December 25, 2014
The picture above, taken December 22nd, after the last drenching storm passed is an example of the strange weather conditions affecting plantings this year. This bushy Ground Cherry, a strain from Hawaii called Poha, continues to bloom and try to ripen fruit- In Late December. The mild wet weather has allowed for some late treats; the last Cannellini beans and appropriately sized zucchini were harvested mid month- Even wind-whipped pepper plants are still ripening fruit. The shot below is from Halloween.
GARDEN 9...After the storm
The plant on the left, in the bright low sun of early November is a Yakon, a South American relative of Sunflower. Harvested a few days ago for its subterranean parts. Yakon has a unique habit, producing both readily sprouting colorful, knobby tubers for reproduction, and long, thick juicy water storing roots that taste something like Jerusalem Artichokes, also a Sunflower cousin, with a hint of Jicama like sweetness that increases in storage.
The Yield below is from two plants started from a fist sized tuber clump, space about two feet apart, in a protected 12” deep bed and under watered.
The frosty days before the new year, have finally taken the last of the warm season plants,
They had a good run. It is uphill to Spring from here.
The Winter Solstice garden is happy and lush: Purple Mustards, Red Italian Dandelion with Parsley, Leeks ready for weeding, Romanesco Broccoli regrowth, Lettuce with Cress and Chervil, Kale with blooming Hollyhock, and a Cabbage just getting comfortable.
