A little over a year ago we took our dull backyard and added to it some live greenery, perhaps you remember reading How Does Your Garden Grow?  Within the past year many plants have died and some have taken over.  What we are very excited about is the addition of our raised garden.  We ditched the pots that we had last year, dug out some grass, and put in its place a homemade (by the hubs) raised garden bed.

The raised bed stayed empty for a while but with a little reading inspiration and perfect weather (yes, that is a double rainbow; the first one that I have EVER seen) we planted some amazing things.

We had no real idea in mind when we decided what to plant, expect we were hoping to be able to eat it all.  Therefore we landed with red beets, carrots, and arugula (we buy at least one of these items at least once a week).

I was extremely proud of our little garden because everything grew from seeds; and I normally have terrible luck with little seeds.  I really had no confidence in my garden until a week the double rainbow showed its head; then like magic we had green popping-up everywhere.  It didn’t take but a few weeks for those little seedlings-that-could to grow into lusciousness.

The first thing that was ready to eat was the spicy arugula.  We had a few weeks worth of salads before the arugula grew too big and developed an extra bitterness to it…we had some good times arugula, so sorry you are in the trash now!

Then it became time to pick the beets…I was so proud!  If anything in the garden was going to get into my stomach, I wanted it to be the beets.  Amongst a sea of miniature beets I got some good medium-sized ones.  Success!

The carrots are not quite ready to pick, so those orange roots are still holding on strong.

Now for the inspiration…

I saw Grow, Cook, Eat by Willi Galloway many times in Anthropologie before I finally bought it on Amazon.  The bright beautiful cover was calling my name.  This book is fabulous for anybody interested in gardening, cooking, and eating (hmmm, wonder how that works).  I was blown away with the wealth of knowledge this book contained.  It has everything a gardener could ever want to know about growing things to be eaten, but it stands out because it is written in a friendly approachable way; and complete with delicious recipes for all garden ingredients.  Now to start planting my barren garden!

Hello…

Tomato,

Okra,

Hops (for homebrewing)…

Of course our little carrots are still growing…

With the addition of new plants we added a soaker hose, owl figurine (protector of the plants), and adorable-handmade plant markers.  To keep-up with tradition, Roxy enjoys the garden as well..

I hope you are inspired to grow and cook your own food, it is easier than one would think!