Sunday was a perfect day for meditating in the garden. Although it's still early and the veggies aren't going crazy, we do see lots of basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, and oregano.



That's the easy stuff, but look at the zucchini and artichokes! Not bad, huh?



The thing with artichokes is that they are perennials, so you really have to care for the soil to ensure your harvest. Spring is the best time to plant and they make for some beautiful landscaping too. Try eating one raw! I know that sounds crazy...but this is a common way of indulging in the flower in European countries such as Italy, Greece and France. The leaves break right below the meat, and you scrape with your teeth as you would cooked. The heart, of course, is the best part - just be sure to cut out the purple thistles as you get down to the center. Once removed and rinsed, you'll have the heavenly heart of the artichoke. Now I should warn you, this plant does oxidize, so you may find that your fingers, lips and tongue have turned a slight shade of purple/black. No worries if this happens, it's perfectly natural. Just don't plan a date for that same evening. If you don't mind the added taste, you can put lemon on it and it should stop from oxidizing. I personally like the au naturel, earthy taste though.



It's such a good feeling to grow your own food, use your own compost and cut flowers for the house. Anyway look at these pictures as before shots and I'll return in a month or 2 to show you where the garden goes. I might even cook something up with my organic veggies and share a recipe or 2.

Posted by Mardi Fox