My Delicious Blog

Summer is Here!

by

Purple Lantana

The approach of summer in Florida has telltale signs including afternoon rains, high humidity levels and pesky little Lovebugs that fly into our hair, stick to the grills of our cars, and generate exclamations of ‘Yuck, it’s Lovebug season already?!?’  Those little pests are also harbingers for fishermen who know that when they show up, the Gulf waters are warming and welcoming Tarpon.  Yes, Tarpon season is upon us, and my hubby, among many other fishing fanatics this time of year, is chomping at the bit to get out there in search of his favorite fish.  While he laments his inability to go fishing due to his many art projects in the studio, I’m lamenting the fact that these high temps and humidity levels also mean the end of my Fall/Spring garden. . .

Yes, it’s sad to say goodbye, but we had a great run, and it was the first year I used my home-grown compost, which provided an awesome environment for all my little seeds and tiny plants.  Everglades tomatoes were prolific, arugula came out our ears, and my first-year broccoli continued to produce little florets even though the stalks had given all they could possibly give.  We also enjoyed (as did some neighbors) many dinners with delicious string beans, ruby red beets, tender kale, Nasturtium flowers in salads, crispy lettuce, and even one tiny cucumber (I’m now convinced, after two seasons, that I’m not meant to grow cucumbers. . .).  Now I’m preparing for summer growing season, including sweet potatoes, peppers, and maybe eggplant (basically anything that tolerates intense heat), but here are some shots of my happy garden when it was in full swing:
Spring Lettuce Mix
Farm Fresh Arugula
Ruby Beets
Everglades Tomatoes
Garden Flowers
Happy gardening, and stay tuned for an upcoming Field Trip Friday highlighting my trip to New Orleans 🙂

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. What a fantastic garden. You are an inspiration to an “would be” gardener like me. I hope our garden is this fruitful next year!

  2. Your garden is beautiful. With all your good compost , every year will get even better.

  3. I love your recipes and stories about your life growing good food and sharing with friends and family. I especially liked your picture of the family sharing good times and food. Loved seeing Mary Lou in the picture as I am a friend of hers here in the Chicago area.

    • Thank you, Jan! We always have so much fun with Mary Lou and the gang are around. . .and family meals are one of my most favorite moments 🙂

  4. Hi Nicole –

    Always enjoy reading your weekly blog. You’re not only a fantastic cook but a great writer. Your columns are always so lively as well as informative. There’s an energy and a gift for words that makes each week’s report a joy to read. Many thanks for including me on your list of readers.

    Dave

  5. Beautiful gardens!
    Look forward to some New Orleans tips because we intend to go there sometime within the next year !