Small White Gourds

Last summer I was fortunate enough to take a trip to the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa for their annual summer workshop. One of the activities was the exchange of seeds from members who brought seeds of all varieties. One type of seed I picked up while there were seeds for some small white gourds.

I planted them this past summer alongside my neighbor's fence. Only one plant was necessary to pretty much cover the fence and produce the gourds in this picture.

So, no, I probably won't have a pumpkin this Halloween, but I figure these gourds will provide all the decoration I need.

Blooms in Fall

 

 

It may be fall (or almost) but that does not mean the blooms have to stop in your garden. I planted these colchicums a few years ago and they have done nothing except spread their loveliness. These giant crocus-like blooms do not last for long, but while they last they are quite impressive. The leaves come up in the spring, then die back for the summer. Then, come September the blossoms appear like magic.

It is difficult to see the flamingo hiding in the asters at this time of year. The asters are just prolific and eye-catching. Set against the ornamental grass which is also in bloom they are a bright spot in my garden.

 

It is not all about the produce at this time of year, although setting the produce by is my main garden activity in September. Just so long as I have a few blossoms as well, I can stay on a cheery note. Need to stay cheery when the days are shorter and winter is just around the bend...

Chinese Red Noodle Beans

This year I planted an unusual bean seed (at least to me) called Chinese Red Noodle Beans. They are offered for sale from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and fortunately they finally germinated and are doing quite well in my September garden. Not only do they look cool on the plant, they taste very good. So I decided to blanch some so that I could freeze them to eat later in the winter.

They don't need much blanching and I expect they will taste just fine come January. Of course as long as the weather holds and no freezing comes for awhile I will be able to keep eating them fresh from the garden. Once the frost comes they will be through. As usual, September is a busy month for this gardener who has plenty of vegetables yet to be harvested. Happy eating!

Putting Food By

 

 

This year I decided to buy a small freezer to store in the garage so that I could save even more of the produce in my garden. Peppers, zucchini, broccoli, green beans and tomatoes are all being shredded, blanched or turned into sauce so that my garden will last all winter long.

 

Basil and garlic are the basic ingredients for the pesto that I will freeze and use in January when my palate gets lonesome for the taste of summer. The garden brings a taste of freshness all year long. Life is definitely good!