Every year, I like to try something new in the garden.  This year, its cabbage.  I LOVE cole slaw so what better way to get the very freshest cabbage but to grow it!  I planted four of these from seedlings and they are such a pretty addition to the garden.  The new visitor I don't like are those white moths that lay about a zillion eggs on cabbage.  Yuck!  Not doing pesticide, I just hosed off all the gross green and brown eggs which has worked pretty good so far.  I almost have to wash them off daily.  Being an organic gardener, it takes more time to ward off the bugs and disease.  However, I have no issues eating my tomatoes right off the plant without washing them either. 

Here's the best IMHO (and easiest) way to make great slaw:

1. Core the cabbage and cut in very thing slices. Put in a big bowl and add a lot of cracked black pepper and about 1/4 tsp of salt.  Mix all together.
2. Mix together (for a full head of cabbage ... which makes A LOT of slaw BTW): 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (We use Toby's which is all natural and soooo good), 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper about about a 1/4 cup black mustard seeds.
3. Pour the mixture on the cabbage and really mix it together.
4. Cover and put in the fridge for about 3-4 hours.


Yum!

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

Sunflowers are sooo South Dakota.  These are in my garden and I love them. They make me smile.  The bees and birds love them too which makes me happy.  I simply let them go to seed each year and then see where they pop up.  I am continually amazed that they are always perfectly placed.  Viva la sunflower!

Backyard friends

This is Jazz.  She lives next door and is welcome visitor to our backyard.

The garden bench

Come on over and sit a spell on my bench surrounded by mint and cosmos.  I love sitting here and pondering life.  It smells heavenly and watching the bees bumble around - those big fuzzy bees, little bees, regular sized bees, even watching a yellow jacket is fun... And when I find a lady bug or an elusive (and weird) baby ladybug, I am delighted.  They are all so fun to watch.  I wish we had praying mantis' here in the Black Hills.  We used to have a lot of these handsome bugs in Sacramento.  At one time, I had three in various parts of the garden that I'd go out everyday and watch.  Until one of them ate the other.  That wasn't very cute.  Alas...

Spearfish Community Garden

Welcome to the Spearfish Community Garden!  I am so excited to be participating this year.  When we lived in Fair Oaks, CA, I had a plot in the community garden and loved going there.  There was always other gardeners there, milling about.  It was so fun talking with them, sharing the bounty and just digging in the dirt.  There are about 10 plots taken now and, even though I go at least ever other day, I've only seen one other gardener.  It's a new thing so I look forward to it growing and becoming a vibrant part of our community.  You can find out more here.

I've always hung baskets of flowers from trees.  Not sure where this idea came from, maybe early Martha?  It really brightens up your yard.  I usually do petunias and these hot pink guys did great this year.  Usually in each basket is a 6-pack.  Consider the cost of reusing your baskets and just planting a sixer instead of purchasing new flower baskets every year.  Beautiful color at a fraction of the price!

Spearfish Farmer's Market on Saturdays in Summer

Recent goodies from the Spearfish Farmer's Market!  Oak leaf lettuce, broccilli, rhubarb / pineapple jam and some cool earrings.  The market runs from 9am - noon every Saturday morning at the City Park in Spearfish.  Great selection of fresh produce, bread and hand made item and it's getting better every week.  The market is associated with the Hill Horizons Community Garden.  The garden is at 590 East Elgin around the corner from the new dog park and next to the horseshoe pits.  The view is amazing!  There are plots still available and can be purchased here.  See you at the Farmer's Market!