Wednesday, September 9, 2015

After Endless Watering

Many in northern Idaho will remember 2015 as the summer that wasn't. A big part of summer in this region is getting out into the national forests that surround us. We fly-fish, canoe, pick berries, cut firewood, hike, picnic, camp and snap photos of mountain wildlife.

The fires of 2015 shut down access to public lands and restricted open fires.

At home, that meant we couldn't have bonfires or burn weeds. The dry spring, early heatwaves and ensuing wildland fires also hit gardening. Watering became a huge task just to keep alive a few apple trees, gardens, roses, porch flowers and lawn.

We are lucky to have a deep well of cold, clear water to drink and to sprinkle. For six hours a day, five days a week I moved water. Now I have the rain, morning dew and cool temperatures to ease the job.

The reward was hummingbirds in sprinklers and big fat beets from the earth. Here's a look at the late summer garden dressed in hues of orange and the ongoing harvest, joining Abracabadra for Wordless Wednesday.

First Harvest, Second Harvest Continues to Grow

Colorful Flowers, Dwarf Sunflowers, Squash & Pumpkins

With Marigolds, Patty Pans & Red Corn All in a Row

15 comments:

  1. The fruits of your labor, hopes, and perseverance. Beautiful!

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  2. So sorry to hear about the fires and restrictions associated with them. We haven't had much rain in RI this summer, either, but that's been OK for our summer activities, which tend to revolve around the beach. Your veggies look delicious and your garden beautiful. Hope you enjoy your good eats! :)

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    1. Early in the summer it got so hot and the rivers so low we stopped fishing (trout get stressed and we catch and release). Then they shut down the forests. Wise an needed, but when your summer revolves around those outing, you miss it! Veggies are deilsh! Hope you get some moisture your way, too!

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  3. Glad the burning temps are gone, Charli.
    Enjoy your fruits of labor :)

    Pleasure to have you on board...yeah!
    xoxo

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    1. I'm so glad for the reprieve from the heat! I'm savoring each fruit! And always fun to join you!

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  4. Beautiful garden, the beetroots look so delicious! It is a extra delicious when we grow the vegetables in our garden!

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    1. Thank you! And, those beetroots are so sweet. We eat the greens, too but I really have to wash them well or they are a bit gritty on the teeth!

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  5. Beautiful garden, the beetroots look so delicious! It is a extra delicious when we grow the vegetables in our garden!

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  6. I am fond of marigold. Your garden is beautiful!

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    1. Marigolds are such a delight. I spread seed in flat trays and they are forgiving at being pulled apart to transplant. They are as hearty as they are colorful. The giant ones started out as seeds, too and I'm surprised at how big they are.

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  7. Hummingbirds and beets. It's not all bad. Those fires are bad though, and your lack of longed-for summer activities is disappointing. Saw the dreadful fires in California on the news tonight. It doesn't seem to be getting any better. It's so tragic. Look after yourself. You are doing well to find pleasure in small things.

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    1. California is getting hit hard now. They have fewer trees (less risk of firestorms that we get here) but they have greater population so more homes at risk. They've had such a long drought that all their grass is crisp. And yes, I'm enjoying the small treasures. Those beets are so tasty and I have a second and third crop coming on!

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