Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Pile O' 'Maters

Mostly Early Girls, a couple of Heatwaves and a handful of Sun Cherry.

I felt I needed to get these low growing tomatoes out of the garden plot as it appears I have been receiving nocturnal visits from who-knows-what variety of rodent. That's right folks, before I even got a single taste, a marauding mouse/rat/raccoon (pick your best guess) has been feasting on my bounty.

I am heartsick naturally. We're not talking little nibbles here. We're talking at least a third of almost a dozen different fruits. Oh yeah and the strawberries have been decimated as well. I had originally suspected birds were doing this damage but it is just too extensive to be the swarm of sparrows (or swallows?) that scurries nearly each time I approach. Not that they are entirely innocent. A few of the higher growing of the crop have been slightly pecked.

My fingers are crossed that whatever is responsible for this debacle is petite and not a good climber.

The community garden area, previously undeveloped, lies adjacent to a large open field which could be home to any number of culprits. Also, my plot lies about halfway into the property with the remaining half past mine vacant and overgrown. Need I say more? After this season I'll likely be relocating.

Zucchini Bread Anyone?

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Friendly Visitor


Last night I had a visitor in the garden. Click on the photo to get a closer look.












He was lounging among the zinnias and marigolds that are blooming nicely.

Sunflower -- "Autumn Beauty"

Sunflower -- "Giant Greystripe"