Yes, it’s time for crocuses and witch hazels to bloom. The few sunny days this week do not spell the end of winter; we are only halfway through, but the flowers are right on track for the season. They are a reliable promise of the coming spring.
Sunchokes
In the outside garden area, hiding underground, are sunchokes. We have harvested about one-fourth of them. That translates into plenty more yet to be harvested. We can even be choosy and only send in the largest ones if you desire.
Edible Violas
The edible violas are returning after enduring snow, ice, and freezing. We were able to harvest some this past week and expect increasing numbers in the weeks following.
Overwintered Broccoli
A few new shoots are appearing on the earliest variety of overwintered broccoli. This variety suffered the most from the freeze because it was closer to maturity. Younger plants fare better.
Miner's Lettuce
The miner’s lettuce is still quite small. We should be able to harvest in a month or so.
honey Bees
This past week, we observed the bees out and about. Every colony was still alive, bringing load after load of pollen into their hives. These old bees do the work since the queen stopped laying eggs during the coldest and darkest days. She is now increasing production, and the babies need food. The pollen will come as a welcome source of protein to feed all those hungry mouths.
The First Seeds Of The Year Are Planted!
This week, we took the first steps in our long race to keep up with the plants; we planted our first seeds for the coming season. One of the things we planted was celeriac, which we will harvest next November!
Chef's Garden Patio
We also took advantage of the sunny afternoons by preparing the paver patio for the installation of the event tent later this month. Before we know it, we’ll be back in the Garden cooking under the sun.
-Anna
