In the Garden

 I went out to water the garden this morning and was greeted by these beauties.  This is our first year with a large strawberry patch, and I'm hoping for a good bounty. 

 I planted this whole bed last year, and trimmed back the blooms since I had read that should make for a more plentiful harvest the following year.  I've been out feeding and watering them and I see so many buds in there. 

 Our little blueberry bushes are also starting to bloom as well.  This one is a cultivated variety, but our land is covered with wild low and high bush as well.  Unfortunately, the chickens usually get to them first, but I'm thinking of getting some gardening fabric to cover them with after they are done blooming.  Maybe, just maybe, we can collect a few handfuls.  Blueberry jam anyone?

Somethings, of course, must be planted.  I decided to go easy this year, having a new babe and all, and only started a few things.  The rest will be purchased as seedlings.  My very favorite, kale and lettuce, I can never seem to have enough of either.  Usually, I'd just throw it right out in the garden in a little patch and thin as they grow, but since I didn't do the sheet mulching in the fall, the beds are covered in cardboard and straw and manure, so in the pots they go.

 And our little apple tree we planted last year.  The deer did quite a number on it, so we have it fenced off.  Unfortunately,there doesn't seem to be any blooms on it.  Lots of love and care and maybe some good doses of natural fertilizer and perhaps next year...

And some happy little dandelions.  I know, usually the gardeners foe, but they are just so happy.  And, how could I possibly dislike something that brings the kids so much joy?  Plus, every part is edible, so really they are just an under appreciated wild edible.

I just so love our little garden.  There is nothing so therapeutic to me than to get my hands in the earth.  To watch as the things I've planted grow and produce food for my family.  That deep sense of satisfaction I feel in clearing a bed of weeds.  The way the loam we got to fill the beds several years ago was dry and chalky and now is dark and smells rich and sweet.  The fresh air and sunshine.  Oh, what could be better?  And I have dreams, dreams of a bigger garden and root cellars and more apple trees and bees, perhaps some sheep and maybe a cow someday.  But that will have to wait, this house and yard are just a bit too small.  And it's hard to put so much love in your land knowing that you don't plan to keep it.  I can only hope the next person to call this place home will find as much love here.