Headed for the kitchen

October 18, 2020October 17, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 3 Comments

Alright, not all of these garlic heads will wind up in dishes in the coming months. We’ll soon be replanting a new bed, using our own cloves. The new sprouts will be one of the first things to pop up from the ground at the end of winter. (Photo by Rachel Williams)

Wet wonder

October 11, 2020September 25, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

We haven’t had much rain this year, which makes it all the more amazing when our garden gets some natural relief. This is from one of those rare breaks in our drought.

The asparagus almost looks like a bank of fog.

A broad Brussels sprouts leaf cups clear rainwater.

Sweet peppers in profusion

October 4, 2020August 2, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 2 Comments

Garden produce comes in waves. Some of these will be roasted for fresh and home canned. Others may be pickled. (Photo by Rachel Williams)

On one of the frames

September 6, 2020July 3, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 3 Comments

Inside the hive, our honeybees build up honeycomb on frames for their queen to fill with eggs, and then seal it with nutrients and a protective covering. There are 20 of these deep frames in the hive. Our honey will come from another 10 short ones atop the hive. (Photo by Rachel Williams)

Call it our style

August 26, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 2 Comments

Not all of our garden is produce-oriented by any means. Our designer (aka my wife) likes to mix and match, claiming inspiration from classic English gardens. A neighbor once described it as organic. Here’s one of our beds in high summer.

Whimsical sticks

August 23, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

This fence made from unpolished tree branches is an ideal support for climbing vines, too. It dances in playful contrast to the neighbor’s standard white boards. (Photo by Rachel Williams)

‘May all beings be well and happy’

August 23, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

Well, that’s what the Tibetan prayer flags proclaim.

On second thought, I’d be a little more exclusive, striking off ticks, rats, garden slugs, mosquitoes, and evil humans from the list. Sharks and piranhas, too.

Could that be why I’m not a Buddhist?

Drooping sunset

August 19, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

We wish sunflowers would stay open forever. Alas, they do go down. Soon the birds and squirrels will swoop in for a feast.

Right up against the flat-leaf parsley

August 12, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Bachelor buttons are another of my wife’s favorite flowers.

Hummingbirds love these

July 24, 2020July 2, 2020 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment