We seem to have had a lot of them over the last 6 months and here are a select few:
8/29/2011
Turmeric flower. Grows well here, the root is a tasty spice and very very good for us humans. We were amazed at the beauty of the flower and it stayed beautiful for about a month. Turmeric is sometimes referred to as the poor man's saffron.
Closer view
First Kabocha Squash
10/8/2011
These are sometimes referred to as Hawaiian Pumpkins here.
The inside story - very delicious
Our patch grew out in all directions easily covering a 50 foot radius. The plant is still producing with at least 3 still on the vine. Total harvest will probably be around 12 -15 of them. Size ranges from biggest like a bowling ball on down.
First rather gnarly sweet potato harvest
10/13/2011
Pretty ugly pile, but we did enjoy a few good meals with them included.
First Compost Harvest
10/13/2011
Perhaps the most exciting "First" of all. The soil here needs lots of amending causing us to be diligent about composting. We call it "Food for the food" - every scrap of organic waste is collected and used. This was our very first look at the results.
We were thrilled to see such luscious soil. No bad odor, filled with bugs and bits, beautiful stuff.
Knowing how our chickens love the bugs Tracy couldn't resist bringing Blondie over for some snacking ... worms, ants, ant eggs, potato bug types, cock roaches, beetles and even centipedes were all there doing their part in the composting process. Blondie wasted no time gobbling them up and continuing the cycle by giving us poop and fabulous eggs!
One last look at the joy!
Author's note: If all this raving about compost and natural cycles rings a bell it might be because you've read, "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. If you have not read it and this sort of thing sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend it - it has changed my life, altering my perception and consciousness regarding our natural world today.
