Everywhere you look there are beautiful flowers in bloom.  They might be the ones in the fields or the beautiful, manicured gardens gracing our homes.  We even take time to prepare the hanging baskets or flower boxes on our patios or our porches.  I always feel that the flowers add such a touch to our homes.

 

But wait a moment, how about some vegetables?  I know that many have large gardens, especially now that the cost of food is so high.  But if you do not have the space or the energy to maintain a large garden, why not plant some vegetables in some pretty urns or even raised gardens and place them on your patio.  They will compliment your flowers.

 

I have two large urns and three flowerpots located on my deck with vegetables.  I have planted four tomato plants, four pepper plants and two basil plants.  My friend Frances Scott sent me a large urn with a hot pepper plant and four basil plants.  The pepper plant already has a small pepper growing.  The tomato plants have blooms, but no tomatoes yet.  I have already staked and tied them.

 

I try to set out a little time each morning to water and care for them.  I really do not know if it is best to water in the morning or in the evening. The rain has helped me from watering every day.

 

If there is anyone who is out there that knows me than you know that basil is my favorite spice.  I have been using fresh basil from my garden for quite some time.  I pluck a couple leaves from the top.  This will also keep the basil from seeding.  I use fresh basil in my tomato salad and for my spaghetti sauce.  I do not dry the basil for storage as I try to keep fresh basil on my windowsill year-round.

 

It is almost like having a baby – the thrill of getting that first tomato or pepper from your garden.

 

My little garden reminds me of my father who had a really big garden, and he always made my sister Joan and I water the plants every evening after the sun goes down.  He and my grandmother had a glass hot house and raised plants for all the neighbors.  They sold them for twenty-five cents a dozen.

 

It is still not too late to start your garden.  Good luck and I hope you have a green thumb.  Shop at the Clarksburg Farmers Market for your plant needs.  It is located in the Farmers Supply parking lot every Saturday morning.

 

Take care, enjoy your summer and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

 

Editor’s Note:I also recently joined the Clarksburg Lion’s Club, which is pictured below. The top photo shows the pepper and basil plants discussed above. In the photo below, from left, are   Warren Wilson, president; Al Cox, installing officer; Rosalyn Queen; and Betty Waddy, sponsor.