Zucchini squash blossom.
Originally uploaded by ulteriorepicure.
My latest spell of silence on this blog and eGullet (for those who read) has been due to a time-sensitive undertaking. What spare time I’ve had, between work, and other *necessities of life* have been devoted to my latest pet project – a vegetable garden. Having already missed out on most of the early planting season, I’ve made a mad dash to get as much of the still-plantable seeds sown before it gets too far along into the hot and dry summer.The small plot that you see was originally tilled up by my father and me many years ago in a removed corner of our lot when I was just a wee lad. Back then, we planted nearly twenty different vegetables in that garden. But, with the intervening years of, well, growing up… and growing older, the garden was soon neglected. Since then, the land has lain fallow and was overtaken by grass.
My edible garden
Originally uploaded by ulteriorepicure.
Knowing for a while now that I would be returning to Kansas City, it has been a dream of mine for a while now to bring the garden back to life – to lay down some roots, so to speak. I decided to use the existing plot outline from the original vegetable garden and re-tilled the land. Although you can’t really tell from the pictures, the land is slightly sloped – down toward the east side.
My father and I had never bothered to level the field before. But, having seen the wonderful garden on my recent visit to The French Laundry, I became inspired to build something with a little permanence and order – something that I could be proud of. So, in order to put in proper leveled beds, I’ve had to level the field as I go.
I used landscape timbers to border the beds – stacked two high and overlapping like a Lincoln log construction. To secure them together and to the ground, I drilled holes through them and hammered 1/2 inch x 18 inch steel rebars down through the timbers and into the ground (about 8 inches into the ground).
Thus far, I have completed two raised beds, and I hope to put in five more before the end of the summer – three more rows aligned with the existing two (a total of five across) and then two more, end-to-end and perpendicular to the five rows running along the east side.
Throughout the next couple of months, I invite you to join me in watching my garden grow! You can periodically monitor its progress on my flickr account on the sets labeled “my edible garden.” While it doesn’t look impressive now, I hope that next year, I will have all of the beds in place and overflowing with organic produce!!
5 replies on “watch my edible garden grow…”
What is this, turning into a gentleman farmer? There is still time to get things like tomatoes into the ground for a fall crop. Cukes and zukes, probably anytime. Definitely some herbs. Keep the invasive ones like mint in pots. Congratulations, some real labor with true rewards.
Thanks joiei for the kind words.
Yes, cukes, zukes and toms are all in and well on their way to producing. Herbs and such are in a different patch. I’ve got two lavendars, thyme, dill, 2 types of basil, garlic chives, and rosemary.
As for mints: both are in pots. That stuff gets nasty outta control!!
u.e.
Still hoping for the French Laundry review… I have a reservation in August, and can’t wait to go. I’d also like to recommend that you check out Alinea if you’re ever in Chicago… fantastic.
Stephanie.
Sorry, I’ve gotten way behind on my reviews. Please be patient.
Yes, I have been to Alinea, twice – and both times was very unimpressed. The service was the worst part of both of my experiences the there. The food was interesting, but failed to really please me. If you go on my flickr account, you can see pictures of all the courses I had there.
For a more interesting meal, I would highly recommend The Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago. Elliot Bowles is one of my favorite chefs… you can find pictures from all three of my meals there on my flickr (www.flickr.com) account as well.
Cheers!
u.e.
I will check out the pictures! I’m sorry your service was inadequate at Alinea – that was actually the best part of my experience there. It truly enhanced the food. I’m just an amateur foodie, so I’m going to save up for the French Laundry in a few weeks, but I will try the Avenues next summer!