You’ve Got To Be Kidding…

I was reading a garden site the other day—a month-by-month summary of suggested garden tasks—and it said (I could hardly believe it), it actually suggested, “there isn’t much to do in the garden during August but enjoy the harvest…” Well, tell that to the twinge in my back from turning the compost pile the other day.

I suppose I did take that to heart regarding this blog. Not much produced here during August, but, then again, you were warned at the outset…

Lions, and skunks and…well, no bears…

Before I proceed, I do have to report the irony of double mountain lion sightings—one on the mountain a couple of properties behind us, and one in the “gourmet ghetto” of Berkeley (hence, the irony). Sadly, the one in Berkeley didn’t survive the sighting as the Berkeley Police considered it too much a threat; however, we take it as a sign that perhaps the food Chez Pannise tosses out at night is just that good.

We always knew they were in the vicinity—well, not so much in downtown Berkeley—but there is a sort of naturalist thrill to have photographic evidence. (Actually, we’re not all equally thrilled, but I am.)

Splitting Grapes

So, the current unseasonable weather—coolest summer in 30 years coupled with drastic changes in the temperature—is having a noticeable effect on farms and gardens in the area.

The conventional wisdom is that most harvests have been delayed an average of three weeks or so, and vineyards are reporting “hens & chicks”—a mix of some larger grapes with many smaller than typical—and splitting fruit (due to the drastic temperature changes).

We’ve noticed all of this at RMH. Other than our cherry tomatoes, we’re seeing a long delay in fully ripened fruit, and our grapes are, indeed, splitting.

I’ve also noticed some iris and lily blooms mixed in with the other, more typical, summer flowers, and green leafy veggies are thriving again like they did in spring.

Then, we’re hit with a couple days of our more typical summer, and the balance shifts back.

But we’re still enjoying summer’s bounty. All told, I’m starting on fall plantings and seed starts now, hoping to take advantage of the weather for a bountiful fall.

All in a day’s work…

But back to the “lazy days of August” that just passed.

Though the tasks may be different with the season, I still find myself being drawn into the garden for it continues to enthrall me. I’m captivated by what I experience there, and I continue to marvel at how visitors connect with something that feels so familiar to me.

The other day we had a private fundraiser for an HIV-support organization, and the friends who visited toured the garden. And, though I apparently lost a fair number of the white and orange cherry tomatoes, it was a joy to watch them exiting the garden and hear their comments of wonder.

Falling Back In…

So, as usual, I urge a mindful moment. Have you taken time this summer to stop, engage in a meaningful way with a garden, or view, or river, or anything in nature that gives you pause?

As we start gearing up for fall and all that comes with that, summer is supposed to be a time to pause and enjoy what the world offers you as a result of your hard work.

Don’t think about what didn’t grow or about what might have been stunted by factors outside of your control, but look for what is there, not what is missing.

The experience of picking a succulent cherry tomato off the vine and experiencing it’s explosion of summer-ripe flavor is imminently satisfying. It would be a shame to miss it because you’re looking past it for something that isn’t ripe yet.

Happy Labor Day!

~Timothy