My winter is my summer.
In Maine, where we live part of every year, my "garden" is perched on a bluff a few feet from the sea. I garden everyday, but only on my porch and in a series of windowboxes. The rest of my "garden" is Mother Nature's creation–blueberries, bayberries, lady slipper orchids, and a parade of wonderful wildflowers.
Here in California, I am outdoors in my nightgown every warm morning as the sun peeks over the Santa Lucia mountains.
I thought this was the last handful of tomatoes, but found another dozen hiding among the nasturtium leaves
Although it is January, I can still harvest edible flowers, tomatoes, citrus, the last of the figs and pineapple guavas (the mockingbirds are fighting me on that home front), strawberries, lettuces, Kafir lime leaves, and my beloved herbs.
Big terra cotta pots hold nearly a dozen varieties of citrus
My old drying rack holds an ever changing array of edibles
After the blooms dry, I transfer them into clear glass containers. These lovely flowers are used to top cakes, puddings, and salads. Rose petals are mixed with lavender and black tea for my special floral-tea blend.
I'm sharing some of our sunshine with YOU, wherever you are!
P.S. On February the 6th PLEASE join my pal Susan Branch and many of her friends (including me) at "Branches," the farm stand on Lopez Drive in Arroyo Grande. Antiques, great food (fantastic cupcakes by our own Miss Amy O'Kane), a flea market, crafts, books and products by Sue Branch (she will have times set aside for personal signing). Sue is a GREAT hostess, and according to blogger Pamkittymorning, "the farmstand gathering will be a blast!" I'll be signing all my books too, including my new one, Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars.
