Monday, December 2, 2013

'twas a Frosty Morning

Frosty mornings are just a prelude to the mighty winter that lays ahead. Grass is often white, crunching under foot, easy to slip on I remind myself. On Saturday I drove to Mahone Bay, a beautiful historic town here in Nova Scotia, and as I parked the car at the old school, the scene above took my breath away. One man had a black belt and the others white...bare feet on slim flip flop soles, looking all the world like ghostly warriors on the icy grass, weapons held high or wielding. Bright morning sun beamed down... and for just a minute, I was transported; held in awe.

The garden has had its ups and downs of frost, snow sprinkles and icy patches. The soil heaves up a bit, then settles down, crunchy on top..soft below. We await the big white blanket.
I am happy for the greens we are still harvesting from the cold frame covered raised bed...oh so happy!
Baby chard, bulls blood beet leaves, one lonely but delicious hot radish, tomatoes from summerhouse, parsley, bronze fennel, greens from baby garlic, baby spinach, tom thumb lettuce, baby leaves of celery, mustard greens, tatsoi, pak choi and a few tiny brussels sprouts which didn't grow very big this year (the stink loves them as treats).
Included in that gratefulness, the fact that in spring we planted three tomato plants in the summerhouse incase we were wiped out by blight as we were in 2012. The Captain suggested, in honor of Christmas, we put tiny ribbons at the top of each one. Nope..they are too precious to be decorations.
These are Inca, shaped like a pepper and almost hollow inside but bursting with flavor!
The dependable pumpkin and squash are turning into hot flavorful soup, so all and all, it's a joyous few weeks heading into Christmas still using what we grew in the garden. Merry merry to you and yours.

22 comments:

  1. AWESOME POST!! I love the snowy look. Do you use a grow light in the summer house for the tomatoes at this time of year?

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    1. Blush..thank you Erin! No grow light for tomatoes..just plopped in front of the window. Really, shamefully, ignored them all summer..and now coming into their own.

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  2. Too funny - I just sent you a note, and then saw this. Your soup and salad sound delicious - what riches from your garden.
    The photo is a winner. I'm sure the men would be surprised to see how much they look like ancient warriors charging out of the mist.

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    1. Your warriors reminded me of this photo. Thank you for the kind comment Pondside. I sent the photo on to the group of men as they had given me permission to take the photo.

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  3. You still have tomatoes - Wow. Do you have heat in the summerhouse? Only mild frosts here so far.

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    1. We do have heat in the summerhouse, but only turned on about two weeks ago. It is very low, 12 degrees C.

      Thanks for you kind comment Sue. Hopefully we will both have mild winters.

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  4. I just love that you thought to plant the tomatoes in the summerhouse! Beautiful photos!!

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    1. Thanks so much Staci! Those red tomatoes are giving us a lot of pleasure. Needless to mention, Chief stares at them when we go in there willing them to fall in his mouth ;-) He does adore tomatoes.

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  5. How lovely to still be producing a wonderful crop despite the frost. Your coldframe is so good. For a second I thought your had cricketers in your first picture, it looks quite a sight.
    Sarah x

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    1. Cricketers!! I had not thought of that..but don't think they would like bare feet on a zero morning grass!! I had gloves on..they had no socks on!

      thank you Sarah for your comment.

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  6. Those greens look wonderful! We still haven't built a cold frame so the mesclun lettuce was killed outright, although the bib lettuce is still OK. I'm jealous that you are still picking tomatoes! :)

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    1. Thanks sweetbay. An old shower door or window would work just as well over your greens for protection. The tomatoes are inside but surprisingly very delicious. I thought they wouldn't be...

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  7. Bare feet and flip flops! Those were brave warriors indeed! Your green salad and the tomatoes- I am the one in awe. One day I hope I can have such a lovely winter harvest. All the best to you and the captain for the holidays!

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    1. Jennifer I am inspired by your raised bed conversion posted on your blog, very clever. So your winter harvests await, I am sure. All the best to you folks as well. Quiet holidays this year.

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  8. Ahhhh - I can smell that fresh, clean air!! I'm so looking forward to our adventures in Maine. And also visiting Canada :) I would love your suggestions on historic villages and towns.
    Happy December!!
    Loi
    PS - What kind of doggie do you have? I see a black and white cutie outside the potager.

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  9. Loi...how wonderful to read of your new adventure. Suggestions on historic villages and towns..well..as they say around here.."Chester is a Yankee town". Smile...and the towns all along the south shore are special (in fact all towns here in our province are full of cultural history)...not to forget Halifax with it's maritime past and then there is Cape Breton..the jewel in our crown. You have heard of our Cabot Trail no doubt.

    To answer your question...Our little dog is an American Cocker Spaniel, tri color. Opra's dog of choice. I grew up with this breed. Very special dogs. Shed almost not at all..very loyal..will not wonder and love family.

    Thanks for your kind comment. Happy December indeed...can't wait for the longer days to begin!

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  10. So impressed that you're still harvesting food from the garden, Bren. Well done!
    The potager is just lovely and that fence is charming!
    Enjoy the extended harvest!

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  11. Hi, I just found your blog! I can imagine that seeing these martial art worriers barefoot on the icy morning must have been quite a mesmerizing experience. Tough guys! How wonderful that you still have all those greens. They look so yummy and delicious. I always admire people, who grow their own food and you do it especially well. Wishing you a nice Christmas time!
    Christina

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  12. oh Brenda, you do make me jealous with your greens and tomatoes. I have successfully expanded my growing season by trying different plants in the spring and fall months but I've yet to take that step of a cold frame. Every time I see your blog I think I MUST get on that! Hopefully you are tucked up warm in your house today as these winter storms blow through, this winter season appears like it will be a long hard one.

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  13. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas too!
    Sarah x

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  14. Beautiful photos. Happy New Year and greetings from Montreal.

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