A Blessed Garden

November brings with it the old familiar tasks in the garden like harvesting garlic and flattening the onion leaves to assist the bulb formation.

Freshly Harvested Egyptian Pink garlic

Red,brown and white onions getting ready for harvesting

The extensive root treatment that Keith and Shawn gave the oak trees seems to be bearing fruit. A couple of turtle doves have decided to move into one of the trees that are once again covered in leaves. If I was a bird I would also want to make my nest in our garden.

Lunch on the lawn under the oaks

The green lawn spread-out under the oaks is so inviting that one wants to eat every meal outdoors in this little paradise surrounded by the chatter of birds. But the frantic pace of activity on the property only allows for a relaxed meal now and then.

Bee haven

Tomato cages

The bed of flowers at the bottom of the vegetable garden is a welcome haven for bees. With the structures for the tomatoes progressing nicely, the garden is an exciting place with all the reed structures and supports for the different vegetables.

Variety of carrots and beetroot

I love the colours and textures 

The Atomic red carrots were ready for harvesting. I enjoy their flavour and decided to sow them again in the future. The red and orange beetroot made an amazing display in the basket and will be a welcome accompaniment to summer meals.

The Hydrangea flower

The hydrangeas we planted earlier this year are flowering and once more the garden had a surprise installed with the multi petal blooms.

Pomegranate fruit and flower

With the fruit and vegetables starting to ripen and the herbs starting to get bigger, the garden is once more becoming a haven of activity. I will have to start thinking up meals to complement the produce in the garden.

Standing on the kitchen stoep with the sun on my skin and the fragrance of a happy garden spread out about me, I count my blessings and embrace the results of all our hard labour.