Pay Attention - Look Around
My recent trip to Italy heightened my awareness to just notice things as I walk about the farm and to make walking part of a weekly if not a daily routine. I miss so much by being in my head much of the time and thinking about what chores need to be done or what needs to be mended or repaired. It's like a never ending to-do list and robs me of my joy. Yes, things need to be done. But doing is way overrated when compared to just seeing. Here's what I saw this week.
My first purple okra from seeds I purchased from Bakers Creek Seed Company. I am relatively new to okra as a dietary item and have breaded and fried them and used them in soups. This new variety will be a new taste experience.
Grapes - Lots of them. The vines have been neglected the last two years and that seems to have helped production. But I have a problem with birds and powdery mildew that usually robs me of most of the harvest. I will let you know in a few more weeks how it goes.
A sunflower from seeds my brother Matt gave me!
Allium flowers from bulbs planted years ago and forgot about that finally came up once I stopped mowing over the grassy area where I planted them!
An Anise Swallowtail caterpillar visiting an asparagus stalk that has gone to seed. This butterfly gets it name from the fennel plant, also called wild anise, which is a common food source for the caterpillars and of which I have a very fine specimen plant given to me by Saunnie Dunne! (Anise Picture to follow soon!)
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