Whoa! Our gardens thinks it's August already, as does just about every plant that relies on nature for its water, such as those in forests. But gardens, fortunately, can rely on humans for their water when Nature is on vacation. But there is a mini-forest or two in our community garden (and home gardens) of "lettuce trees" stretching skyward, just like a tree, about to go to seed. 

They look odd, but I think they're quite amazing. And even more amazing are the little seed companies who encourage you to save your own seed and tell you how to do it. Adaptive Seeds is one example, Wild Garden Seed is another (Frank Morton's essays are always enlightening too). Don has saved seed from plants grown from seeds bought from both companies and had good success the following year with them.

  


 I love the rich color of this lettuce, set off by all the shades of green surrounding it. It probably has "vino" or "wine" in its name.

    These are closer to seeding.

     Sometimes when you go by farms, such as Gathering Together, where many Wild Garden seeds are grown (the rest at Frank and Karen Morton's farm, Shoulder to Shoulder, in Wren), you think the farmer has gone on vacation and just "let everything go." There is art and science that goes into growing plants for seed commercially, requiring good timing, cleaning, labeling, and storage. If you think it's easy, try saving seed from various crops in your garden, especially a variety of greens, and discover just how easy it is to get them mixed up.

     Someone harvested the garlic they planted last fall and is letting it air dry. You can't see them, but there are seeds on top of them as well, since the scapes weren't cut off. The tops can go to "bulblets" which can be planted next season. We've planted them as bug and rodent deterrent. I don't know the process for growing more big garlic bulbs from them, if it is possible, but suspect it would take a few seasons.

    Someone's onions are ready to harvest. They look like the mild summer ones. Yum!

    A great corn crop in a new raised bed where the big compost pile used to be. Good soil under there!

Artichokes, the "grande dames" in their colorful finery

    Lots of squash are fruiting now (besides zucchini). These spaghetti squash look like they're gossiping about the other plants in the garden.

    A lovely melon peeks out from its protective leaves and vines. This is a good year to grow melons.

    Tomatillos plus....

    ...peppers = great salsa verde!

All trellises are getting leaned on pretty hard now

as are the sturdy stalwarts

     Oops! Looks like somebody is on vacation...

But the deer aren't - they've been nibbling on my bean plants. Time to drag out the bird/deer netting again. Aaaaarrgh!!

   Delicate blossoms about to respond to the sun

    To me, zinnia buds are even more intriguing than the flowers themselves.

    Thank you to all my community garden neighbors who grow flowers - what I call "gardening for the soul." I am one of many who really appreciate and enjoy them.