Dec. 6th, A soggy day in the garden

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need….Cicero

Today has been an  unusual day here in the garden, we don’t get much rain at all in southern California, and it has now rained for two days, yesterday was just a sprinkling , but today was a deluge.Our earth is so dry that the water pooled on all the garden paths, and created what i wish was the start of a small pond!It has since subsided, and my garden has had its fill of water.all the plants are standing tall, and my giant tree is shiny and clean, the accumulated dust of summer, washed from his branches.

I spent much of the day drawing a new garden plan, supposing where I can add planters and arches and perhaps some hidden little spots with benches and birdbaths.I even drafted a plan to create a small labyrinth on the ground using beach stones, creating a peaceful spot to walk the turns and meditate and reflect.Its good to dream!

 I read about heirloom styles of climbing beans that would be great to grow and then have for soups and stews , or just as a pot of beans and ham hocks.There are some really interesting choices, The blue morro, the bumblee bee, a calypso, Christmas lima bean, a cranberry bean and one called a goats eye bean. Im going overboard, I know, really I can probably do 2 , maybe 3 varieties this year . I didnt even take into account that i will need just a regular old green bean for fresh eating..

I’ve decided that this year , we will try to start most of our own plants, instead of buying them from the nursery. I’m pretty lazy and I like the ease of getting them already started, but I don’t have the excuse that I’m too tired from working anymore.. so right after the new year starts, I’m going to get my plants started, mostly tomatoes and some herbs, the rest grow fast enough when planted directly in the ground. we will see how that goes. I’m also thinking of redoing the inside of my purple garden shed,(i do this plan every year, still not done) getting more organized, and creating a little get away for me, sort of a little garden haven with a little seating area and umbrellas in the back.  

I want to end with my garden Blessing:                                                                                    May the soil nourish my seeds,                                                                                            the sun to warm the sprouts                                                                                                  the rain to quench the roots                                                                                                  and the bees to dance with my flowers……                                                                        Be kind to each other..Thanks for reading.