Well, that’s just about it. My garden has pretty much run its
course.
Well, that’s just about it. My garden has pretty much run its course.
Granted, there are still tomatoes coming, and I think the zucchini will be producing well into the winter, but for the most part, there’s not much left.
I can’t find the onions we planted; the strawberries have been covered by an out-of-control honeydew, which itself has called it quits; and the peppers are just giving a half-hearted, last-ditch effort at putting forth any chiles.
I feel sad and a little nostalgic for my garden’s heyday. After all, this is the first garden I’ve ever had that produced more fruit and vegetables than I could count on one hand. It was quite the success in my eyes, and one I’m not sure I’ll be able to recreate.
I think my friends and family, however, will not miss the garden as much as I will. I think they’ve received just about as many tomatoes and zucchini as they can use and are probably grateful that it’s all coming to an end.
It seems like just yesterday I was pulling out the nasturtiums that were growing crazily in the space I wanted to use for my garden. And now, I soon will be pulling out the dying vegetables that didn’t grow quite as well as the nasturtiums, but which made a valiant effort nonetheless.
Now, I know I’m carrying on as if the first snow were bearing down upon us, and my garden was soon to be buried under layers of ice. And I realize that we live in California, and have a whole other growing season that’s just beginning. So really, my sighs and lamentations would seem largely unfounded.
They would, except I won’t be replanting the garden this season. You see, I’m in my last month of pregnancy, and while pulling dead plants, amending soil and digging around in the garden may be just fine for some, the mere thought exhausts me. And I’ve been told that once the little bundle of joy arrives, I’ll be even more exhausted. Plus, with my giant belly, I have enough trouble keeping my balance while bending down to harvest tomatoes and zucchini. If I had to do anything involving the use of garden tools while shifting my weight, well … let’s just say the vision is comic at best.
So, no more garden means no more column. It’s been fun documenting my garden’s progress, and I hope readers enjoyed it, too. Thanks to all those who sent in suggestions – they were all quite helpful – and I wish the best of luck to those who are just starting their own gardens and to those experts who have been doing it for years.
Happy gardening!
