I’m feeling very blessed over here as I process the fruits and veggies we’ve purchased as well as the bounty from our garden. God is providing for our earthly needs in a very lavish way this year! I’m working around the clock on peaches and blueberries, dehydrating chamomile and mint teas, eating out of the garden every day and sending my kids out for hours of snacking fun in their own backyard.
Here is a glimpse of the garden. These photos have been taken over the last month or so.
The lettuce patch in mid-June.
The lemon tree in mid-June, full of big, healthy, growing lemons!
When my pak choy bolted instead of developing a head, I used the flowers to decorate the dinner table.
Making strawberry mint water.
The finished strawberry mint infused water was completely refreshing.
Making flower confetti in the dehydrator. Will use this to top salads, appetizers or even ice cream.
The lettuce patch on July 8th. Big, beautiful heads of romaine and butter lettuce. Now I have to eat them before they bolt.
My experiment with these buckets is a complete success. Amish paste tomatoes, purple runner beans and fava beans are thriving.
Everything is growing so well in this warm weather with near daily bursts of well-timed rain.
A view of the patio garden area.
Nasturtiums spill into the yard while fennel and tomatoes are getting very tall.
My first attempt at growing broccoli seems to be going well.
A healthy crop of chamomile.
An Italian heirloom tomato.
The purple clematis vine I planted after my daughter was born almost four years ago has really taken over the space–in a good way! The view from the window in the nursery is so pretty.
Mint in the left foreground, eggplant in right foreground and raspberries in the background.
Food preservation projects abound!
Cherries gleaned from the neighbor’s tree. Aren’t they beautiful?
Angela's Gracious Garden 
Ang ~ wow your garden is thriving for sure!
Especially would like a sip of that strawberry mint water.
You never are at a loss for supper ideas with all that’s
growing just outside your door. Praise the Lord for all
the rain and warm sunshine this yr ~ such a difference
from the hot and dry summer of 2012.
Looking good, seester! : ) So proud of all you’re doing. I’m amazed at how much you are able to accomplish in that yard and excited to try some of the creations. God bless.
Thanks Sam. Did you take any herbs when you were here?
Thanks Aunt Judy! You should try making some strawberry mint water. Just muddle some ripe strawberries and mint leaves, add water, and let sit in the fridge for a day. Then strain it, add ice and voila! We made another batch today with strawberries from our garden.
The amazement goes on and on!
Your ideas from winter and your work in the spring has made your garden sing a summer song!
Well done, Dear Daughter.
Sending Love and Best Wishes to you.
Your garden is lovely! You have such a green thumb 🙂 Could you explain more about how you make your strawberry mint water? I have strawberries and I have mint, and this looks really refreshing. I’d love to try it.
Oops, and now I see you have told your Aunt Judy how to make it 😉 I will copy down the instructions and give it a try. Thanks so much!
I think you’ll enjoy it. I’m thinking about making more soon with some of my frozen strawberries. It is truly refreshing.