Garden Party #7

                                                       

Jamie's theme for this week's Garden Party was all about getting back to the basics.  That is truly the reason I have a backyard garden.  Some of my fondest summer memories are of spending a week at a time on my grandparents farm in eastern Kentucky.  It was a working farm.  My Papal grew tobacco and bell peppers to sell commercially.  My Granny had a HUGE vegetable and fruit garden that provided most of the fruits and vegetables for our family.  I still can't eat green beans out of a can from the store!  My favorite lunch was to go to the garden, pick a tomato and cucumber from the garden and eat them when they were still warm from the sunshine. 

Each summer I would go help her shell peas, string beans, make applesauce, blackberry jelly and a million other treats.  Last summer I started making my own jams and jellies, just like my Granny does, even calling her for advice and suggestions.   I hope one day, my own children and grandchildren will ask me for advice on how to make jelly, can beans or pickle cucumbers.  I will be more that thrilled to share all I have learned from my Granny.

Now, here is what my little backyard garden looks like this week.

Just look at those tiny cucumbers!  Can't wait to put one on my salad.

My herbs are doing great, especially the basil.  I have already made one batch of pesto and I believe I will make at least one or two more this week.

This is my first ripe non-Roma tomato.  I believe he will have a special place of honor on my dinner table tomorrow night.

Look at this beauty!  I have about 5 more just a bit smaller that this one.  Once they all are ready, they will make a wonderful batch of greenpepper jelly. 

For more great gardens, jump on over to the Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage.

Also linked to Weekend Warriors at It's a Blog Party