When last we left our intrepid gardeners, they were doing all the manual-labor/prep-type stuff. You know — pulling up weeds and grass, building raised beds, shoveling manure.
The sweaty stuff.
After all that, the little girls needed a "silly break":
Though we were not quite planned and ready to sow the seed and plant the "starts", we were able to get a "lovage" plant in the ground. (Now, we have a strict "Rule #1" in our garden: everything must be edible.) Having heard that celery (one of our favorite veggies) is a challenge to grow in the Flathead Valley, we decided to plant lovage as a celery alternative. After it was planted, I chewed on a piece of the tube-like stalk, to see what we were in for. It was supremely celery-y ("celery-ish"?) — so much so that I fear I'm the only one in the family with a palate for such a strong flavor. No matter... it still complies with "Rule #1"!
We started to lay out how everything would look, taking into account that certain plants have their preferred "buddies" or companion plants that they like to grow up with. The laying out is what took the longest, and while I was chomping at the bit to "just plant something" (!), my dear, thoughtful bride — the family "Garden Queen" — took the necessary time to make sure there was a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Then, on May 23rd, I woke up to this:
"Winter's Last Stand" (hopefully!)
Well, Winter's threat proved an empty one, and by the end of the day, it was all melted.
So, this afternoon, after a nearly perfect-weathered Sunday fellowship and potluck, we came back home to start digging and stuffing. Here's what we have so far:
Clockwise from Left:
Nasturtium (edible) flowers, Lovage, various lettuces and (edible) flowers, Red Cabbage, Lavender, Rosemary, Garlic, Spinach, Sugar Snap Peas and Strawberries.
Still to come later: Tomatoes, Bush Beans, Cucumbers, Squash, Celery, Rhubarb, etc.
What are you planting this year?
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