Ever since we planted our first garden last year, we have become known as the "people with the garden." No matter where we go, when we introduce ourselves and tell where we live, we get the response, "Oh, you're the people with the garden."
That's because we live on a highly-traveled road that passes right by our house and garden.
See the road at the top of the picture? This is the view that folks have when they pass by.
We planted a flower garden in front of the vegetable garden to encourage the birds, bees, and the butterflies. In other words, the pollinators.
It must have worked! Here's a bee busy pollinating those cucumber blossoms! Yesterday I must have gathered 100 cucumbers. Guess what I'm making this afternoon. PICKLES!
And we have all kinds of birds that have made a home here as well.
We planted hollyhocks in front of the garden fence. That's because I remember that my grandmother had hollyhocks planted beside her garden fence.
She had nasturtiums growing in her garden and so do I.
We planted roses along the fence. They make our work in the garden pleasurable.
See what I mean?
I'm fascinated by the beautiful color of this Joseph's Coat.
And the Climbing Peace is always a charmer.
Our garden is huge. It measures 100 feet x 125 feet. We put the fence around it last year because deer live in the woods behind it.
This is the other side of the garden.
But the beauty of these rivals the beauty of the flowers.
As well as the corn. We planted Silver Queen. Is there really any other kind?
Pole beans are climbing the fence.
These are beets that I can't wait to roast.
Here you see cantaloupe, eggplant, okra, and squash plants.
We even have a few strawberries in baskets.
Do you like zucchini? I have several good recipes that I'll post soon.
And every Southern garden has okra.
The raised beds have been a huge success this year. Click here if you want to see the post that Leo wrote about how to construct them.
We have 56 tomato plants. We had our first 'mater sandwich yesterday.
This is our asparagus bed. Hopefully, we'll get a few spears next spring. But we're heard that we'll have an abundance of it the third year. It's an exercise in patience, for sure.
The potatoes are ready. Leo dug some up less than an hour ago. Guess what we're having for dinner!
There really isn't anything better than food you've grown yourself. This lettuce is so tender and tasty, but it won't last long in this heat that we're having right now.
Look at this beautiful color! The more colorful your food is, the better it is for you.
So we really are the people with the garden.
We're the lucky ones that live at the Cottage at the Crossroads.
Karen
I found you through One Sutton Place. Beautiful garden! I was wondering, what is the white powdery stuff on the ground around your plants?
Eve
That is so beautiful! I love that your garden isn't completely utilitarian but is there for beauty also. It's nice that you have incorporated flowers into your garden. I have considered doing it close, but not that close. Maybe I'll do that too. Thanks for allowing me into your world. Following you back.
Eve
Bumblebliss.blogspot.com
Chatelaine
What a nice thing to be known as, the People with the Garden! You certainly have done a great job with your plantings. I absolutely love hollyhocks. What a great variety of fruits and vegetables you will have this Summer!
Mary
What a garden you have~ you could hold your own farmer's market! I can't imagine the hours it must take! I know it is satisfying to enjoy the fruits of your labor. We only grow herbs & tomatoes~ I love your flowers planted to attract your pollinators...it is fun to the bees buzzing around and enjoy the birds nearby!
[email protected] Porch Musings
A gorgeous garden it is. I miss having a big garden.
abeachcottage
oh wow, what a great and huge garden! So nice to see all your harvest and all your flowers 🙂
Kim
Your garden is fabulous. I have a small vegetable garden in my NC backyard. I've planted zucchini the last two years and have yet to get any zucchinis to pick. I have a lot of flowers in the garden, but I guess the pollinators weren't doing their job. I've been told that I can use a Q-Tip to do the pollinating myself. May have to try that this year. I'll stay tuned for your recipes, just in case.
I just discovered your blog and enjoyed my visit very much.
Denise Lamb
What a beautiful garden you have.
My husband and I are in awe of all the vegetables that
you have already picked.
Our little garden is just beginning as we live on Long Island NY.
Can't wait to follow your progress with all your vegetables.
Denise
Vonda
Now, that is what I call a garden!!! I'm coming to eat with you.
Elaine
That is some garden. I am jealous. Wow already picking cucumbers. Ours our tiny still. Maybe I should plant them earlier next year since we don't have frosts.
Kath
Wow, I am so impressed and inspired by your garden! Everything looks so healthy! We just started 3 raised beds with only 4 tomato plants...nothing compared to your 50+ tomato plants. Do you do a roadside stand to sell your surplus produce? Thanks for sharing!
Rosie @ Dogs and Grandkids
OK, send directions from Lancaster. I'm hungry. Thanks for visiting and becoming a follower. You now have another follower. 🙂
Susan in SC
Your garden is beautiful! Every time I see the fence I think of my favorite children's book, "Munch! Muncha! Muncha!" You have to read this book! You would love it!!!
Jan Messali
Fantastic garden!! I just have one raised bed, but I do enjoy it. I love how you put roses in the garden, to enjoy while you're working. 🙂
classiccasualhome.com
Talk about a green thumb! YOU ARE SO IMPRESSIVE.
Joani
WOW. What a garden. This must take full-time time. Beautifully organized. I just love fresh vegetables. There is nothing like that taste. Have a great weekend.
http://mysouthwestramblings.blogspot.com/
Nancy Miracle
My how your garden has grown in a few weeks! You and Leo are going to have some good eating this summer.
Maggie
I LOVE your garden! I am just green with envy! Especially since you are already harvesting out of it. Not only is it functional, but beautiful. You should save those rose hips! You could atleast brew some iced tea out of it. So good for you too! Thanks for stopping by! I really enjoyed your comment about the yogurt. If you try it, you seriously will be ruined for life! You won't believe the difference between it and store bought. Good as a veggie dip too! Throw a little parsley or chives in it. Yummy on baked potatoes. I was drooling over your green tomatoes! I can't wait to make fried green tomatoes! I bought some in the grocery store and it was not the same as the ones that you grow. My southern grandma used to make them for me as a treat. I still love them!
Gail Gambrell
Good grief!! You have a beautiful garden.....I'm really impressed. Ours is about the most pitiful one we have ever had due to lack of love, time, and the hail storm! My heart is just not in it this year.
PAUL NELSON
Yall's garden really looks fantastic.... congrats on da harvest
Holley
Wow - you have some great looking vegetable plants there. You deserve that complimentary label!
Martha
Wow your garden IS huge! But it's also beautiful! Theres nothing like fresh homegrown goodness on your plate!
Vickie
What a beautiful garden! I love the way you have it laid out. The flowers outside the fence are lovely too.I had a beautiful herb bed that I dug up and gave the space to the hub when he decided he was a farmer.LOL! Anyway I have got to do something to it-it looks like a Beverly Hillbillies garden right in the middle of the yard-thank goodness it is in the back behind a fence! LOL!
Kelsie
I can see why ppl call you that...What a great garden...and all those lovely veggies...I canned my first lot of pickles this week, both cucumber and yellow squash...And tonight we had home grown (by a neighbor) stuffed baked zucchini...it was soooooo good.
Enjoy your harvest.
Blessings Kelsie
Barbara F.
What a great post, and a great garden! You certainly have a green thumb! Enjoy all the fruits of your labor, xo