local harvest

Down around the corner from our house is a vacant lot where a handful of neighbors plant an abundance of vegetables each spring.  This year we laid claim to a tiny bed in the garden and have tried to make the most of it. 

I initially imagined it would be mostly an afternoon diversion for the little one.  A place to learn about the magic of plants, the connection between the earth and the table.  A place to experience soil and seeds and worms and watering cans.

I didn't really expect a lot of actual food to come out of the garden - but I've been pleasantly surprised.  Cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, carrots, kale and chard from our small plot.  Dill and apples from the fringes of the garden, shared by all.  Some eaten immediately, some preserved for the months ahead.

Between the garden, the berry picking, our CSA share and the nearby farms and farmers' markets we've enjoyed many local meals this summer.  And we're quickly filling a chest freezer as well as cases of canning jars.  I love that the local harvest will return to our table again and again over the coming year.