barefoot in the garden

I dreaded dismantling the garden this fall.  When it failed to thrive this summer, I knew we needed to dismantle it and start over next spring.  As I tore away the tall sides and dug the dirt away, the kids flocked to me like I was Santa.  The little wheel-barrow made an appearance and the gardening tools came out too.  Shoes were flung into the lawn and little toes squirmed deep into the rich dirt.  They dug, and dug, and dug for the entire morning.  I contemplated leaving the mess because they had such fun playing.  Instead, they helped me move the dirt to another part of the yard that needed a soil boost.  They took turns trying to push and balance the wheel-barrow full of dirt.  

I would have never thought that this long-dreaded task would become such a wonderful morning with my children--well, with the exception of the little one eating the dirt...of course!

simple summer: the basil

Somehow, through the worse heat and lack of any substantial rain, our basil plant has thrived.  At the beginning of summer, we planted a pizza garden in a large pot.  It had red pepper, basil and cherry tomatoes. The only plant that grew was the basil.

While we had hoped for a bountiful crop like this:

via

we actually got something more like this:

When a plant thrives at my house, I often take note and plant the same thing, in the same pot, in the same place next year.  It must be the right place, in the right light and the right container.  I seem to have finally found this spot for the basil.  I have never had any luck with any type of herb...ever.

With this "basil luck," we have begun to use basil on everything.  I love basil and having it on my back patio is such a treat.  It is a little oasis amongst the dry, scorched land that surrounds us.

A few nights ago, I made our typical breakfast-for-dinner meal with scrambled eggs.  Instead of just the usual eggs on tortillas with a little salsa, I added some shredded basil.  It was incredibly tasty and another way to use some of the bounty growing outside.  If you are looking for a new way to spice up the old scrambled eggs, this just might suit your fancy.  

In Awe...

As I walk through the yard on this misty and somewhat dreary Earth Day, I am awe-struck at the beauty around me.

This Oxsalis was a favorite of mine as a child.  I was always captivated by the delicate pink flowers and the large clover leaves.

Then, I noticed the bright and almost neon color to the tips of the purple iris.  I am amazed at the color.

These iris are so special because they grew in my Grandmother's yard some 60 years ago.  When she passed, we dug up some of the bulbs and transplanted them in my own yard.  Each year, I am reminded of her when they bloom.  Funny enough, this year they began blooming on her very birthday.  

Happy Earth Day!  May you be awe-struck by something Earthy today!