a family garden

"To be happy for an hour, get drunk; to be happy for a year, fall in love; to be happy for life, take up gardening." ~Chinese proverb

We are very fortunate to have the space for a garden, so this year we decided to take full advantage of it and plant as much as we could so the whole family could come over and take whatever they like from it. The kids and grandkids can stop by, pick what's ready and what they like and take it home to enjoy. We've made soups, salads, roasted vegetables and more. It has been quite lovely and I think everyone has really loved having it.

Our grandson Finn had a great time with his Grandad (Brian) out there not too long ago cutting, picking and pulling vegetables. Uprooting the radishes seemed to be his very favorite.

I love bringing home fresh produce from the farmers' market, but there is something even more wonderful about bringing it in from your own yard (or your family's yard). There is something comforting in knowing where your food came from. And then you get to look at all you have and think, "Now, what the heck am I going to make with all of this?" And that's when I call my daughter, Christine, and she gives me some fabulous inspiration...

We've even come to love the idea of bringing the garden indoors. A head of lettuce actually makes a stunning centerpiece. And if you forget to pick the broccoli before it flowers, just pull it and stick it inside your home to enjoy a little piece of the garden in your living room.

What's blooming in your garden?