The Patchwork Kitchen Garden: The Seventeenth Week
“A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year.” -William F. Longgood
As the calendar pages turn and August unfolds, there's an undeniable shift in the air - a crispness that hints at the impending fall. The days have taken an unexpectedly cooler turn, causing a whispered anticipation of fall. Yet, in the heart of this transitional period, a gardener's hopes and desires remain firmly rooted in the warmth of summer. For in these final moments of August, we find ourselves walking the delicate line between bidding farewell to the season and savoring its last golden rays. As I work in my garden, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of this dance with Mother Nature.
Life in the garden is full of surprises, and this week brought me an unexpected gift - a jack ‘o’ lantern pumpkin! As I gazed upon this vibrant green bulb, I couldn't help but marvel at the magic that nature, with the help of diligent bees, had woven. Their tireless efforts transformed mere blossoms into a promise of my future fall harvest.
A snapshot taken at the beginning of the week served as a testament to the pumpkin's humble beginnings. And yet, as the week neared its end, the transformation was undeniable. Each passing day seemed to add new life to this little pumpkin, leaving me eagerly awaiting the moment it would reach full maturity. With gratitude in my heart, I offered a silent thank you to the bees who made this unexpected delight possible.
Amidst the tapestry of my garden, the corn stalks are a symbol of my patience and progress. Though the cobs are small, there is an undeniable sense of fulfillment that comes from nurturing a living thing from seed to sprout. The process itself, with all its challenges and triumphs, has become a source of pure joy. As the ears of corn slowly mature, I am reminded that beauty lies not only in the end result but also in the journey that brings us there. While I may not anticipate bushels of corn, the simple act of tending and knowing I can actually grow such beautiful stalks is enough to fill me with a quiet contentment.
The weather is often beyond our control, and this week, the skies opened up and it rained, it rained for two straight days. The two-day shower provided an opportunity for reflection as I sat amidst my lush garden. Instead of my usual gardening routine, I found solace in watching my garden (and broccoli) come to life under the steady rain. Yes, my broccoli is growing back! I know I’m excited too! But of course, I also pickled last week’s cucumber harvest while watching the rainfall. Those were the most perfect two days.
It was simply a time to appreciate the fruits of my labor, Everything I had harvested to this point, was simply enjoyed, which is exactly what it was meant to do. Really what’s the point of gardening if you can’t enjoy it.
In this mid-August garden update, the air may hint at autumn, but the garden is still very much alive with the vibrancy of summer. The jack ‘o’ lantern pumpkin, a symbol of nature's surprises, continues to thrive, reminding me of the delicate balance between human effort and Mother Nature's grace. The corn stands as a testament to my patience and the joy of growth, while the rain's embrace offers a chance to pause and relish in the beauty that surrounds us. As I navigate this ever-changing landscape, I'm reminded that the journey itself is a treasure, and each moment spent in my garden is a gift from the earth and the elements that sustain it. It’s really a wondrous world and it needs to be loved as well as appreciated.
To see the garden in its entirety please check out the gallery below. Until next week, Happy Gardening!
