A night at the movies

I finished From the Ground Up The story of a first Garden by Amy Stewart. I borrowed it from the library, but I like it enough to want to have my own copy. Ms. Stewart's road to becoming a Gardener was not only endearing but filled with helpful and usable tips that I plan to use myself.

Reading was held to a minimum last night as I joined a few women folk to see the new Jennifer Lopez movie, The Back Up Plan. It's the kind of movie many critics will likely  pan, but I and most of the people in the audience enjoyed it for what it was - a light, and for the most part - humorous romantic comedy. There were many scenes that had us laughing, and ahhing (that was mainly when the cute french bull dog got a close up). Alex O'Loughlin (her love interest in the movie) had abs to admire, and that made up for having to see the unbelievable abs Jennifer is sporting after having twins in real life!

My Edible Garden

My new Vegetable Garden is planted! Ouch! I can't believe how sore I am from just squatting, bending and kneeling for a couple of days. If all goes well, I should be tasting the fruits of my labor this summer - corn, lettuce, onion, bell pepper, pole beans, eggplant, and  strawberries.This in addition to the other vegggies we already planted back in March and are now starting to eat - cucumbers, zucchini and carrots.

When returning some books to the library yesterday I picked up The Edible Flower Garden by Rosalind Creasy. I love the pictures, the easy planting instructions and preparation tips for eating each flower.

I already planted Johnny-Jump-Ups ( tri-color Violas) and placed a large pot in the Garden so that I can  plant some Nasturtiums ( both flowers are edible, the jump-ups taste a little like lettuce).
 I'm contemplating another area in my back yard to use solely for edible flowers. Who knew you could eat a Tulip or a Day lily? Well, I didn't.

I am enjoying From The Garden Up The Story of a First Garden by Amy Stewart, and after reading the chapter on compost ( don't let the chapter title scare you, it is an entertaining book), I'm considering running out and buying a few more bags. I'm not sure I'm up to the challenge of  a composter, but who knows, there may be one in my future.

Growing Inspiration

I've search for a book to to read that will compliment my garden activities this week, and I think I found it. From the Ground Up: The Story of a First Garden by Amy Stewart. Though I have a small area of my garden devoted to several types of vegetables, I've prepared a much larger plot and this Sunday I plan to start planting. I know I'll need a break ( probable a few) and that's when I'll start the book.    


I stopped by the Growing Experience in Long Beach yesterday for a little inspiration.  In celebration of Earth Day, I and everyone else who dropped by were offered delicious appetizers made from the garden produce. There were activities for the kids, and information about the garden and gardening in general. I did speak with Adriana who's blog, Anarchy in the Garden I will continue to follow. I received some bean and marigold seeds from her table, and will incorporate them into my garden along with the suggested corn.

I took a shot of some of their growing greens - and look forward to seeing my own in the near future.