Winter Rain & Harvest

I enjoy going to the gardens after a fall of rain.  Everything looks fresh and you usually have the gardens to yourself.

Cabbage from the communal plot - simply perfect!

 

Rain drops captured on Russian Red Kale - one of the tastiest of the kales

 Majestic Red Stemmed beet in one the plots.

Once a rare Northland Puha species is thriving at the gardens thanks to
the care of Sarah who transplants the seedlings and keeps them weeded.  The animals at
Auckland Zoo really appreciate her efforts.

This decorative kale really shone after the rain

 The wet weather is giving everyone's broadbeans and garlic a good start.

I can't help but admire what one plot holder has organised for their broad beans.  Securely staked these beans will be protected from damaging winds that will turn up during the equinox.  Our plot's broad beans are more freestyle and will have to take their chances. 

The rain has also allowed silver beet, perpetual beet and kale to flourish.  I can't believe what great value these plants are...they just continue to produce.  We are proud of the fat and delicious fennel bulbs we started from seed in summer and have just harvested.

If you go to the gardens on a Saturday you are sure to see Liz there.  Liz has been very generous with her time working to develop the community herb garden.

I took a photo of a wonderful looking cauliflower that she had just harvested and was off home to make a long awaited cauliflower cheese.  As gardeners we nurture a plant from seed or transplanted seedling to harvest so when we take our produce home to the kitchen we enjoy it so much more than the cauli or fennel we buy from a store or market. 

Ramesh's coriander - just splendid

I envy Ramesh's thick row of coriander and I need to get some growing hints because my row of coriander has come to nothing.  That's the great thing about belonging to the Sanctuary Community Garden there is always someone who knows a whole lot more than you do and is willing to share their knowledge.