Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Busy as a Bee

I know that's an overused cliche. But I really am. And bees ARE busy little workers. I should know. Ian's been studying bees and filling me in on all the facts!


Wouldn't you know that the week of VBS would also be the week that our garden is in its prime. Green beans. Cucumbers. Zucchini. Banana peppers. Broccoli. Blueberries. Basil. That means I'm up to my knees in veggies. Oh, but as busy as I am, I love having this abundance of fresh organic produce to preserve and use throughout the fall and winter.


So in the midst of directing Crocodile Dock, I've also been spending copious amounts of time with my vacuum sealer and my canner. This time of year is always exhausting for me because of all the preserving, but I just keep reminding myself of how glorious it is to pull a bag of organic homegrown veggies out of the freezer while the snow's flying outside. It makes it worth the work.


Oh, and I found this pic of Lily while browsing past garden pictures. This was Lily two summers ago. She would have only been about 17 months old. My how time flies!

9 comments:

Jodi Nelson said...

What a beautiful Garden! And Beautiful Pickles too!

Empty Nest Full Life said...

What a wonderful garden, and all of the great vegetables that are coming in. We are planning one for next year. I am looking forward to getting back to some gardening myself. It is work but well worth it to me. Jackie

Tolentreasures said...

Your garden is AMAZING! A garden is at the top of the What I Would Do If I Could Stay At Home list for me! I love to see a pretty garden and always loved to "put up" produce for winter!

Cathy

Shannan Martin said...

How do you do your banana peppers? I LOVE them and have tons of them coming on right now, but I'm new to canning... My mom has canned them in the past, but they seem to get a little soft?
ps - We did Crocodile Dock, too! My kids LOVED it. We listen to the cd almost daily.

Wendi said...

Love seeing the pictures of your garden. Are your pickles crisp once you can them? If so would you be willing share your canning recipe? I have only canned pickles once. I used the Ball seasoning packet and found that my pickles were very soft. Not crisp and crunchly like the store bought.

Have a great day!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Wow, what a garden! It's so big...and beautiful! I have never canned anything. We tried a garden, but the rabbits destroyed alot. We're learning and have alot to learn...but we're going to do better next year! Congratulations on such a wonderful and rewarding garden!

Have a great evening, Amber!
Tammy

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I am so going to grow banana peppers next year! I love them on sandwhiches and pizza! You're garden looks so fantastic - look at all that corn!

Manuela

Shannon said...

You have been busy!

Call your local nursery and see if the limelights would grow in your zone. They might be able to recommend a species of hydrangeas that would do good in your area.

Leslie said...

Your garden is BEAUTIFUL!