How Doth the Garden Grow!

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

August!  The days and nights are already shortening noticeably with the sun coming up an hour later, and setting an hour earlier than it was in June!  The seasons pass so quickly and the days we anticipate through the long winter come and go in such a hurry!


July is blueberry picking month!


The berries were huge this year, it didn't take my friend T and I much over an hour to pick 37 pounds of blueberries! I froze most of mine, and will have a good supply to get us through the winter. 

We also went cherry picking too!  This iconic truck sits at one of the local cherry farms we visited.


Freshly made cherry pie!



The rest of the cherries were canned, and will make wonderful pies and desserts throughout the winter.



This picture was taken about 3 weeks ago, and my, even since then, my garden has really grown!


My plants are loving the warm sunshine and are doing very well, even in the midst of the high 90s temps that we are having.


A peek at my little garden within-my-garden space... it is always a treat to sit out there after my garden duties for the morning are done, and just quietly relax and enjoy the beauty and peace there.


Just looking at this picture makes me realize that my garden has really, really grown in the last couple of weeks.  The marigolds are now in full bloom, and tomatoes are ripening... harvest is upon us!


Riley begged to be let into my garden, so my daughter and I relented one afternoon while we were in the Garden-within-the-Garden staying cool.  She behaved herself, and quietly lay by our feet.


Loving my pansies this year, they are enjoying the shade, and are quite happy and content.


Where could you find a cuter face than this?


My begonias are blooming profusely in the shade of the garden.


About to take a quick nap... or maybe she was watching those pesky wasps flying around...


I created a new little fabric strip banner for this little space, and as it sways in the breeze with its bright colors, I am thankful for the joy that I find in this little garden, and even in the heat of the summer, it is a cool inviting spot to rest and enjoy the summer dog days we are in.



The harvest is starting, and August will be a busy month of gathering the harvest and putting it up for winter.  The zucchini and squash are in their peak right now, as are the cucumbers, the potatoes, broccoli, and green beans.  The strawberries and raspberries are done for this year, and it was a bountiful year for them.  Corn will be ready in a couple of weeks, as will the tomatoes.  Busy, wonderful days are ahead!

Weather is a funny thing... it seems we always need something of which we don't have.  During our past winter, we had records of more snow, and more rain than before in recorded history, and then, this past July, our county hit a record of having less rainfall than the Sahara desert that month, having only 1/8" of an inch of rain the entire month of July.  Everything stayed green much longer than it normally would have though, because of all the rain/snow we had this winter, but now, the trees are in distress.  Fires are a concern, and our family has a plan of what to take, should we have to evacuate, but Lord willing, we won't have to.  There is a large fire north of us in the Colville, WA area as well as the fires in British Columbia, and we have been under heavy smoke and haze for the last week or so.  There is no sign of rain for at least another couple of weeks, so we are praying that the Lord will sustain us through this as well.

Such is weather everywhere though!  So, we give our Lord praise no matter what comes our way, because in the end, all is well in Him!  

Meanwhile the time of harvest is here, and it is a joy every day to pick out of the garden the food for our table.   Homegrown veggies are wonderful, and the harvest season is a lot of work, but exciting to see the pantry and freezer fill up with food for the coming winter.  These are busy days, but good days :)














53 comments

  1. We are harvesting vegetables for daily meals now too. Such bounty from a tiny veggie patch.

    It will soon be canning time here too. Pickles are always my first task. Love this time of year!

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    1. Isn't veggie bounty the best! We are enjoying it so much... and canning season is upon us. I plan to make pickles this weekend! Always appreciate your visits Marie :)

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  2. I love your garden in a garden space! Your banner is cute hanging in there!

    I hope you get rain soon and that you won't have any fires in your area!

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    1. Thanks Deanna! We did get some rain this past Sunday, and are so very thankful for the fresh clean air we can breathe again! I love my hanging banner in the garden, its swaying in the breeze is most delightful. Thank you for stopping by :)

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  3. Your garden grows well ... lovely fruit and vegetables, and begonias and pansies.
    Such adorable photo's of Riley too.

    All the best Jan

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    1. We are indeed enjoying the bounty of the garden, so very thankful for all the fresh veggies we are enjoying.. always appreciate your visit Jan, hoping your summer is a blessed one :)

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  4. Oh Marilyn, I so agree with you. Sometimes it is very dry during the summer here in the mountains, and we are under constant watch for fires...but now it is flooding, since we have received quite a bit of rain not like last year though :/

    But our Lord knows and He controls it all!

    Praying that the fires are put out swiftly and with no lives lost!

    sending you lots of hugs...

    mari

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    1. Oh, I do hope the floods have eased up for you! If it is not one thing, it does seem to be another! We are thankful that some rain came finally last Sunday, but still the fire watch is vigilant, we are not out of the "woods" yet... but indeed our Lord knows, and He does control it all! We have heard that the fires causing the smoke will not be put out until the snow comes...! But, the winds have shifted and we no longer have smoky skies, and for that we are very thankful!

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    2. Mari, I just tried to visit you at your new site, but because I am not signed up with Google Plus, I can't comment :( Perhaps you can change the comment section to accommodate people who aren't signed up with Google Plus? I always enjoy what you write! I wish I knew how to spin, it looks like a wonderful and relaxing pastime! Your shawl is going to be gorgeous! With love and hugs dear friend!

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  5. Wow, Marilyn!!!! Your garden looks great. Those blueberries are huge and nothing like ones that you picked yourself. Did you know that this County here provides most of the cherries to factories, etc. throughout the USA? Door County is the cherry capital!

    Cute pictures of the pupster and I LOVE your cute sitting area with your rag banner. xo Diana

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    1. I was just reading about Door County cherries in a previous issue of Country Gardens. I love cherries so much, and how wonderful that you live in an area with so many of them to enjoy! We have planted a couple of cherry trees but it will be years before they produce. I love my little sitting area too, it has been a blessing to enjoy this summer :) Appreciate your visit, with hugs :)

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  6. Oh, that all looks so wonderful!! What a joy to have such a garden! You are truly blessed! And Riley is certainly growing up into a beautiful young lady! So sweet! This was wonderful. Thank you for sharing it with us. Those blueberries looks scrumptious...but I'd really love a piece of that cherry pie! We don't get fresh pie cherries in Florida. Have to buy the ones in the cans, and they are expensive. So I haven't had a real cherry pie in a long time. That just really makes me want one! I may have splurge!! Thank you for making me drool! Wonderful pictures.

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    1. Oh Pam, there is really no comparison to store bought cherries, and the ones you pick yourselves, we are really blessed to have so many berries here to pick and eat and put up. I wish I could send you a piece of the pie! Little Riley is just a precious girl, we love her so much... and she did grow up so very fast! Appreciate your visit, hope you are having a blessed summer :)

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  7. A wonderful bounty. 37 pounds of blueberries! Wow. We are all hoping for some rain these days.

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    1. It was a lot of blueberries! They were huge and easy to pick... and yes, rain, we do need rain.. even after such a rainy spring, we need rain again. Glad that our skies have cleared of the smoke, hope yours have too! Hugs :)

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  8. Oh, I LOVE your new banner!! It all looks so pretty together in your garden area. And, that little Riley...she is not so little anymore, is she? Wow, she is growing so fast, and is looking more grown than a puppy now. SO sweet. All of your garden bounty looks so wonderful and is making me hungry! Oh, the cherries look SO delicious!! So thankful you are well and enjoying your summer, sweet friend. God bless you and your family. Sending love and hugs to you!

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    1. I do love the new little banner in my garden, it adds a bit of whimsy that I just love :) And little Riley has grown so fast, it is hard to believe. We are enjoying so much from the garden now, so wonderful to have all our fresh veggies right out of the garden. Appreciate your friendship, and praying sweet blessings of the Lord for your family with much love :)

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  9. OH how I love picking berries! Blueberries are my favourite and I'm so glad that you have a place to go and pick. Mmmm and cherries and raspberries! Picking with friends is always fun.

    Your garden looks wonderful and it's such a happy thing to shop your own back yard. :)

    Your special little garden within your garden is a lovely place to spend time. It is no wonder Riley wanted to join you! The banner is very cheery!

    I hope you have a wonderful day!

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    1. We have a wonderful berry season here, and apples are next on my list to visit our local farms to pick, can't wait to have fresh applesauce and pies! We are blessed with an abundance of berries here to enjoy throughout the summer! I have really been enjoying my little garden space, and even now, as the cool north winds are beginning to blow, I am trying to take time each day to savor the beauty of it! I hope you have had a blessed summer, my friend, and I look forward to a visit at your blog spot soon :)

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  10. Your garden doth grow beautifully, Marilyn. So much gorgeous produce there. Love those happy and bright fabric strips swaying in the breeze. Fires are always a concern in the forest/bush. Hopefully all will be well in your little corner of the world. Just a little aside.......love that pick-up truck.

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    1. Isn't that pickup a beauty! It is owned by the lady of the house, I thought that was interesting! She had it fixed up and painted. I would love to own one of them too :) I hope the winter months go quickly for you, I have so enjoyed the gorgeous pictures of your summer flowers all winter, and our summer here goes so quickly, already my maple tree is turning its leaves red! So we are just enjoying the warm days while they last! With love and hugs :)

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  11. Marilyn , oh I'm loving the pictures . That old truck is the bomb ! ❤️ I wish I had some blueberry trees . I almost bought some last year and didn't . Your garden is beautiful . I finished
    Up my last garden tomatoes this past Sunday . I will miss my fresh veggies . Hope you have a great day friend . Hugs and blessings , Cindy

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  12. We have a place here called Blueberry Hill, where you can pick blueberries, unfort. this past Friday was the last day of the season.

    As usual, Marilyn, I enjoyed your post. Thank you for the many smiles you bring, Have a beautiful day friend.

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  13. Busy days, indeed, but what a tremendous harvest you are having! It is certain that you will eat well during the winter months ahead, that's for sure.
    Praying you will see that much needed rain soon, and the fires will abate.
    Blessings, Marilyn!

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  14. Those blueberries! Those cherries! That pie! Your garden! Need I say more??? Can I come live with you? :D

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  15. Hi,
    We are also harvesting. We picked blueberries too. It was our first year to visit the blueberry farm that we did. It was interesting, bear and deer are not as much of a problem as robins for the blueberry farmer.
    Praying for rain for the fires. Keep us posted.
    Love, Carla

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  16. You must have a happy freezer, happy pantry, and one happy dog!
    Your garden and rest area are very inviting.

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  17. We are struggling with the smoky skies down here too my friend. Add that dust in the air from harvest and it is making things really bad. There is a haze in the air that is making even seeing the house right next door to mine blurry today. :(

    I have to ask, are those blueberries from your plants and it not, where did you go picking? I have 3 blueberry plants that are producing this year but they are not very big. I think with all the dry and hot weather the only reason they survived is because I water them daily and because of the weed cover. Yes, the weeds have been protecting them from the harsh sun. Sometimes my inability to keep up with things can actually be a blessing. ;)

    I love your new fabric banner. It is so pretty and festive. That Riley has sure grown and seems more than content to enjoy the cool area of your garden with you.

    Be blessed!

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  18. Everything from your garden looks so good, it's made be hungry! And that pie, oh my, I bet it was good. I enjoyed the pics of your pretty flowers and of sweet Riley! She's all grown up now.

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  19. Your garden did great this year! Lots to put up for the winter.
    I love blueberries ~ they look awesome. Such beautiful photos!
    Blessings,
    Anne♥

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  20. Marilyn, that is seriously a lot of blueberries! Wow! And I would love a piece (a large piece) of that cherry pie! Love pictures of the pups always! xo

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  21. The first thing that caught my attention was all those blueberries! I love freezing them! I used to get huge ones too, from a neighbor up in SW Washington when I lived there and could have blueberry muffins and pancakes all winter long! Your whole garden looks so abundent.. I'm so envious.. but will have to be happy with my tomatoes, cukes and raspberries. I used to can and freeze all the time in my younger years, but not so much into it now... I'm retired and have the time, but not the "want to"!! Love that banner you put over your garden and oh.. I too want a piece of that cherry pie! My mom used to can cherries from a big bing cherry tree across the street in some woods.. and my sons just loved them growing up. I have never canned cherries! They are so so good. This is a very busy time.. hot time... smoky time... and I'm ready for Fall.. hate to admit it! Hugs.. Marilyn (in Oregon)

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  22. Wow, 37 pounds of berries?! That's a lot of berries! Your pansies are beautiful and Riley is so sweet! What a face!

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  23. Very NICE Marilyn "Thanks for sharing!?" I like your 'garden within a garden' too :) Brings to mind how we are God's garden in the spiritual, the Lord being the husbandry of the inside garden, and us helping in the garden - just as He had for Adam and Even in the physical one. His Word washing us inside and us learning to (use and apply His Word of Truth in our lives) water those plants He has for us to water, and to hoe and weed. The Fruit of Spirit comes to mind. Those qualities are 'of God' but the Holy Spirit teaches us to tend to them, watching them mature and manifest visually in the physical. I've heard it said that the Bible points to something occurring 1st in the physical then manifesting in the spiritual, but I disagree. You know too, that the seed to plant is physical but the 'intent' and 'desire' is invisible. That's the LORD's garden within a garden within us! We each are His special garden! :)
    Eat some goodies for me! Pet Riley and the other doggies for me, & the chicken and the moose and the turkeys and the ... God's Blessing Marilyn on you and yours!

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  24. How nice to have such a bountiful garden. I would love to grow some veggies but don't have the room. Going to the public market is fun without the work, so I can get veggies there. I haven't notice the days getting shorter here yet, but I do notice how a lot of my flowers are done blooming, waiting for their winter rest. You are so right, all is well when the Lord is in control and I just love to say All is Well With My Soul.

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  25. Cherry pie is my favorite. I loved looking at it! Bet is was delicious. Oh, those blue pansies and your growing garden and Riley....wonderful photos!

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  26. What a bounty of berries you have, Marilyn. I was dreaming about blueberry pie this morning and your post convinced me that I must back one. However, I doubt it will be as delicious as one made with your fresh blueberries. Lucky gal...and that garden banner? I love it! You know what a banner junkie I am!! Enjoy your garden and your berries!

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  27. Wow! That's a lot of blueberries and other things! You look like you have your hands full! Riley is so cute! It looks like you are really enjoying your summer!

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  28. What a fabulous harvest ! Oh my! the blueberries and the pie look delish. Riley is adorable. Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos.

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  29. Hi Marilyn! Aw, the pie! The blueberries! I am going to make a strip banner for my flowerbed. Thank you for the great idea!

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  30. Wow...look at those blueberries!! How awesome is that! And your bounty coming in...yes please! Hmm...canned cherries?! Do you put them in a syrup? We were just talking about cherries tonight and whether we should buy a box from the farms out here.
    Your flowers and garden look wonderful too. And Riley...cute as ever! :)

    I hope you have a delightful week my friend!

    Hugs, Amy

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  32. This post is delightful. I am so happy that I found it. I love seeing what other people who are passionate about gardening and living off their land are doing. Your little farm looks amazing and so down home comfortable, just the way a farm should be :)
    Happy Summer!
    Connie :)

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  33. Girl you've been busy!
    You'll be glad come snowfall.
    Just happened to think of you and realized I hadn't visited for awhile.
    Have a good summer!

    Please drop by and say hello!
    ஐღLaura ღஐ
    Harvest Lane Cottage
    ...doing what I can with what I've got where I am
    on a short shoestring budget!
    ~~~~~

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  34. I'm a little late to the garden party (probably because I've been doing my own canning/freezing/harvesting, ha, ha), but, wow! It all looks great! I just love your relaxing space...I need one of those! And with a banner to boot! Isn't it great when the weather breaks and we can just enjoy the warmth...even if it is only a short time? I just love summer! Wishing you a blessed day!

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  35. Marilyn: Thank you for visiting my blog. I decided to come visit you at yours. I am glad I did. The pictures are wonderful and I love the color of those blueberries. I am intrigued by your'garden within a garden.' The zucchini looks scrumptious.

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  36. A wonderful array of delicious delights growing at your place! Your dog is so cute! Thsnks for visiting my blog,

    Betty

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  37. I love your blog!! The blueberries and the cherries, and that pie! It looks delicious! You have such a pretty garden. I really thought that I left you a comment a couple of days ago, but I guess not. Thank you visiting my blog.

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  38. Bounty blessings from up Above!Thank you for sharing them even just in photo. :)

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  39. your garden is GORGEOUS dear Marilyn!!!

    THROUGH THESE LOVELY PICS I CAN IMAGINE HOW MUCH EFFORT IS PUT INTO THIS TO GROW SUCH AMAZING HARVESTS!

    I too enjoy sitting near my small garden area it gives my spirit freshness of thoughts and uplifts my soul with serenity and beauty within it .

    your harvesting is just MARVELOUS!!!
    back in my native home my mom used to grow so many vegetables except potatoes .and she could not succeed in growing green chilies too.

    her harvest was so useful because home grown veggies were huge temptations and far better than market's one.

    your pet is ccccutest and adorable ,she looks wise and well leaned .

    I always fascinate by air bells hanging outside the door but how wonderful to spread colors around you with such fiber strip.
    I loved looking these elegant blooms!
    they are so beautiful!

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  40. Dear Marilyn, I always love your posts and this is no exception! Blueberries-you lucky gal and also cherries-two of my favorite fruits. I usually try to buy up lots of Blueberries when they are on sale and freeze most of them. I used to can(but gave that up about 10 yrs ago), but I'd love to can some cherries. Your garden is huge, so bountiful and such a blessing. Have I told you one of my dearest friends here has a Red Merle Aussie and his name is Riley-so is Riley a border or Aussie? He looks like an Aussie to me. Thanks again for sharing life with us!
    Hugs,
    Noreen

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  41. Oh, my...what a beautiful bounty from your garden...and those blueberries..so delicious looking...and now, of COURSE, I am starving for a cherry pie....wonderful and pretty post.
    I so enjoyed our little pergola patio last summer when Mr. Sweet and I would sit out there every morning and in the evenings...since I've lost him, I have no interest in it at all. It makes me sad to ever go out there...hoping my enjoyment will return next spring, when the shattered heart isn't quite so raw...such a hard time and I ask for prayers for strength for me. I should be able to help my children who have lost their daddy...but every time I try, I burst out crying and I am sure I just make them feel worse. I just don't know how to handle it all yet...

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  42. Hi Marilyn!

    Thank you for stopping by my humble blog and leaving such a sweet comment...so nice to meet you. An, Idaho girl! It seems like Northern Idaho is so far away, but it's one of the most beautiful places in the world, how lucky you are to live there!

    Your place is gorgeous, and that garden, oh my word, it's beautiful! Those Blueberries are beautiful, did you grow them, or go pick them somewhere else, they just look delightful! Your pink banner is so summery and cute - just love the photos, makes me want summer all year long . . .but I love Autumn!

    Riley is adorable! I love all things furry, and he is so cute!

    Thanks again for the fun visit!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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