Garlic Galore

Yesterday I made some hummus with my own garlic. I am growing three different kinds, one of them a stiff neck variety called German extra hardy; the other two I got from Seed Savers Exchange, heirloom varieties called Broadleaf Czech and Lorz Italian. I know that I can make a garland with those that are not stiff neck, but I need to figure out the best way to preserve the stiff neck garlic as well so I can use it all winter long. Right now they are on the floor of my spare bedroom with the door closed (since the cat is quite curious) drying out. Where to put them? This small house of mine will have to find a place somewhere.

What goes with garlic? Basil of course! I have basil growing in several spots this year—all in hopes that I will harvest enough so I can eat pesto throughout the winter.






I am using maggot protection covers on the apples this year. Some of these apples have fallen to the ground, but others still remain. I hope to have some apples that I can eat whole without cutting out the bad parts.




I am using a grow pot for a Roma tomato plant-the plant does have some small tomatoes on it. The pot for the potatoes seems to be working fine, at least the potatoes are thriving. It is easy to just add soil mix on top as they grow.







These sunflowers are souring above me in the vegetable garden area. I suppose the birds will find the seeds before I do.




And will this artichoke produce anything for me this year? If so, I will enjoy the beautiful flowers before I have something to eat.





Knee high by the fourth of July. Well, actually this photo was taken on July 8th, but the corn is definitely knee high. Now if we can get some rain to help these wonderful vegetable plants along. This hot and humid weather is not just hard on me, it is hard on my garden and water bill as well.




I actually do have some flowers in bloom right now. The monarda and lilies make a nice combination and the purple coneflower has taken off. I usually think of it as an August plant, but here it is the beginning of July and it is blooming profusely.
Well, today it will be peas for dinner. Tomorrow probably a salad with my lettuce before it poops out on me. Such is life at the Birkam household these days. Eating good and enjoying all the blooms.