Jewell Gardens in Skagway, Alaska

I recently had the opportunity to visit the biggest state in the union. And of course on this trip of a lifetime if I was going to choose an excursion, that excursion would necessarily include a garden whose produce was used in the kitchen.

That garden was Jewell Gardens in Skagway, Alaska, otherwise known as the garden city of Alaska. Jewell Gardens is also known for its glassworks which you see incorporated into the garden.

I loved how kale was incorporated as an ornamental in this garden. It was simply beautiful. The cook however did not make a dish including kale. He used the rhubarb which I carried back from the garden to make a rhubarb sauce. Rhubarb is not native to Alaska, but was and is an extremely important plant to the Alaskans. Years ago it was brought in to help prevent scurvy and today it is used because it just tastes good. I can attest to this having tasted the sauce the cook made.

So when you think of Alaska and think of the dark and cold in the wintertime, remember, they also get a great deal of sun in the summer which is something these sun loving plants just adore. There is more to Alaska than snow and if you ever get a chance to visit this beautiful state, I highly recommend you take it.

The Garden in Fall

Autumn is upon us here in mid Michigan, even though the sun in shining and the temperature is warm. No matter. The days are shorter and that undeniable fall smell is in the air. That does not mean that the garden is done or that there is no color to behold. Fortunately for us Sedum Autumn Joy is now coming into its own. And its own is a spectacular maroon color that will continue right up to frost. I love how this plant continues to change throughout the fall and the birds love that I don't cut it down until spring.

Okay, this picture doesn't look like much. But I planted some winter rye beneath the straw this week and am hoping that I watered it well enough to germinate and grow this fall. If it does I will turn it under next spring to provide nourishment for next year's garden. I have not tried this before, but I figured what the heck. Anything to feed my vegetables next year.

The kale is still going strong in the fall garden. I have planted different varieties including one called dinosaur which has some spectacular leaves. This plant may still be there after frost. And then it will be time to plant garlic. Everything to look forward to! Yes, that is September indeed.

Putting Food By

This is the lovely time of year. The tomatoes I picked today were picture perfect. And just as tasty, unlike what you buy in the grocery store in January. September is prime tomato eating time. But since I still crave tomatoes in January I put food by. This food dehydrator works just fine for cut up Juliet tomatoes. Once they are dry I will store them in a cool dry place and then use them on salads come January. They add a nice crunch and they taste good.

Other varieties of tomatoes I grew this year include Cream Sausage, Roma VF, Kellogg's Breakfast and the Great White tomato. Using a food mill I have processed the latest batch (all together) into a sauce that is currently cooking on the stove. Soon I will freeze it and have it available for spaghetti sauce and soups this winter.

My only regret is that my freezer is just about full. I am seriously debating getting a small freezer, but my house is so small I don't know where I would put it. I suppose I could always get rid of the kitchen table!