Garlic Time

We are delighted to announce that fresh garlic is now available at My Happy Acres!  Mild and delicious fresh garlic is one of the most popular herbs used in the world today.  This perennial hails from central Asia and has been enjoyed by many culturals including ancient Egypt.  It is said that the builders of the pyramids were paid in garlic and beer. 

That may not be my first choice for dinner however not enough can be said for the joys of Garlic chicken or Garlic bread with a lovely fresh tomato-cucumber salad.  If you would like a recipe for one of these, please feel free to send me an email or become a follower and send me a comment.

For those that prefer a firmer garlic head, this year's crop is presently curing and should be ready by August.

Oh!  and for those of you who just can't get enough, the Gilroy Garlic festival (also called the Stinking Rose Fest) is scheduled for the last weekend of July!  So mark those calendars!  http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/

How does your garden grow?

As you walk the garden in the early morning, take a look at what's growing there.  A few seeds pressed in the soil quickly take root when given a bit of water and room to grow.   Depending on the concentration of little plants springing to life, it is sometimes necessary to thin these so that the remaining plants will grow big and healthy.  Before you discard the sprouts, remember: There are all sorts of tasty greens out there for those who are willing to try new things.  As you thin the garden some of those tiny vegies can be delicious in salads or in stirfries.

Baby Beets waiting to be thinned

Giant White Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi and Swiss chard are in the cabbage family however are very mild tasting

Multi colored Swiss Chard

 Baby beets, swiss chard, radishes, and kohlrabi can all add a spark of color, taste, and texture to your vegetable plate!  Some vegetables such as kohlrabi can be too tough and fiber-y to eat once they mature however are quite good when small. 

Speaking of delicious, keep an eye open for squash and zuccini blossoms.  Periodically harvest the blossoms with its tiny vegetable growing on it.  These can be eaten raw, put into stirfries, or dipped in a bit of batter and deep fried (not the healthiest way to make these, but tasty all the same). 

All the tomatoes are doing wonderfully!  We use soaker hoses the periodically give garden a gentle drink in the evening without wasting water.  By using soaker hoses or drip lines one can direct the water to where you want it and reduce run off.  Clean fresh water is a finite resource, treat it respectfully.  


Tomatoes are growing strong



Cucumbers

 oh, and yes, the cucumbers are already producing flowers.  Sidebar: don't be fooled by the small size.  Although they are producing blossoms now what I have learned in previous years is over the course of a few short weeks, these will be growing prolifically.  Don't give up!  Have a little faith!

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Once again I find myself amazed at the number of Species found in our area.  Dragonflies and their cousin the Damselfly thrive where clean water is available to complete their lifecycle and food sources are plentiful.

Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly

According to the League of  Naturalists, at Bear Mountain State park, there are over 400 species of dragonfly and damselfly found in the US, of which about 180 are found in New York!  When many dragonflies hunt, they create a basket with their legs.  As they fly and dart about, they are capturing flying insects which get caught on the barbs of the dragonfly's legs, ensnaring them, for an inflight lunch.  Gnats, mosquitos, moths, and other pests are favorites however will consume a bumblebee or two if the opportunity arises.

When looking out over the western pastures in the early evening, one can see the silvery flash as the last bits of sunlight sparkle off their wings.  The buzzing rattle created during their flight makes it easy to imagine an enchanted world of fairies.

For more information go to:
http://piplon.org/pdf files/DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES OF SOUTHERN NEW YORK.pdf
http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/74692.html