The End?

I think we may have come to the end of this year's giving from the gardens. To date, the gardens have produced 2,132 lbs. of vegetables, herbs and flowers for the Fare Share food bank. We woke up to a very hard frost this morning. And, who knows how many frosts there were last week when we were away.

The frost was still crisp at 9:15 when my camera and I went out to survey the damage. The first thing we saw was this row of shaggy mane mushrooms in the lawn. You never know what will spring up when you are away!

These "perpetual spinach" (Swiss Chard) have been thriving along the south end of the garden all summer. I think they will be fine to pick later on this afternoon. They tolerate a lot of cold.

Some of the Mesclun Mix greens that I planted mid-summer were putting on a show this morning. Most of those greens tolerate some frost too. We'll see how the day unfolds.

I have a feeling the one below will be a gonner.

And, who knows about the marigolds? This is the first year I've grown marigolds in many decades. It looks to me like this one is going out in a blaze of glory. Isn't it beautiful?

The gardens have been a source of joy and a respite from the effects of keeping up with the news. I am ready for a rest, but I will miss their quiet beauty.

“When I despair,

I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won.

There have been tyrants and murderers,

and for a time,

they can seem invincible,

but in the end,

they always fall.

Think of it

always.”

Mahatma Gandhi