Tuesday 1 December 2009

Samples of a season past












Not forgotten life just happened. We moved over the summer which brought a larger yard full of potential. Here's a sampling of heirlooms from the container harvest. Black Zebra, Green Zebra, Garden Peach & Black Cherry, with Tobolsk and Anna Russian below.


Next year a raised bed will be in the works. I can't wait!

Saturday 2 May 2009

What's been going on.













'Peppermint stick' botanical tulips.












'Black Zebra', 'Black from Tula' & 'Anna Russian'.
Three of the eight heirloom tomatoe varieties for this year.












Two 'Reine Des Glaces' & one 'Freckles' lettuce.













'Green Zebra' in the Topsy Turvey


More of this year's collection include: Self watering containers of 'Black Cherry','Paul Robeson', and 'Tobolsk'. Also 'Garden Peach' with 'Black Cherry' & 'Green Zebra' in rail rider and wall hung planters. They were planted today, just in time for the evening rain and wind. Yesterday was warmer about 24 C or so. I am so looking forward to a colourful heirloom tomatoe , Basil and Mozzarella salad. I know it'll be a while yet, but one can still dream!

Tuesday 7 April 2009

Home grown


It's been sunny & warm (into the 20's c/70's f) the last couple of days so... the tomatoe seedlings are getting acquainted with the outside world. Time to give these big boys a larger home.

Tuesday 24 March 2009

Chocolate Flower Farm video


HGTV at Chocolate Flower Farm from Bill Schlicht on Vimeo.

Monday 23 March 2009

Recovery

Back home after almost a week in the hospital. 18 staples later and a cut from front to back. With 98% of my kidney still intact.

Meanwhile,my tomatoe seedlings are doing amazing! Their ever growing presence hastens for a speedy recovery.

Wednesday 4 March 2009

Spring... bring it on.










End of January remnants of snow. This winter has been the coldest in a while. I'm waiting for the first signs of the dark chocolate foliage to emerge from the 'Midnight Wine' Weigela.


Eight plus varieties of Tomatoe are germinating on an eastern window ledge. New seed arrivals are ever so tempting. March finally brings news of my awaited surgery, giving me enough recovery time before the busy gardening season.

Monday 26 January 2009

Snow warnings.



Christmas eve



















Snowing again on January 4th.

Now just as we're getting use to clear roads & green grass... there's talk of snow again.

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Spectacular sights along the Monterey peninsula

Carmel Valley















On the way to Big Sur.







































Monterey - Cannery row.

Friday 26 September 2008

Container Harvest

'Patio Charm' has finally ripened.
120 days to mature... took longer than that.












A large cherry tomatoe with a fairly tough skin. Slices well and has a nice acid balance.
Would I grow it again... Maybe. With so many Heirlooms to try it will have to wait.

'Romanesco Natalino' broccoli didn't head,I may try planting it again.

Taste of Carmel,CA Tomatofest 2008.














My husband and I needing a vacation away from the kids, decided to drive down to attend the Tomatofest. ( Being that it may be the last time for this event, I didn't want to miss the opportunity.) Every parent needs to recharge once in a while and there really is nothing like a long drive.















While sampling from the heirloom tomatoe tent; I found a lot of the bi-coloured varieties such as 'Texas Star' or 'Burraker's Favorite' were sweet but very flavourful.




























'Paul Robeson' A bit mushy... but a good smokey taste. Most of the blacks had a nice smokiness to them.












My favourite...'Green Zebra',with a tangy-lime tomatoe essence. 'Hawaiian Pineapple'... has a melon pineapple top note and finishes with a mild tomatoe flavour.







Amazing variety!





My husband not a tomatoe fan, actually liked the smokiness of 'Black Cherry'. He's requested that we grow them next year. Now talk about a convert!


Heirloom varieties have such a range of flavour; sweet,tangy even smokey who would want anything but.




Tuesday 2 September 2008

Then & Now






Crocosmia : 'Carmin Brillant' is orange, the yellow one is'Diademe'. Being that it's their first year in my back garden; their growth will be followed. (non-invasive, clumping Iridaceae.)






























































Tuesday 12 August 2008

Chelan WA & Osoyoos BC.







Beach front in Chelan, WA. (50.5 miles of glacier-fed lake.) The water colour was amazing! This is our third time here. (littleman's second)










Little man's first sand castle... made by himself.


Photo below: Osoyoos BC.
The Vegetation is similar,the water is warmer but not as blue. (warmest fresh water lake in Canada)















Prep work.







Our little Mermaid.