YpTTluxuOA4EEI5C5xTPPkdH_TvVIt5t3yyaMgT/s800/DSCN1086.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEy_7GBECliaIGrePVWqZUTAF1fjJGuIEw31EH4YWcQ_XQnecS4Xn0exDXPeBEAoNID4ytimrI0GenrseMQn4ir6GkOLHMY3NTy1a2YpTTluxuOA4EEI5C5xTPPkdH_TvVIt5t3yyaMgT/s800/DSCN1086.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, and I haven't seen it do this before—the rosemary bloomed. Cool!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01olmzBgvrm8u5A_ejYhtpd4RUZwETf1swJFIH3x6atTPcK-nMPrIoo1FlL2F5XIeum-DVbhA4v7dece0tVUUFtkfG_Iv1NOZvR1Vm-Y57WawwMWEPqK2dt9-klui4aS0sdhxAuTr9vjX/s640/DSCN1087.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01olmzBgvrm8u5A_ejYhtpd4RUZwETf1swJFIH3x6atTPcK-nMPrIoo1FlL2F5XIeum-DVbhA4v7dece0tVUUFtkfG_Iv1NOZvR1Vm-Y57WawwMWEPqK2dt9-klui4aS0sdhxAuTr9vjX/s640/DSCN1087.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>And a maple self-seeded in the big planter and survived the winter, so I saved him and put him in his own little pot.<br /><br /><br />Overall, things are <span style="font-style: italic;">way</span> behind where they were last year. In May 2010 <a href="http://the6x8garden.blogspot.com/2010/05/peppers-violas-ii.html">the peppers were much bigger and blooming. </a><a href="http://the6x8garden.blogspot.com/2010/05/tomato-basil-classic-companions-in.html">And the tomato was also much larger and also blooming. </a><br /><br />The weather this year just stinks.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-73557363120914422402011-03-18T13:13:00.003-05:002011-03-18T13:46:56.118-05:00I'm back!!!Wow, it's been awhile, but spring is here and I'm back! I figure it has to be spring for 3 reasons. One, the robins are back in Iowa, and they're singing. Two, my pot of chives is sprouting. Three, it's been in the 50-60's for a week. So I figure the return of seasonal wildlife, growing green things and temps warm enough to get away with short sleeves for a few hours in the afternoon are clear signs that winter is behind me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxDG4t0evyrPUp220ItMXdbMdu6R2jDXey6dNWcmkVz5iZqVRkIqeIX5rmrVExAO3KgV2ycW90aHFZFnoqZox8w7y-h94nKcZ3Ei3eU0KvgqjSQ5J4JIYqEiISCXsLg0h73UPr8DaJipX/s800/DSCN1010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 412px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxDG4t0evyrPUp220ItMXdbMdu6R2jDXey6dNWcmkVz5iZqVRkIqeIX5rmrVExAO3KgV2ycW90aHFZFnoqZox8w7y-h94nKcZ3Ei3eU0KvgqjSQ5J4JIYqEiISCXsLg0h73UPr8DaJipX/s800/DSCN1010.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Green things! Happy-dance time!<br /><br /><br /></div>Yesterday I cleaned up the dead stuff that I didn't get to last fall. That was icky. Then I discovered that the rosemary's pot split in two, so I repotted the rosemary in another pot. And I saw that my compost pretty much successfully composted over the winter. Cool.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb85cqCNqrvZtWnoQkXGmdaPRzm9U_utgB70ZL13ZbETQPZs-Ps-Yy4fDYaFx5qEmriz5bGTav_SGUJu7ctA40EDfsDdO9k2kGzee8QeHsAxIprHfr3xG7qs6ul6DDNzw20E4EIIXyH8n/s800/DSCN1008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 412px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb85cqCNqrvZtWnoQkXGmdaPRzm9U_utgB70ZL13ZbETQPZs-Ps-Yy4fDYaFx5qEmriz5bGTav_SGUJu7ctA40EDfsDdO9k2kGzee8QeHsAxIprHfr3xG7qs6ul6DDNzw20E4EIIXyH8n/s800/DSCN1008.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Today I planted salad greens and cilantro. Two 10" pots of cilantro—the seeds were leftover from last year. Two planters on the railing of salad greens—the seeds were a gift from <a href="http://www.reneesgarden.com/">Renee's Garden</a>. Thanks!!!<br /><br /><br />Also, I have to (sadly) announce that this is going to be the last season for my blog.<br />But it's because Dave and I didn't renew our lease, and (very happily) plan to buy a house.<br /><br />So I plan on mostly growing things that will be done by the time our lease is up at the end of July. (Suggestions are very much welcome.) Which will be a challenge, but who wants to move an entire garden?! Not this girl! Last time we moved I had enough trouble with just a few houseplants.<br /><br />But I hope to have a new garden and all sorts of home-ownership adventures next year, so maybe I'll start a new blog :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-72264724862313093462010-11-04T10:35:00.005-05:002010-11-04T11:13:44.812-05:00Done for the season. Be back in spring.Hi guys...Yeah, I've been gone for awhile. Sorry about that. I've been really busy...Spent a lot of time at work trying to finish some projects, then my contract expired, so I'm trying to find a new job/freelancing. I've been working on my portfolio, submitting applications, etc., and that all takes a lot of time.<br /><br />And I'm either training or teaching taekwondo almost every night. And I spend most of my free time with my husband, or my little sister (who just moved out here for school).<br /><br />I did manage to get the last of my harvest in before it froze. Overall, it wasn't a great year. The weather was pretty crummy—very wet.<br /><br />The herbs are inside for the winter again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bI_Wt_Od9Sbk2hv3K39zx1HIGNzkz7qqkSqqVgdWIsHtp46hOJjp5tqBIIfgxNm5xD1K7i4vbk3CHiQGmq4hEHSmgrnoKeLzF1kW-yvKnXqiSbM9nw7uK3F0c8_oy6g8nzmjZfhhATff/s800/IMG_0253.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bI_Wt_Od9Sbk2hv3K39zx1HIGNzkz7qqkSqqVgdWIsHtp46hOJjp5tqBIIfgxNm5xD1K7i4vbk3CHiQGmq4hEHSmgrnoKeLzF1kW-yvKnXqiSbM9nw7uK3F0c8_oy6g8nzmjZfhhATff/s800/IMG_0253.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhVFWXwex2GbohpD3Ajx1AK40hRGSVIF3KXHqv63y3AvV3SCdBN_tWRfl-BYm4-g-ps3gzU84vI53l7DFGdlXzpG5-K0n8-eRYywbnoWTWrYnMmVUvnPJ__NXBWQQuixrLk-pYVzcL9Gc/s800/IMG_0209.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 374px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhVFWXwex2GbohpD3Ajx1AK40hRGSVIF3KXHqv63y3AvV3SCdBN_tWRfl-BYm4-g-ps3gzU84vI53l7DFGdlXzpG5-K0n8-eRYywbnoWTWrYnMmVUvnPJ__NXBWQQuixrLk-pYVzcL9Gc/s800/IMG_0209.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I might post occasionally between now and spring, but don't worry if you don't hear from me until March :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-53088516416893330332010-07-20T16:17:00.003-05:002010-07-20T16:24:54.452-05:00Double cosmos — Rose Bon Bon<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CSSuxy3yvAgEz3HPEgGtzJT7mJQNmhHYrgYmwqGrSrLkXWxlwStkr89agtYtt9HC8TzvXH8qMxgE2BRPO0Oxdg_w-21G7l_SZGMPWpr2AtAVsAiP3nsMC-a9ziQ40L1pMxoFRePVSQil/s640/DSCN0634.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CSSuxy3yvAgEz3HPEgGtzJT7mJQNmhHYrgYmwqGrSrLkXWxlwStkr89agtYtt9HC8TzvXH8qMxgE2BRPO0Oxdg_w-21G7l_SZGMPWpr2AtAVsAiP3nsMC-a9ziQ40L1pMxoFRePVSQil/s640/DSCN0634.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think this is what they're supposed to look like, but only a couple of the plants ended up with the "bon bon."<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B002LL31HA/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=286168&s=garden" target="AmazonHelp" onclick="return amz_js_PopWin(this.href,'AmazonHelp','width=700,height=600,resizable=1,scrollbars=1,toolbar=0,status=1');"><img onload="if (typeof uet == 'function') { uet('af'); }" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BuXXf-0aL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" id="prodImage" alt="Cosmos Double Rose Bon Bon Seeds 50 Seeds" onmouseover="" border="0" height="300" width="300" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Seed packet illustration.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnO3rrSz1n51f2vn7xXQzw1VxP50xkon12mZiygm6KGKP25iHaFgkwhQ1LaIMsw6E_rZ1h3CQ8oVKvA6lF5Se-V7XLj2po0GGIYPzTBsaMMOhcYO9f7QDDxYaQCFM5Ueoy6PSSaMkRfN9/s640/DSCN0635.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnO3rrSz1n51f2vn7xXQzw1VxP50xkon12mZiygm6KGKP25iHaFgkwhQ1LaIMsw6E_rZ1h3CQ8oVKvA6lF5Se-V7XLj2po0GGIYPzTBsaMMOhcYO9f7QDDxYaQCFM5Ueoy6PSSaMkRfN9/s640/DSCN0635.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Most of them look like this.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PNNaJ2yI7Q5KAh8Qembz8S2VoNCg8MhtCa12RpLdHpeMQ24tqpTdaarF3VHz_iR2P5VMq9JFodW9T6ZO-laIXjo683w_wzfgEN5o0YTfl2qLOwedY29Q99AhATcWpA5IHdRevWDtUvUi/s512/DSCN0633.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PNNaJ2yI7Q5KAh8Qembz8S2VoNCg8MhtCa12RpLdHpeMQ24tqpTdaarF3VHz_iR2P5VMq9JFodW9T6ZO-laIXjo683w_wzfgEN5o0YTfl2qLOwedY29Q99AhATcWpA5IHdRevWDtUvUi/s512/DSCN0633.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Not that I'm complaining. <br /><br />They are gorgeous.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-5564025235479421292010-07-16T10:38:00.001-05:002010-07-16T10:38:00.137-05:00Wine pansy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5hmtksYzmH6vpqqGihT4zoRUC4Jlfpjqu9kyjb63_SGLEgs_G4eKiplJB5vl1azuoZ0ca_D8yqusU0oAKWaCjqjT-O71gujafLBqOKIbbwqR_-vyHI7uGU6s8_EwvLdcOJaEpaqee6wH/s512/DSCN0617.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm2CXvLCsbdr3j-YrHvsfadcsoCdm6QGUL8aWluGaaXuwWuq-sB-OloCm5-euGjcE44EIjXQUqvdyW5LDes-_eHdrl2f_GcDom9-1dHBXfwgxM8tEPeXtaGDhnptYn3QXjuXT_q7mso6Y/s512/DSCN0609.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm2CXvLCsbdr3j-YrHvsfadcsoCdm6QGUL8aWluGaaXuwWuq-sB-OloCm5-euGjcE44EIjXQUqvdyW5LDes-_eHdrl2f_GcDom9-1dHBXfwgxM8tEPeXtaGDhnptYn3QXjuXT_q7mso6Y/s512/DSCN0609.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is a pansy I grew from seed saved from last year. I know the plant I harvested the seeds from was a vibrant violet color, but I also had white/yellow, yellow/brown, and purple bordering on black pansies. I guess it cross-pollinated with the yellow/brown.<br /><br />I really like the speckles.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoKxDSZQB65d1ZL2Iq8xmYHyEghThcPDeg-JZ55p0lZEID8oauOgVS7KVgePgqzq8VhU5EEH-EUhcRhO4-YCTrd6BuYvM_zCvRBNkXvrr4abastccJjenK2L3Cad4b-EyIVzTKeTmAA7v/s512/DSCN0597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoKxDSZQB65d1ZL2Iq8xmYHyEghThcPDeg-JZ55p0lZEID8oauOgVS7KVgePgqzq8VhU5EEH-EUhcRhO4-YCTrd6BuYvM_zCvRBNkXvrr4abastccJjenK2L3Cad4b-EyIVzTKeTmAA7v/s512/DSCN0597.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Even though the colors are rather different, this bloom is off the same plant as the one in the first photo. It looks kind of washed out (some of the color reminds me of a blush wine), but I kinda like the little white edges on the petals.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5hmtksYzmH6vpqqGihT4zoRUC4Jlfpjqu9kyjb63_SGLEgs_G4eKiplJB5vl1azuoZ0ca_D8yqusU0oAKWaCjqjT-O71gujafLBqOKIbbwqR_-vyHI7uGU6s8_EwvLdcOJaEpaqee6wH/s512/DSCN0617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5hmtksYzmH6vpqqGihT4zoRUC4Jlfpjqu9kyjb63_SGLEgs_G4eKiplJB5vl1azuoZ0ca_D8yqusU0oAKWaCjqjT-O71gujafLBqOKIbbwqR_-vyHI7uGU6s8_EwvLdcOJaEpaqee6wH/s512/DSCN0617.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>This is a different plant, but the seed came from the same seed-pod. I really like the colors on this one.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTm4NqMsmZAZJh-KTyx_iWp7O5VTQhID5rL5brpQ0l426xAJ1IgpUA1MAMCUiS717tRYW59OJmiKIXZyLGEl6cmFHjvT7XbXyKI9sTt4atp37CD1VJfAXTzJAcS5PHx-H7bxswf4eucsi/s512/DSCN0610.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTm4NqMsmZAZJh-KTyx_iWp7O5VTQhID5rL5brpQ0l426xAJ1IgpUA1MAMCUiS717tRYW59OJmiKIXZyLGEl6cmFHjvT7XbXyKI9sTt4atp37CD1VJfAXTzJAcS5PHx-H7bxswf4eucsi/s512/DSCN0610.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Funny color combo on this little guy.<br /><br />I have to wonder, if I saved the seeds from these, what will the next generation bring? I'll find out next year.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-87584672731488413092010-07-14T09:38:00.002-05:002010-07-14T09:39:26.780-05:00Green beansI planted green beans on May 26. I don't recall the variety (I'm bad, I know), but they're a very compact, bush plant.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwbNs1l7LJ2VhFqv8H8u3h3yOc9FGPMSvy8HT5enOLDUA0wevXq__LEIpPyJYlryTQFZ1Hxtzs-L83_0jZYuVURyrlM_iyl7nbDqAwZJmq3P1IRU9wzGns3o19I6U73-gt7OPJf-8HDoG/s512/DSCN0601.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 507px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwbNs1l7LJ2VhFqv8H8u3h3yOc9FGPMSvy8HT5enOLDUA0wevXq__LEIpPyJYlryTQFZ1Hxtzs-L83_0jZYuVURyrlM_iyl7nbDqAwZJmq3P1IRU9wzGns3o19I6U73-gt7OPJf-8HDoG/s512/DSCN0601.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Flowers on July 6<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca8LQfiKs-_f57TT6jhBnYImrvbAE0Lr0_fhQsu7CPHIv68LNAaWBETsTMnQX1lqOb5GPO8bv5sIu6KdZf2RIgotz0JPhTyYPLwNtFuQE-Mgv8U5L1-a2hqG3aIUggC4wb3eXRa-NNXZc/s512/DSCN0626.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 507px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca8LQfiKs-_f57TT6jhBnYImrvbAE0Lr0_fhQsu7CPHIv68LNAaWBETsTMnQX1lqOb5GPO8bv5sIu6KdZf2RIgotz0JPhTyYPLwNtFuQE-Mgv8U5L1-a2hqG3aIUggC4wb3eXRa-NNXZc/s512/DSCN0626.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Some pretty sizeable beans by July 11<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9HvF-C_QrwoOQmQPkpKZSMx-ZXPFAwZrBEgY8LTxURntqX7yEtsndgbTau4izt8C8wG2miuzB5p47eanFkhctCxkLS8nGCl23o4Cz2G7CH-JaK9CsxiLy_KvP2OGfAJwTzRNmQSYJzCm/s640/DSCN0638.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9HvF-C_QrwoOQmQPkpKZSMx-ZXPFAwZrBEgY8LTxURntqX7yEtsndgbTau4izt8C8wG2miuzB5p47eanFkhctCxkLS8nGCl23o4Cz2G7CH-JaK9CsxiLy_KvP2OGfAJwTzRNmQSYJzCm/s640/DSCN0638.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Harvested the first batch today — July 14<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll saute them tonight with butter and salt.<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-5350041360016165412010-07-08T12:41:00.001-05:002010-07-08T12:41:00.069-05:00Cosmos — blooming<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUny782K56iq64eDDtgV7fbO7ldKNTwoVA0WZe-yT9M5rVVH5NdSXALVUG-TnP9YXCuPKzPpDHnk5PYUZ3TAeMpQp_jOQXG3hcaKM1bYQ2f-o_XTt38gHA24qSep1cHxvMQxVI09-4itb/s640/DSCN0598.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUny782K56iq64eDDtgV7fbO7ldKNTwoVA0WZe-yT9M5rVVH5NdSXALVUG-TnP9YXCuPKzPpDHnk5PYUZ3TAeMpQp_jOQXG3hcaKM1bYQ2f-o_XTt38gHA24qSep1cHxvMQxVI09-4itb/s640/DSCN0598.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span></div>The sun was low. I was killing Japanese beetles and tomato hornworms. The breeze had stopped and all I could think about was the heat radiating off the glass doors and the humidity trying to drown me.<br /><br />Then I saw the first bloom on my Double Cosmos – Rose Bon Bon.<br /><br />And there are many more buds waiting to open.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-88991535947473155902010-07-07T12:15:00.001-05:002010-07-07T12:16:06.906-05:00Bug Cop patrols the tomatoes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1VWQ-43FJph591QYgp3jNywm6F-vNkn8BNrBUVy4NySGsMRyVjESwt0oHMTKnLEkLFC6YZbOFtQxHGY2nUasl2axxRFFdTonr6ELKZ4jCN2e6SWNMxMVQlFE3wHoqKSPB-ctBKjPhU0P/s640/DSCN0585.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1VWQ-43FJph591QYgp3jNywm6F-vNkn8BNrBUVy4NySGsMRyVjESwt0oHMTKnLEkLFC6YZbOFtQxHGY2nUasl2axxRFFdTonr6ELKZ4jCN2e6SWNMxMVQlFE3wHoqKSPB-ctBKjPhU0P/s640/DSCN0585.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The first tomatoes I've ever grown are so red, ripe and absolutely delicious. They're like little Christmas ornaments hanging on a festive tomato-tree.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwTmvX_ZxEZ8fQExq8nVn5zkhrxfvcvvD1_G0-Q_SJaiTueOm0XLboTgUk3mxD_oUdUrFQCh0P9pt5NFeO7GqSq3KmphrNqKczIetJ_OLSZt7BuariNHiRgba91gnKU4w-XA6ogmW-CDL/s640/DSCN0578.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwTmvX_ZxEZ8fQExq8nVn5zkhrxfvcvvD1_G0-Q_SJaiTueOm0XLboTgUk3mxD_oUdUrFQCh0P9pt5NFeO7GqSq3KmphrNqKczIetJ_OLSZt7BuariNHiRgba91gnKU4w-XA6ogmW-CDL/s640/DSCN0578.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>But what's this?! Poop on the basil? Ewww! Where'd it come from?<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxk86lvmkSfwpFNJ5AWgT3Ckpoa6ulYA56mB7YcsgErIIq-5AUjwl7fkLEsgaVKf-XsFEhZvG6bNe3tXGQvgO4AXohJ7JIiTdcRUGyIa_2swGc2b7GmcZ-Lz1BNBObQmro-wYbYuQw-Lj/s640/DSCN0580.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxk86lvmkSfwpFNJ5AWgT3Ckpoa6ulYA56mB7YcsgErIIq-5AUjwl7fkLEsgaVKf-XsFEhZvG6bNe3tXGQvgO4AXohJ7JIiTdcRUGyIa_2swGc2b7GmcZ-Lz1BNBObQmro-wYbYuQw-Lj/s640/DSCN0580.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Eeewwwwwww! More on the tomato leaves! And it's fresh!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH6m8A0OA1m0UPn_ibXteX_iRsFo8YqpoGz4S7eE4D3EBwHIiWUl3-JQZT1aCtUpm1yXQdCajrMUOvrwkeyBtnB2WRUXZ5BAG7EswJC9FGJA4I3blwlZ7uXqF2lwRX4RqhDN8tExpyKqC/s640/DSCN0582.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKH6m8A0OA1m0UPn_ibXteX_iRsFo8YqpoGz4S7eE4D3EBwHIiWUl3-JQZT1aCtUpm1yXQdCajrMUOvrwkeyBtnB2WRUXZ5BAG7EswJC9FGJA4I3blwlZ7uXqF2lwRX4RqhDN8tExpyKqC/s640/DSCN0582.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>OMG! THEY"RE EATING MY TOMATO LEAVES! I must become Bug Cop to investigate and find the insectoidial criminal!<br /><br /><br />The search ensues....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0YVK4gi-aBKhsvNlydUq1M_QfTZVgpVnsPpnhwMnTMnuJL60R354wBTR_lhTk0Oo4r3lXv69UkpqwmTukAt8Rll1c3UpbpocH6wmm4oP3eQga-PEwS6To1e0B_zsnvfMsoCx9YCHfy7D/s576/DSCN0587.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 389px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0YVK4gi-aBKhsvNlydUq1M_QfTZVgpVnsPpnhwMnTMnuJL60R354wBTR_lhTk0Oo4r3lXv69UkpqwmTukAt8Rll1c3UpbpocH6wmm4oP3eQga-PEwS6To1e0B_zsnvfMsoCx9YCHfy7D/s576/DSCN0587.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>You aren't eating the leaves....you're just an earwig. Ugly, but harmless.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0YVK4gi-aBKhsvNlydUq1M_QfTZVgpVnsPpnhwMnTMnuJL60R354wBTR_lhTk0Oo4r3lXv69UkpqwmTukAt8Rll1c3UpbpocH6wmm4oP3eQga-PEwS6To1e0B_zsnvfMsoCx9YCHfy7D/s576/DSCN0587.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS12ze-aWXJiO2PwBiP3wu5N9beePuapQDF36CdSOnRJ-o16_EXV-2HL3SW0RP-tMLY9vZ4xfOAVyo9Beo5K8_7jApYFsrUxZHh9pzMyK3jZDQenly-swtaEuUQRCSrQdBa38l6T4qRlv/s640/DSCN0591.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOPyUB9mPGwTNeovCChgzfrDDB2aCgPp0TdxRxORFO3_8Z1DIVjGhRXZ6S4rmsHAYtKaszf1SnwMeWEj9iNnfVyNMdQabQcg6QWG0zDBhOQnOHcPnkXSxEvuazpN4FmfX7N6q_GzBmCO8/s640/DSCN0589.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOPyUB9mPGwTNeovCChgzfrDDB2aCgPp0TdxRxORFO3_8Z1DIVjGhRXZ6S4rmsHAYtKaszf1SnwMeWEj9iNnfVyNMdQabQcg6QWG0zDBhOQnOHcPnkXSxEvuazpN4FmfX7N6q_GzBmCO8/s640/DSCN0589.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hi, Ms. Spider, you're not causing any trouble...looks like you even got something for lunch...good!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT495BaH0taJh1imGcy8pfWGYCS2JqAbBAKAlm4afiCA7NTszU4mGwj6S572PY-F3mWAAU1YlHMEQXT1nRzzOb_KUmoontyfu1nyK7H8FkfYmz7f7nVKmDzM8lgXy4NfUQiH4M0GGJUp5T/s640/DSCN0583.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT495BaH0taJh1imGcy8pfWGYCS2JqAbBAKAlm4afiCA7NTszU4mGwj6S572PY-F3mWAAU1YlHMEQXT1nRzzOb_KUmoontyfu1nyK7H8FkfYmz7f7nVKmDzM8lgXy4NfUQiH4M0GGJUp5T/s640/DSCN0583.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>You! You, Mr. Hornworm, are causing a lot of trouble. Bad! Bad! Bad! Time to squish...<br /><br />Muahahaha!<span style="font-size:100%;"><s><o:p></o:p></s></span><br /><br /><br />I hoped it was the end, but I keep checking, and keep finding more hornworms. I'll probably have to search all summer.<br /><!--EndFragment--><br />To Be Continued...Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-86704757602341441282010-07-04T05:15:00.001-05:002010-07-04T05:15:00.233-05:00GROW — July update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1RrWsEqTTLX0vC6JlPACynrofgSW17Hl_BbsVrOSOqVkiyUEHc-z3IOjUHQHKRsQ7AYDr0uSmbEhYf1xlKj9poIjMb1x8W8kP21lUTx40Q7GlY0WVtxXWjZGVooCxSi5JLItNCJoUcgH/s640/DSCN0438_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1RrWsEqTTLX0vC6JlPACynrofgSW17Hl_BbsVrOSOqVkiyUEHc-z3IOjUHQHKRsQ7AYDr0uSmbEhYf1xlKj9poIjMb1x8W8kP21lUTx40Q7GlY0WVtxXWjZGVooCxSi5JLItNCJoUcgH/s640/DSCN0438_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Around June 15 this leaf grew to be over 6" wide. Those are my hands; the leaf easily spans both. My palms are exactly 3" wide.<br /><br />Exactly.<br /><br />I'm getting some crazy <span style="font-style: italic;">Jurassic Park</span>-style foliage over here. At one point they were trying to take over the entire planter, but once they got big enough I gently encouraged them to grow out the railing to trail off the balcony. I mean ... I shoved them through the railing and kept poking stray leaves back through each time the wind tried to shove them back.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRhDVfMR7QBsWFN7fjCcoQWyMilwlpEnbjyGqvveGzlK1pcZOF6xVgK8hg-5kXPr8oOAB5jEuEgOiC8BAKGgTkkFe_rCMhL6vNzWYDm3g_WcqxpOqiKxspKWkjDmfxulD3hbZVaVsUspi/s640/DSCN0436_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRhDVfMR7QBsWFN7fjCcoQWyMilwlpEnbjyGqvveGzlK1pcZOF6xVgK8hg-5kXPr8oOAB5jEuEgOiC8BAKGgTkkFe_rCMhL6vNzWYDm3g_WcqxpOqiKxspKWkjDmfxulD3hbZVaVsUspi/s640/DSCN0436_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>At the same time, I got my first bloom. It's pretty, but I was expecting a deep red as shown on the seed packet. This flower turned out to be paler and orange-y.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBjXKZSaApbt8KavwKOiIpkwjkcMovhaqytP4X4VzJStFP4ih_Ut515WH392WUqUPYEuGMhn9qaH23P-Mu3xwKMnGij4mBOe2NnFwd8vfxg8P8qpLAS_ilDihF0SfQf-mxiPlMO0Hxalf/s512/DSCN0435_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBjXKZSaApbt8KavwKOiIpkwjkcMovhaqytP4X4VzJStFP4ih_Ut515WH392WUqUPYEuGMhn9qaH23P-Mu3xwKMnGij4mBOe2NnFwd8vfxg8P8qpLAS_ilDihF0SfQf-mxiPlMO0Hxalf/s512/DSCN0435_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But then these babies bloomed. So, I'm satisfied.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCst1j8J1xakFiiikd9WMItiqoKZDpwhyNcxzrcZPsVtYy8f5rwnbEqWr7_n9jVeZSXMkD-DzddQ3Mui01tdvC92sO4dMbhj439l5O5vAJ0Nzj5AgEehBOAAV8spsASfq16JJESfCqU-mV/s640/DSCN0434_2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCst1j8J1xakFiiikd9WMItiqoKZDpwhyNcxzrcZPsVtYy8f5rwnbEqWr7_n9jVeZSXMkD-DzddQ3Mui01tdvC92sO4dMbhj439l5O5vAJ0Nzj5AgEehBOAAV8spsASfq16JJESfCqU-mV/s640/DSCN0434_2.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSKrzCR9tIny7SnLUa9omI327F7MRvU4JtOKpAEGHjey_HWZifnfMzVd2TgCPuLNBHAm7uIh0DZrhLhCKWfkX00JZNF3_sWIy_ERT-6DHZ4nuJ-f7i0onUFFnZHNolYEHIPnalN9-a2Z2/s512/DSCN0437_3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSKrzCR9tIny7SnLUa9omI327F7MRvU4JtOKpAEGHjey_HWZifnfMzVd2TgCPuLNBHAm7uIh0DZrhLhCKWfkX00JZNF3_sWIy_ERT-6DHZ4nuJ-f7i0onUFFnZHNolYEHIPnalN9-a2Z2/s512/DSCN0437_3.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgicOFfa3MnbKPDPCA5xfe4hxjwXszZLFX0DG90sUzfVKd8fOMFNs7-6rMmJCvi10pYxZj-Zyb4Lb2Kw3DhyphenhyphenfO0ZvnHNenYBpq4rFIKyvkEZhcb1N5r_dppYSRvHZ5pmb9C8_x-enAmZc/s640/DSCN0439.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgicOFfa3MnbKPDPCA5xfe4hxjwXszZLFX0DG90sUzfVKd8fOMFNs7-6rMmJCvi10pYxZj-Zyb4Lb2Kw3DhyphenhyphenfO0ZvnHNenYBpq4rFIKyvkEZhcb1N5r_dppYSRvHZ5pmb9C8_x-enAmZc/s640/DSCN0439.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaOuYgvqHKSS6kNdfhtK6oM6eqL_CmrxeTRqKQIpZnkAn561cdGYby04GXelAsoRPlrfX0VV4Eahid1qWNY5kC3Byw-v0IQ7sa3ZYZZ8KmReyt_fAJ948tg7osT_-WoWUjUKi0V99DPYv/s512/DSCN0436_3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaOuYgvqHKSS6kNdfhtK6oM6eqL_CmrxeTRqKQIpZnkAn561cdGYby04GXelAsoRPlrfX0VV4Eahid1qWNY5kC3Byw-v0IQ7sa3ZYZZ8KmReyt_fAJ948tg7osT_-WoWUjUKi0V99DPYv/s512/DSCN0436_3.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>These were Alaska, saved from last year's plants. It's a very nice, compact plant. And a more prolific bloomer, but not as large as Spitfire.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfmVeKiZG0Pxr74wWic3UDr_5Ugl_CgD9k1iwk3td_-cJOigimwzSoqLGzfq7ZbMrY93YmZ3_zBkR7vyOIY9nXQUMqcrcV85SPinjG1qlASBEAJolle8TlHsmgx6NifOEuc75M_itecEl/s640/DSCN0574.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfmVeKiZG0Pxr74wWic3UDr_5Ugl_CgD9k1iwk3td_-cJOigimwzSoqLGzfq7ZbMrY93YmZ3_zBkR7vyOIY9nXQUMqcrcV85SPinjG1qlASBEAJolle8TlHsmgx6NifOEuc75M_itecEl/s640/DSCN0574.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The vines are getting pretty long.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />I'm growing Nasturtium "Spitfire" for the </span><a target="_blank" href="http://grow.gardenbloggers.com/" style="font-style: italic;">GROW</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> project. Thanks, to </span><a target="_blank" href="http://reneesgarden.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Renee's Garden</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the seeds.</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-22656183660687869222010-06-29T14:58:00.003-05:002010-06-29T15:01:52.271-05:00Basil Tea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdTSZoULB8yxSc0xp1SoaIUxc-2QM032IGVSD0YG243HYhtBDX-5TVLpPqi1spaNQcM8l21IoMzSitDwq76FANRGNfTeGn441rHEcFCJpeTJWIU4zAVLHgyk-TuTEGchvEDjRZdstjM-K/s512/DSCN0619.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdTSZoULB8yxSc0xp1SoaIUxc-2QM032IGVSD0YG243HYhtBDX-5TVLpPqi1spaNQcM8l21IoMzSitDwq76FANRGNfTeGn441rHEcFCJpeTJWIU4zAVLHgyk-TuTEGchvEDjRZdstjM-K/s512/DSCN0619.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I love love love basil tea. I learned about it when I was looking for ideas to use the flowerheads I pick off the plants. (I don't let them bloom because it makes the leaves bitter.)<br /><br /><br />Here's the method I use to brew:<br />1. Harvest blooms or leaves.<br />2. Muddle with a couple tablespoons of sugar. This releases all the great flavor.<br />3. Pour cold water over the leaves.<br />4. Add sweetener to taste. I use different ones depending on my mood. I like raw sugar, honey, agave or stevia.<br />5. Leave it in the fridge for several hours. At least 8, but 24 is better.<br /><br />You could use hot water like regular tea. But I think that changes the flavor.<br /><br />You could also use basil to flavor regular tea-leaf tea.<br /><br />It's the perfect drink for sipping while sitting on the balcony, watching the sky darken, and feeling the first cool breeze of the evening.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-40261059174531033272010-06-24T13:20:00.000-05:002010-06-24T13:20:01.026-05:00Ichiban eggplant blooms and babies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBufpmooSjlyLG0uIvgOwUj76a1BpaqOEMBdA3aKeCqIUYqIbA7PvqF7qDJxhWUKYwqtcuq_wPLBPQD0hr63MgzgQaxCrZ7zlfn3KONpgGXu5OOZi-Xff9PeBPuLche2MKNf3g_SPIhQ8k/s512/DSCN0437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBufpmooSjlyLG0uIvgOwUj76a1BpaqOEMBdA3aKeCqIUYqIbA7PvqF7qDJxhWUKYwqtcuq_wPLBPQD0hr63MgzgQaxCrZ7zlfn3KONpgGXu5OOZi-Xff9PeBPuLche2MKNf3g_SPIhQ8k/s512/DSCN0437.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I am completely, perfectly, and radiantly in love with eggplant blossoms. The way the light shines through and highlights the wrinkles; the contrast between the dark, solid purple stem, delicate and rumpled lavender petal and glowingly yellow stamens. Someone should breed an eggplant for the flowers instead of the fruits. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUw0DXkN3KXRUtkQDT5pzXKVusnglOHipnjfAJWTv0x6pUoZsNBsw3IS1w4OEA3ZOFK8nQTBCL5-T9j98DPuVCA9gt1M2k2aVsY4Z62h4JtX6TzRwBM3p0h5exy8AMHhVCpMVGKDSpj69/s512/DSCN0434.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUw0DXkN3KXRUtkQDT5pzXKVusnglOHipnjfAJWTv0x6pUoZsNBsw3IS1w4OEA3ZOFK8nQTBCL5-T9j98DPuVCA9gt1M2k2aVsY4Z62h4JtX6TzRwBM3p0h5exy8AMHhVCpMVGKDSpj69/s512/DSCN0434.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Not that the fruits aren't nice. And here's a photo of the first one of the year! Ichiban (Japanese) eggplants are long and slender, not bulb/egg-shaped. They're supposed to have a sweeter flavor and do well in containers. Though it looks like I might have to stake them. They're growing kind of crooked.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-79404893332983029002010-06-21T13:08:00.000-05:002010-06-21T15:14:56.006-05:00Sprouted onions - flower update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFCj5sHekmJVeWBztRDLypQGpiVUpQnmcI51tHab9IwVFTHdOwpY2gnAVjyCYAgBOEMonkeNTyhbveH3yuguzFNA1OlCKXS9cPSxYBnzs4Y75x5-yIm4Z1zZO1RzggjKvegFNZvFIDNQ5/s512/DSCN0436.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFCj5sHekmJVeWBztRDLypQGpiVUpQnmcI51tHab9IwVFTHdOwpY2gnAVjyCYAgBOEMonkeNTyhbveH3yuguzFNA1OlCKXS9cPSxYBnzs4Y75x5-yIm4Z1zZO1RzggjKvegFNZvFIDNQ5/s512/DSCN0436.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://the6x8garden.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-to-do-with-sprouted-onions.html">The onions that sprouted in my pantry last March</a> are tall and blooming! The flowers are pretty in a sculptural kind of way. I think it's especially fun since usually you look <span style="font-style: italic;">down</span> at onions growing in the garden, but since these are planted chest-high, you have to look up. I think it would be really cool to plant onions like this all the way across the balcony — they'd make a kind of screen. But then they'd blow over and I wouldn't have room to grow anything useful.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-83990869381277572712010-06-12T10:16:00.001-05:002010-06-12T10:19:33.077-05:00Pea pods<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG13uJlvZ1qCmggnxLAU1mYkZdlgAqgJZ5MhbVFqjsP_EaTzKe6oREvNxRsRXUudwYLdLRI8bKZDBm6t_FUjEQWhwQcu6Myc0movh2YcNwNocQkIFCIst5B0MBwJY5ElaSPwJMOlaIwXZr/s512/DSCN0445.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG13uJlvZ1qCmggnxLAU1mYkZdlgAqgJZ5MhbVFqjsP_EaTzKe6oREvNxRsRXUudwYLdLRI8bKZDBm6t_FUjEQWhwQcu6Myc0movh2YcNwNocQkIFCIst5B0MBwJY5ElaSPwJMOlaIwXZr/s512/DSCN0445.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Garden peas<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ziSL5fokkCTNCnIkS9Vp2U2sr5lckhZJb7gPWpGKhcJyTt1c8SWkGbvPN2R6GqgGLjhx_n71HtaF4umrr0Wp32mynBwBsO39TLWQSPKBrnuDIfnJU6ONqgLPiBxzvPIlowCroKbJd5Hw/s512/DSCN0458.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ziSL5fokkCTNCnIkS9Vp2U2sr5lckhZJb7gPWpGKhcJyTt1c8SWkGbvPN2R6GqgGLjhx_n71HtaF4umrr0Wp32mynBwBsO39TLWQSPKBrnuDIfnJU6ONqgLPiBxzvPIlowCroKbJd5Hw/s512/DSCN0458.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Snow peas<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is just about all the harvest I got this year – barely a bowl-full of each type. Sad :(<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm starting to think peas aren't worth growing. (I think this is about all I got out of them last year, too.) They take up a good chunk of space, are annoying to get to climb up supports (I've seriously never had a stupider plant), and don't produce all that much for the space.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Since I don't have much room, I think there are other things I'd rather grow. And it would be nice to open up a little more space. I know my man would appreciate that.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Although, nothing beats the taste of fresh peas. And, the leaves and stems of the pea plant are edible, and although it's getting pretty late in the season (when the stems get woody and stringy). Like many greens (like spinach) they're perfectly fine to eat raw — toss them in a salad or as a garnish. Or you can cook them.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8n6_cwsBfM-NJf3aHCYfNRddNyAfaAQv4WfnGQhakPz-tt2aGGO3l5xkYQs_HFnub_JaOortIFoLDjMOp-HFebAuX1YdKpOaqTXrTUOLVRekr4uiENh4IJ1M8PfTkuiGcreCAbXx-GY_/s640/DSCN0436.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8n6_cwsBfM-NJf3aHCYfNRddNyAfaAQv4WfnGQhakPz-tt2aGGO3l5xkYQs_HFnub_JaOortIFoLDjMOp-HFebAuX1YdKpOaqTXrTUOLVRekr4uiENh4IJ1M8PfTkuiGcreCAbXx-GY_/s640/DSCN0436.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I harvested just the newest, most tender growth.<br /></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Oh7SdXBtBK21_nJwsRfjr8AQRfu_9xCb0ydFyVNk_XtH8mcKTuxDKlB9uDAPfxEtVBZbs00RdTzSCAo7K2KMFhSGSSoSwc-O6FnCOePpc4CHSq-xE6p6jgAkiGLwITnDzLp4HYkiOHZi/s640/DSCN0437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 357px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Oh7SdXBtBK21_nJwsRfjr8AQRfu_9xCb0ydFyVNk_XtH8mcKTuxDKlB9uDAPfxEtVBZbs00RdTzSCAo7K2KMFhSGSSoSwc-O6FnCOePpc4CHSq-xE6p6jgAkiGLwITnDzLp4HYkiOHZi/s640/DSCN0437.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Sauteed in a little oil<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSBQ_CA_sc5bTDA8_1pkMclg9m0s_8e-lwzDALrNH6JgpGJOS0mxsCabz3Aq4Nfl9nZg2jP0qL7XbuMomtdXYRf3q6Y3XB-mR2bZOwA7vcV-eXSvYNqcbr127VrdA76WrJB6GMlhwblrU/s640/DSCN0439.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 476px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSBQ_CA_sc5bTDA8_1pkMclg9m0s_8e-lwzDALrNH6JgpGJOS0mxsCabz3Aq4Nfl9nZg2jP0qL7XbuMomtdXYRf3q6Y3XB-mR2bZOwA7vcV-eXSvYNqcbr127VrdA76WrJB6GMlhwblrU/s640/DSCN0439.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Finished with salt and pepper.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Even the strings are edible, though the texture is very weird. Some of the stems were too woody and unpalatable, but the leaves were still OK.<br /><br />And that's my culinary adventure for the week ;)<br /></div></div></div></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-55403044719043226132010-06-06T17:05:00.001-05:002010-06-07T16:15:22.425-05:00GROW — June update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv6bZnimjjLPUyF0RbMBYsIbqRU__XfqGZMH-6KaJQByKAzW5ECNmwmyZyjcaqKMdFGviVZUqdfxqRcOSejfb2-3SbdT_bsLVCX_Z1rGvDMC65dGlCwQM7MOgrmJHnQ3huOaSrtirfKel/s640/DSCN0462.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicv6bZnimjjLPUyF0RbMBYsIbqRU__XfqGZMH-6KaJQByKAzW5ECNmwmyZyjcaqKMdFGviVZUqdfxqRcOSejfb2-3SbdT_bsLVCX_Z1rGvDMC65dGlCwQM7MOgrmJHnQ3huOaSrtirfKel/s640/DSCN0462.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Spitfires in a small planter with a trellis. May 15.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXECiMQqAHYMO5rlKEnI9Xg-bRYHELB-2MOfR2jOvK6cCV3dw8T6LC1JID-Z1kiHWGLV1huA4ciKnxYcu8973-yak09ETnqAlgueGTYgPaJZP8SH8PRPwO9Am4c-yttcNa3hxoH_zRy31/s512/DSCN0482.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXECiMQqAHYMO5rlKEnI9Xg-bRYHELB-2MOfR2jOvK6cCV3dw8T6LC1JID-Z1kiHWGLV1huA4ciKnxYcu8973-yak09ETnqAlgueGTYgPaJZP8SH8PRPwO9Am4c-yttcNa3hxoH_zRy31/s512/DSCN0482.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>In the big planter - May 20th<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSCX7ttACmjJZ7bwRAVz19uO-mxn-ztwLNZ24OzfUVd2k0ooTPOPhXPBck3IQ2W9HLeyyzZPww0Zf2A_gcka5XEkHzIAfP_cjBFaqlKlKSoZ896lJ8CM15Q3uJmK6KtPolkW9JvVwlihr/s512/DSCN0481.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSCX7ttACmjJZ7bwRAVz19uO-mxn-ztwLNZ24OzfUVd2k0ooTPOPhXPBck3IQ2W9HLeyyzZPww0Zf2A_gcka5XEkHzIAfP_cjBFaqlKlKSoZ896lJ8CM15Q3uJmK6KtPolkW9JvVwlihr/s512/DSCN0481.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>May 20<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhECCG4WY5lRgGhQIDudy8L3CXaE5LviTOTmIGY6MmdK4n7FNVen7ydHAgEjwg6LOI5SWC5JozYy8XISbKJVgQl1txXqcTwdQlO9h3lNlVL0OdSTbhIkIj9pcpacO1V6HMVOJ8ndChSXSd/s512/DSCN0435.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhECCG4WY5lRgGhQIDudy8L3CXaE5LviTOTmIGY6MmdK4n7FNVen7ydHAgEjwg6LOI5SWC5JozYy8XISbKJVgQl1txXqcTwdQlO9h3lNlVL0OdSTbhIkIj9pcpacO1V6HMVOJ8ndChSXSd/s512/DSCN0435.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Today. The plants in the near planter haven't grown at all in the last few weeks. The ones in the far planter are doing OK, not fantastic, just OK. I have no idea what the problem is. Probably something with the soil, but I don't know how that would have happened — this dirt both grew herbs last year, and was amended with compost this spring. :(<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKHvgjM11821HT8aZ2jmbmr3O3eI9G6t5lkg003gdKglVI7fzfsIUufYKN593xzJRWX-DE02rIkHDWU3H4C3IcyjU_-MQ2useM7wbH5nNbwWrjDpr4bCzbmCMgOoxVna4YCtXxXCUHYp2/s640/DSCN0436.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKHvgjM11821HT8aZ2jmbmr3O3eI9G6t5lkg003gdKglVI7fzfsIUufYKN593xzJRWX-DE02rIkHDWU3H4C3IcyjU_-MQ2useM7wbH5nNbwWrjDpr4bCzbmCMgOoxVna4YCtXxXCUHYp2/s640/DSCN0436.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>In the big planter, they are FANTASTIC! The newest leaves are huge — 5" across!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHJam0GLaveztD5Fy2KZa2MQQQjcVpehxJde4QDvsUAGr-NMVPXFgzuzNYum2G6iePkFcpgvmbPn90kDYBf12_2d2hk6-OTshMF76z5ruTjJVF90lUPKI-7tNFkw92IrOs3rW_AECW0pn/s512/DSCN0442.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHJam0GLaveztD5Fy2KZa2MQQQjcVpehxJde4QDvsUAGr-NMVPXFgzuzNYum2G6iePkFcpgvmbPn90kDYBf12_2d2hk6-OTshMF76z5ruTjJVF90lUPKI-7tNFkw92IrOs3rW_AECW0pn/s512/DSCN0442.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>And they're getting big enough to peek through the railing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKHvgjM11821HT8aZ2jmbmr3O3eI9G6t5lkg003gdKglVI7fzfsIUufYKN593xzJRWX-DE02rIkHDWU3H4C3IcyjU_-MQ2useM7wbH5nNbwWrjDpr4bCzbmCMgOoxVna4YCtXxXCUHYp2/s640/DSCN0436.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9KM2ZBew37te82-CZJBbhpSuyalKWTzHp6zzAg8NRP3TfzFiXLC_GCoD-5x7vOrNrRoEtI-AvC6eMNBWEwjrgg-LZdTx3SDxg0TOCxqr1qBrzWLUchV1XCHjjBR_ctYV5_5SnaN-lfB9/s640/DSCN0444.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9KM2ZBew37te82-CZJBbhpSuyalKWTzHp6zzAg8NRP3TfzFiXLC_GCoD-5x7vOrNrRoEtI-AvC6eMNBWEwjrgg-LZdTx3SDxg0TOCxqr1qBrzWLUchV1XCHjjBR_ctYV5_5SnaN-lfB9/s640/DSCN0444.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Still no flowers though.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I'm growing Nasturtium "Spitfire" for the </span><a target="_blank" href="http://grow.gardenbloggers.com/" style="font-style: italic;">GROW</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> project. Thanks, to </span><a target="_blank" href="http://reneesgarden.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Renee's Garden</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the seeds."</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-35769865634118978682010-06-04T06:34:00.000-05:002010-06-04T06:34:00.309-05:00Balcony gardening is contagiousI'm very flattered when people comment that they're impressed or jealous of the gardening I've managed to do on my balcony. But, I know balcony gardening isn't just for people with the time and resources I have to put into this hobby. Heck, almost 3 years ago I started with just a couple pots of scraggly little herbs. Then I became a bit obsessed.<br /><br />OK. Maybe more than a bit.<br /><br />Last year, <a href="http://the6x8garden.blogspot.com/2009/10/other-local-balcony-gardens.html">I struggled to find a few photos of balcony gardens in my neighborhood</a>. And I was sad that more people didn't have a garden as a part of their home. This summer, the story is different. Here are a few photos of my neighbors. I found a lot more apartments with plants on the balconies than I found last year. Maybe gardening is contagious?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHm4SlDBvXz0NPiOxUAwzn2ap-hPgZpbXp3zQ97Ceqn-u-WNBaUawZQTd6LJEurM9MHWbAMeOPrJPtThbWIZR-Trhy8ASsiANlYBtIautQUgPK54XtbWFQUUW7efJFslvR2DXZf1UFr3w/s640/DSCN0431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHm4SlDBvXz0NPiOxUAwzn2ap-hPgZpbXp3zQ97Ceqn-u-WNBaUawZQTd6LJEurM9MHWbAMeOPrJPtThbWIZR-Trhy8ASsiANlYBtIautQUgPK54XtbWFQUUW7efJFslvR2DXZf1UFr3w/s640/DSCN0431.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 475px; height: 356px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmGfYVGYg4QMIMttnTTJuqEI6oXZuOpv-yx2DDDsowPfskE_-peE-BGpNu2hAG8KJtt3H3kHeS8fqx4w38oeqR9gKxgipq6K7yP7fUzFtz8giWkKpVxRhF_1F9WboA5EQz9gsf14UYALd/s640/DSCN0424.JPG" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 356px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtprTtgVwSz2qOC-FfFdTFm_JJq8xS9CKucFESMv2Ham7N13f-rCPdI1M9wzL1YUl2Oo3NpnezX11bVHU2jYU_lUvzs36I2Emc-Cq5TNqpO-WCVnXRDazBgV2lrBrX3JmglRQ1AAPzKCys/s640/DSCN0426.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 356px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1ezygNUrLSbxHX30D0g9CXnJtDh8NHMpvLYHKcu9APBX8PCYJD68lNAp-MOFG_QHKWJorJM5YWFKqpqKc0KCKwLyCSoo2JSw_eImpwsrhV_4J4EQ4FBeZng2tUfqSJ7v4UqQmrm9x3lN/s640/DSCN0431.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 474px; height: 356px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJOp2MA9a3wZ0TSk4SCd32lCyOu02npmeJ9Gf6LnU6HiKDbjY5mMxkX94WIOaQ5zE7xYnhfqDhkicYjNy-uPewRiN9qH_PaTbHZK8-x_baAk4aD3siE5m_B99wiyFx0MOibUoLsddFyXD/s640/DSCN0431.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 383px; height: 512px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_-1ClUxygVgSRFpeR2aOAyTajVSLG-5nXDy6-LJZuP94ETNVJoww99ZEGYtffjVKzi0grxRSUwYQJoUBDuM5yfVvJTRGFxREN5ndFzQGOiXc3o9mtJ_Rj1lZHvRBeo3iRBITuqGJxn0_/s512/DSCN0432.JPG" height="480" width="640" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 474px; height: 355px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9nhKbrYUt5iG_bd85L1TVRvBqJ6U64CapO_5H0wps-R-K9HQBY33BDeMJ2hzbIJ13jtHpUnMoRg3ujrvO9gvyAoEz6dSkf2IsmS9XY4NFRzaiHQNTSesAkSSnslHwnYvdqJdTTpoD5li/s640/DSCN0433.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 384px; height: 512px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqhp5LYiDQ3BVZkVJZTyc92sgudzP-lyxsEC7o9yoGxU6j_U-bAxMeC-Vhff7Y3bweAs-MPS18SW9Ddvd3xdX5FBLsrXNuoVZDTqqRjtWy6nJzT7tC6X32else9XHH96QjNdaLEOgloeV/s512/DSCN0436.JPG" height="480" width="640" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 355px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN6mPwupRWX8KjASNJbKAg3zUsMeuSv2jJ8WWyUy-XVTnVAw0tVEscZgB7yLMfzvewYTLFv004Ni3VhvHhwjw6iADlwWEW17epvK25utGAm3xRFRskvod6UcclRo4KLe2NKjg_qlaQJQ4/s640/DSCN0434.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 355px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYMBEgN8WuEEx9ylWiK99pUH88I-WA1rL7d1cuzlQA9Yu2yzR6IDdK9Bm2ulMJkmsL1yi6_iAKoHRWM2wBZalOBqhEwF094peyj5ROM-59LepGjH313yDa4Z9g8khOQ1u1k5RDCYJC-ge/s640/DSCN0437.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 355px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS_khRvl5vX-6-8uLZbar0w0uGRqa2lM4YoSpn_nmmH6xICOQFIqUhuPvPeC2hkP_jq0tEyvCeKUgJ7OpqED99VI86dEvQLoefXyI2XWDstN55xqPYprYRqJDg32TXfE2MGWYhfQj6wi2/s640/DSCN0438.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 355px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3RpIJNdmzt3RpHVFMlR4422ThsklSrRlL8y2VHghJokXYaS9yIKw0cHEW1z_o8ku2flYqvmax6crODJrpfQGv4CqmzknuIE-DlhYd0zJ_ojw8JbeIocKa-bGY3rm3TfdKy9__HEcINQc/s640/DSCN0427.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 474px; height: 355px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Q8q9Hc_TRm0quHQfJ0V3Ppx6nhSMuV7gaAAOCsgAekzOG20ltM2oQHNaeSds3H-FH1rXgay_e7_g7DQbtudkBq0ZCkJEh6Ap5pFBMGnhPYSQvQe1sm0BG030nUUaqN-Rqj9WeC616ux-/" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 355px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFAxruu7V56uZB-o67ip6CvgS60cV-gRaMsHIdLr2_VCLZez6lVlB-W1tQU1nYGQXiR1WgW7-E6ZmIqvrYIDNzRpQVaCDsJjyaVZJmtFzPTLMyfozLCDYIkmY4CGf2tfKyqtZxev47v2y/s640/DSCN0430.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 473px; height: 354px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PAWiyqaowpLTECi9cJJH6LDfcyfkt76aEh7_LV7jrmIWYamEdtn8RFs11_fEABkHfcgYsWF74s3II8oBTfD6o9IfV6sFS-WqgsIfsoh8nTCcvfY1zFjaPPp_MUk6XSp96fzBEDwOaFNn/s640/DSCN0432.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 356px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbUew9k92Z6afv3L89lNaL0IMaAZS012mejnxME4oqO2WmpftrphWbLupEw732Fgr4cQLkTm2cbSaoyGywgrnXMzBeNEJH7UgXYk6hq_qZwo0qbUoxqrITbo2mLtsubJbXNS7CXbqu9Dl/s640/DSCN0433.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 356px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WcKru15gA4yTu312KYmDuAWWLHYCFjEjB7lEuj6h4P3a4xczLUwa4NP_VONKWfarZNN0SeK32Iqhad9kcYKDrMvLz5JxjQMsgH72THDHuJ9n1Dh4wxH7m_aI70bElz3a4HzWIHXXGav5/s640/DSCN0434.JPG" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 383px; height: 512px; left: 23px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOWmpbgpOyvxhJC5Wu29UjqIeKtc0Fu_S5jUoD91kSut5GdlrsPHxuklGIdy1ffH9jlJHPqCDaAovnmV00m_4FerDV3-fsIRUCVJIR3yx1ctyRZ_PUpIMm6o1uM1_sBsLHhq_x60bP-MT/s512/DSCN0435.JPG" height="480" width="640" /><br /><br /><img style="width: 475px; height: 355px; left: 243px; top: 16px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnbh8973z11Ybzlw9qzFP2npRtFJHVt8yCF2tDG0Ram_qudj1fTl9Var0KfxMu1qi7ySWtFCjj2CqA7XEwZbcFxifGZHe_mUjvP-xXAMhpE-jQDO3xmMHKa3zHL4jwpa9SzCbTKOjzJ-_/s640/DSCN0436.JPG" /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-60132682229552159262010-06-03T21:29:00.004-05:002010-06-03T21:35:17.147-05:00Lovely evening on the balcony<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NQFiipeSO4U2pbWJzLzLZ4qIXMP10eayvuZxqYRHw4eIZNNSAcYiCmPrnOwFBUa5j_wAVU_7rubhLKtx0-6LN9TIPJR8WWw2W4s6iGY8JrQR8MKYiAI4GwS3-7spcJpCwBQHFmGiEL-w/s512/DSCN0439.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 506px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NQFiipeSO4U2pbWJzLzLZ4qIXMP10eayvuZxqYRHw4eIZNNSAcYiCmPrnOwFBUa5j_wAVU_7rubhLKtx0-6LN9TIPJR8WWw2W4s6iGY8JrQR8MKYiAI4GwS3-7spcJpCwBQHFmGiEL-w/s512/DSCN0439.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Cool air, a glass of wine and a new book made for a lovely evening on the balcony.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjFPl2QznKRJHIiiYMTu9-5xfm4e0AULTXDDDck5woHtvIsUVVhdzxIbjCBkFuLBSz4DgqOXkj4oZOeoaWQAdhZcl6oTIqw8OzoJL4dkENONliCU2y_xMDtQCeUE_XwUrxHsYpgCbU8Oi/s640/DSCN0438.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjFPl2QznKRJHIiiYMTu9-5xfm4e0AULTXDDDck5woHtvIsUVVhdzxIbjCBkFuLBSz4DgqOXkj4oZOeoaWQAdhZcl6oTIqw8OzoJL4dkENONliCU2y_xMDtQCeUE_XwUrxHsYpgCbU8Oi/s640/DSCN0438.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-16658851550416567422010-06-01T10:21:00.000-05:002010-06-01T10:21:25.014-05:00Balcony garden update — pea flowers, tomatoes, peppers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMbMk-UY-rV0WnxVYhK5QO0tynCf13jTkU0L0uTuWfe_wUGxeQawG6Re0ytaC9gyPcTgQViDaZ-IFoUapiP-aCtSIvZ04hLu0JOVdYYRAnUSwjlo0VaubvUAbtViQK_afns-iSOT2Mqrw/s640/DSCN0437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMbMk-UY-rV0WnxVYhK5QO0tynCf13jTkU0L0uTuWfe_wUGxeQawG6Re0ytaC9gyPcTgQViDaZ-IFoUapiP-aCtSIvZ04hLu0JOVdYYRAnUSwjlo0VaubvUAbtViQK_afns-iSOT2Mqrw/s640/DSCN0437.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The snow peas are blooming. I just love their little pink flowers!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX34gB2OwzWKu9iiutPBBvs3EYpIdiVIQfosBb5w0sVRvI3SKyUSTM8Dsa8AAGRSG8Pc8BRAVj_VrbVkRPl2A1b_U6ok2PILSgNzMkXBN4aV4svPXM4EoSSBPhQVSubAeVp-reDC91nKl/s512/DSCN0432.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF0TvDaIfcHJ3QVOkasCj1Txt26EOOTAAO8g19BGn9oEmr6z1KrXzu8cLu0QvNaRCoPPp3D-bYzbEor76x9sZg1bPhZ4mY3Rw_YEBHoCtzdaXWNGoYTnA59kDfiBSz_gDr98s7jbGK5SX/s512/DSCN0434.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIF0TvDaIfcHJ3QVOkasCj1Txt26EOOTAAO8g19BGn9oEmr6z1KrXzu8cLu0QvNaRCoPPp3D-bYzbEor76x9sZg1bPhZ4mY3Rw_YEBHoCtzdaXWNGoYTnA59kDfiBSz_gDr98s7jbGK5SX/s512/DSCN0434.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>When they outgrew their stakes they started weaving their tendrils into the back of the chair. So, I don't have to worry about building another trellis, but I can't move the chair.<br /><br />The garden peas are moving quickly. I just harvested a couple pods this morning and ate the peas raw. They were so cool and sweet. I hope a good bunch of them will ripen at the same time, so I can have a bowl of fresh, steamed peas with butter and salt. <span style="font-style: italic;">Mmmmm</span>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX34gB2OwzWKu9iiutPBBvs3EYpIdiVIQfosBb5w0sVRvI3SKyUSTM8Dsa8AAGRSG8Pc8BRAVj_VrbVkRPl2A1b_U6ok2PILSgNzMkXBN4aV4svPXM4EoSSBPhQVSubAeVp-reDC91nKl/s512/DSCN0432.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX34gB2OwzWKu9iiutPBBvs3EYpIdiVIQfosBb5w0sVRvI3SKyUSTM8Dsa8AAGRSG8Pc8BRAVj_VrbVkRPl2A1b_U6ok2PILSgNzMkXBN4aV4svPXM4EoSSBPhQVSubAeVp-reDC91nKl/s512/DSCN0432.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>And I noticed I have a few tiny baby tomatoes!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWTcHHHpcsD0H9X7Bd9-cIlvuNAp9XWXcC3uJLmN9W8244OwOrfB7OfVxqy-vq9IKDYEvR16j2dLHjzjio5g0hBA0vG3vV71wMDOjFSuuFKomftwPmHpxYBz96FoGHuog39zIcaLXHJps/s640/DSCN0433.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWTcHHHpcsD0H9X7Bd9-cIlvuNAp9XWXcC3uJLmN9W8244OwOrfB7OfVxqy-vq9IKDYEvR16j2dLHjzjio5g0hBA0vG3vV71wMDOjFSuuFKomftwPmHpxYBz96FoGHuog39zIcaLXHJps/s640/DSCN0433.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jOeHDXnlRv9u2PjoTMzU4jtiw_GWEH398G_R_gt-k4Li7lnWm7K3ZuooJu-2sYrlNK4CEz_pqfAh1wCaeFGWjeC_mA3SIRk3k3mRKkuYwGWs97Sk5kENiqqbZ6vd5Ivwv_6rIQUYAzW6/s640/DSCN0430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jOeHDXnlRv9u2PjoTMzU4jtiw_GWEH398G_R_gt-k4Li7lnWm7K3ZuooJu-2sYrlNK4CEz_pqfAh1wCaeFGWjeC_mA3SIRk3k3mRKkuYwGWs97Sk5kENiqqbZ6vd5Ivwv_6rIQUYAzW6/s640/DSCN0430.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Anaheim pepper isn't looking that great. It's dropping blooms — a problem I had with all my peppers last year <span style="font-style: italic;">except</span> for the Anaheim. It may be because of the extremely high temperatures (highs in the upper 90s) we had Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It ought to send out more flowers if the temperature evens out. Just to be sure, I watered it with a solution of Epsom salt; I guess sometimes they like a bit extra magnesium.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z4vL1or5AQGuJ2yizbSudOAkuoE3ez_U9ef7m5N34SN-a0dS4VW1XuWji7PMAB55HrSOrGs4D7Lkg75ZWeRcwoy4HLd6k24uXYLkMBRrjxNMncyPXJusZT2v5_OSlgsQF6Ch6p8vm_E6/s512/DSCN0428.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z4vL1or5AQGuJ2yizbSudOAkuoE3ez_U9ef7m5N34SN-a0dS4VW1XuWji7PMAB55HrSOrGs4D7Lkg75ZWeRcwoy4HLd6k24uXYLkMBRrjxNMncyPXJusZT2v5_OSlgsQF6Ch6p8vm_E6/s512/DSCN0428.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I haven't had any problems with the bell peppers or this Garden Salsa pepper — it even has 3 little peppers growing already.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-87493774736849067702010-05-30T07:13:00.000-05:002010-05-30T07:13:00.331-05:00Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Garden Herbs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV2scyngXWu5odiysPEKJ2o6BOZMTHDEHNcXxLrhR11SAlKVeJ3AAUBtkYZrv65V7xPIrV-d0nRi2LHe2Bgen_Rnlu9lsmJB_2_MS0-9Ruk-u6iS4o-oiop9ws8vk1ww2y5-eQ0rUi4Fc/s640/DSCN0440.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV2scyngXWu5odiysPEKJ2o6BOZMTHDEHNcXxLrhR11SAlKVeJ3AAUBtkYZrv65V7xPIrV-d0nRi2LHe2Bgen_Rnlu9lsmJB_2_MS0-9Ruk-u6iS4o-oiop9ws8vk1ww2y5-eQ0rUi4Fc/s640/DSCN0440.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Garden bloggers have been all over the herbs lately. I liked the post on <a href="http://www.ahamodernliving.com/blog/garden/grow-your-own-garnishes/">Growing your Own Garnishes </a>over at aHa! Modern Living — a blog I only recently started to follow. The awesome daily garden inspiration blog <a href="http://greayer.com/studiog/?p=7669">Studio 'g,' did a quick post on a container herb garden in an alley</a>. And of course <a href="http://lifeonthebalcony.com/contest-win-stylish-herb-pots/">LotB has their photo contest</a>! The prize? Labeled herb planters!<br /><br />This spring I've really come to appreciate my herbs. I enjoyed them last summer, but now I can say that without a doubt they're the best part of my balcony. It's so easy to clip a couple chives to dress up a baked potato; or snatch a handful of oregano and basil to add to tomato sauce; or pinch a leaf of lemon verbena and a fistful of mint to mix for sweet tea; or a handful of sage, thyme and rosemary for Thanksgiving stuffing; or...well, you get the idea. I really rely on my collection of herbs to enhance (and sometimes inspire) my cooking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ykTtMLAnKW0AAgiMA2YhnVHBO1B5djwudQYnkTdH6cj2dh9fw7ZRDgSpCz6mAkauR679KuqmkU90Hj6x6YGy2yQyuPDCIkMarAeisYYAATsUPXX8oIL65nCQ1Qgf2d_IvYrPqbklmhBz/s640/DSCN0428.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ykTtMLAnKW0AAgiMA2YhnVHBO1B5djwudQYnkTdH6cj2dh9fw7ZRDgSpCz6mAkauR679KuqmkU90Hj6x6YGy2yQyuPDCIkMarAeisYYAATsUPXX8oIL65nCQ1Qgf2d_IvYrPqbklmhBz/s640/DSCN0428.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My husband and I love the kind of jalapeno poppers you can get at any run-of-the-mill restaurant where the most popular item is beer-n-burgers. They're breaded and fried and absolutely one of my favorite guilty pleasures. (Plus being a vegetarian at a beer-n-burger joint isn't the easiest thing, and sometimes this is the only thing on the menu I can have...besides fried cheese.)<br /><br />My homemade version takes advantage of the herbs I have growing right now, and adjusts to our diets, and my aversion to making battered foods. (I just hate getting my fingers covered in layer upon layer of eggs and breading.)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baked Jalapeno Poppers with Garden Herbs</span><br /><br />6-12 Jalapenos (depending on size)<br />8 oz cream cheese (1/3 fat)<br />1/2 c cheddar cheese<br />A handful of herbs — I used chives, green garlic, oregano, green oregano, and lemon thyme.<br />Salt + pepper<br />Breadcrumbs<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm3IS6hG5CZd9NwuPPz_n2gq6QNYjODNrY2Oy1hgL7e76cNCZZfDBJ8hxSb8VGbopJQkhBw7u56bmFzcP-s1PYZznvhkA4S3iKVrTI3qiC0YEMvPu1JotHYryPL4HEueA0jNF6WDvqtom/s640/DSCN0429.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm3IS6hG5CZd9NwuPPz_n2gq6QNYjODNrY2Oy1hgL7e76cNCZZfDBJ8hxSb8VGbopJQkhBw7u56bmFzcP-s1PYZznvhkA4S3iKVrTI3qiC0YEMvPu1JotHYryPL4HEueA0jNF6WDvqtom/s640/DSCN0429.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurfUMeb_ml1w90P90MuGKKd-HYPPSYBH2siALsvv1N8OyesK_9X1FEEV7cUxO_kf8AUhwwVpaBcHKvhkpuzzX9cBDqptXHo2uUToEBtFWL6k37MOcFyyGnOUijkAWVYWqnMLl6DOXTe0-/s640/DSCN0430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurfUMeb_ml1w90P90MuGKKd-HYPPSYBH2siALsvv1N8OyesK_9X1FEEV7cUxO_kf8AUhwwVpaBcHKvhkpuzzX9cBDqptXHo2uUToEBtFWL6k37MOcFyyGnOUijkAWVYWqnMLl6DOXTe0-/s640/DSCN0430.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Heat oven to 350. Oil a baking sheet and set aside.<br />Slice the jalapenos in half, remove the seeds and membrane.<br />Add both cheeses to a bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Add minced herbs and mix. Salt + pepper to taste.<br />Spoon the cheese/herb filling into the peppers, dunk the filled side in the breadcrumbs, place on the baking sheet.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FC9rak0qLPAB1Igpzfd3Z6QgX9DGKHQ50eO5f0a1H6gV-mg4EjdjpjBTR_isEEsYzGFNBBgGtquoYaDEIP86X2wuHhH1U9D8MR0aMRG4lfaY91lV_L84XAsrLFRlnymYhtDRo6fBjdri/s640/DSCN0432.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FC9rak0qLPAB1Igpzfd3Z6QgX9DGKHQ50eO5f0a1H6gV-mg4EjdjpjBTR_isEEsYzGFNBBgGtquoYaDEIP86X2wuHhH1U9D8MR0aMRG4lfaY91lV_L84XAsrLFRlnymYhtDRo6fBjdri/s640/DSCN0432.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhyphenhyphensj4tDFpqDcp1rpb-nHamPFBM5O02pe0tmwyyMhAyHGRmveWaTiU6x99y2beBfZugTb2sA3gIqfSAJ3XTna5LKkNT7-Rz94TcDFEBj4wxWM3g2A084pej-MsPLIHI8M_bAsstOCVexf/s640/DSCN0431.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhyphenhyphensj4tDFpqDcp1rpb-nHamPFBM5O02pe0tmwyyMhAyHGRmveWaTiU6x99y2beBfZugTb2sA3gIqfSAJ3XTna5LKkNT7-Rz94TcDFEBj4wxWM3g2A084pej-MsPLIHI8M_bAsstOCVexf/s640/DSCN0431.JPG" alt="" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarSEcibaGJEFy8lUNguOPiDYRa-octh5q2-08TSr-YednOr8vjEVeTiovYUC-7l2LwN23mlBsDxAAmixQ46rfeC7Chuzm9C-m1oJR7FadTXE0nAXusR477ts5LmyVq5EREBdEMft9rDfH/s640/DSCN0433.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarSEcibaGJEFy8lUNguOPiDYRa-octh5q2-08TSr-YednOr8vjEVeTiovYUC-7l2LwN23mlBsDxAAmixQ46rfeC7Chuzm9C-m1oJR7FadTXE0nAXusR477ts5LmyVq5EREBdEMft9rDfH/s640/DSCN0433.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhyphenhyphensj4tDFpqDcp1rpb-nHamPFBM5O02pe0tmwyyMhAyHGRmveWaTiU6x99y2beBfZugTb2sA3gIqfSAJ3XTna5LKkNT7-Rz94TcDFEBj4wxWM3g2A084pej-MsPLIHI8M_bAsstOCVexf/s640/DSCN0431.JPG"><br /></a>(Count yourself lucky if you have leftover cheese filling — it goes really well with crackers.)<br /><br />Bake poppers for 30-40 minutes.<br />Serve immediately, but be careful, they're hot! :) We found they go really well with milk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurfUMeb_ml1w90P90MuGKKd-HYPPSYBH2siALsvv1N8OyesK_9X1FEEV7cUxO_kf8AUhwwVpaBcHKvhkpuzzX9cBDqptXHo2uUToEBtFWL6k37MOcFyyGnOUijkAWVYWqnMLl6DOXTe0-/s640/DSCN0430.JPG"><br /></a><br />They turned out pretty good for being an experiment. My husband called them "restaurant quality," which I <span style="font-style: italic;">think</span> is a complement. Really, the fresh herbs just made a huge impact.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtgbdl1f5DyHVuhEGhCMAD_u02_8BGmClPelpaW91gZiHOTi6sjCQkuskhOarm70gY4YIf-dpFvmOdy7oExFTgnDmGxlIdsFJst4UEGuLLydmhvoVLwRRM_seV3VmgZh0ZRHw9x634YEO/s640/DSCN0437.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 474px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtgbdl1f5DyHVuhEGhCMAD_u02_8BGmClPelpaW91gZiHOTi6sjCQkuskhOarm70gY4YIf-dpFvmOdy7oExFTgnDmGxlIdsFJst4UEGuLLydmhvoVLwRRM_seV3VmgZh0ZRHw9x634YEO/s640/DSCN0437.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-33107139122005520862010-05-27T20:28:00.000-05:002010-05-28T11:44:25.939-05:00Wildlife on the balcony — goldfinchesLast night I <span style="font-style: italic;">finally</span> planted beans, a bunch more nasturtiums, and a few marigolds.<br /><br />This morning I woke up to this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHo9bNgwBKWLvLZMXbA8P39HC7MYJ7iC_dHh0ExSkNOGmEpzbC4MJoDSVZJA-IPFVPK_Jl2ZjHpg8Q_TPSpNs6cNjGYzOFr-ANYQ2VoJO81fVK8vNcDN4MBJX6Guk5xwooArTc9JesXVj/s512/DSCN0428.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHo9bNgwBKWLvLZMXbA8P39HC7MYJ7iC_dHh0ExSkNOGmEpzbC4MJoDSVZJA-IPFVPK_Jl2ZjHpg8Q_TPSpNs6cNjGYzOFr-ANYQ2VoJO81fVK8vNcDN4MBJX6Guk5xwooArTc9JesXVj/s512/DSCN0428.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>This lovely lady goldfinch was having my marigolds for breakfast! I saw her mate flying around, but I didn't get a shot of him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirn_ggSP6B7Xsg0ExTEiGbhAlf6OabElcfOJryrGUHO3pTD-26V05d0LTVkWSoIj1Mxlkn5qCZYKTd2bg_TfBG4p4Y_Ty-AUMgrApn0jbj5aCpcJeuQmdFKT9qFRZYIPcI6uB-0P0t7cgG/s512/DSCN0430.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirn_ggSP6B7Xsg0ExTEiGbhAlf6OabElcfOJryrGUHO3pTD-26V05d0LTVkWSoIj1Mxlkn5qCZYKTd2bg_TfBG4p4Y_Ty-AUMgrApn0jbj5aCpcJeuQmdFKT9qFRZYIPcI6uB-0P0t7cgG/s512/DSCN0430.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Last year I had hummingbirds going for the nasturtium flowers, this spring I had robins looking for worms, and now goldfinches! Awesome!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-13347151624132183352010-05-27T13:05:00.000-05:002010-05-27T15:43:23.811-05:00Chive flowers II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmjrUD0x2DIHSJfdgvdFmI9NFpwJD2z6c7EQpWdhOX2XWLt4yYGmmgheHK5GF4S3JnBxqPDjIETr7TyXYd98IZ1IatSDgathnLhTVmnWey7MSB3QKwxJ6_eouS_BJ60RtCS-VDMDqR0uh/s640/DSCN0447.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 479px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmjrUD0x2DIHSJfdgvdFmI9NFpwJD2z6c7EQpWdhOX2XWLt4yYGmmgheHK5GF4S3JnBxqPDjIETr7TyXYd98IZ1IatSDgathnLhTVmnWey7MSB3QKwxJ6_eouS_BJ60RtCS-VDMDqR0uh/s640/DSCN0447.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pCj1-od3VOOw9V9173hkkbroGRSL588ixq2d6ud5u_iw7UxBoN2tDPYAaS-7IIIqUck3iCJHiuLipHs7G9WiakX28B6du5zKoPmFgNykGXEWcKXQ9tmanZEyrDh0Ygl1oIKYgzmFwuMY/s512/DSCN0448.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 512px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pCj1-od3VOOw9V9173hkkbroGRSL588ixq2d6ud5u_iw7UxBoN2tDPYAaS-7IIIqUck3iCJHiuLipHs7G9WiakX28B6du5zKoPmFgNykGXEWcKXQ9tmanZEyrDh0Ygl1oIKYgzmFwuMY/s512/DSCN0448.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5457440753364649976.post-13292002271267167582010-05-26T09:59:00.000-05:002010-05-26T10:00:05.603-05:00Strawberries + Garlic — a plan to deter Japanese beetles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhA2D3vrDnc4so5zX9nDyQ_V-zXyS8aAyksv79H5sB60K7CWURzPipw12qzHPNe43qyDOaGU6ZGgU1wMjEvFizjWNdFuJlLAkZ_Z9lMs1VQ_nAZDkWGu-UD-J6Ij8EgIN8hYxiy59YuXo/s640/DSCN0476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhA2D3vrDnc4so5zX9nDyQ_V-zXyS8aAyksv79H5sB60K7CWURzPipw12qzHPNe43qyDOaGU6ZGgU1wMjEvFizjWNdFuJlLAkZ_Z9lMs1VQ_nAZDkWGu-UD-J6Ij8EgIN8hYxiy59YuXo/s640/DSCN0476.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>I had a helluva time last year with Japanese beetles. They liked my bush beans and cinnamon basil, and they <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> liked the strawberries.<br /><br />My poor, poor strawberries. They were attacked by the beetles <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> got fungus spot. I spent several minutes every morning picking the bugs off and drowning them in soapy water. Some days I'd have a quarter cup of bugs! It was really gross work. I did not like it and I don't want to repeat it.<br /><br />To avoid that unpleasantness this year, I'm using companion planting to deter the critters. In my online research 2 plants were consistently recommended for discouraging Japanese beetles — rue and garlic. If you don't know what rue is, well, it's a weedy looking, very large and smelly (that's what deters the beetles) plant from the Mediterranean. (And it'll give some people a rash like poison ivy.) Since I don't have a nice big garden where I can put such a plant in the corner (away from my skin) I'm going to go with garlic.<br /><br /><a href="http://the6x8garden.blogspot.com/2009/10/green-garlic.html">I grew garlic last year (and it was one of my favorite crops)</a>, but it was a few feet away from the strawberries. This year I planted garlic bulbs among my new strawberry plants. So now I have 2 crops in 1 pot — it's efficient and the garlic will protect the strawberries.<br /><br />I'll also inter-plant garlic with the beans...whenever I get around to <span style="font-style: italic;">them</span>. I was going to go to the store and get seeds last night, but I'm trying to ride my bike everywhere (and not drive at all). But it stormed, so I decided to stay dry and put it off for another day.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055586800738008047noreply@blogger.com6