Out in the ether there’s a sense of urgency among some. Supply chain issues have made headline news (finally). Prices for just about anything are skyrocketing. Shortages have become more apparent…
It’s easy therefore to feel a sense of panic, like we need to grow all our own food NOW. When you’re in a small space, there can even be a sense of anxiety about not being able to grow even more. But there are no shortcuts. At least, not when the goal is to make this a lifelong venture.
This marigold variety may become a go-to for temporary annual groundcover. It’s not the variety I meant to plant but it has its uses. 
Marigold + Oregano flower + mint 
Blackberry flower. The color on the petals is breathtaking.
Figuring out what to grow for what reason is absolutely a process that can’t be skipped.
If we hadn’t planted and cared for any perennials, we wouldn’t get to enjoy raspberries, wild strawberries, mint, and oregano right now. How many glasses of minted lemonade have I made between spring and this moment? (Hint: ALOT.) So refreshing! The berries are sweet but I’m still impatient for the blackberries to ripen! Meanwhile new canes have rooted so next year will be even more abundant.
Patiently waiting for the blackberries. *Stares while patiently waiting.* 
Watching the raspberries gave something a little closer to instant gratification. 
The raspberries are particularly abundant this year. 
Gems.
All of that is thrilling enough but to top it off, the peppers and tomatoes are just starting to come in and say hi. I was caught by surprise (even though, yes, the point of planting a tomato or pepper seed is for tomatoes and peppers I realize this)…but it’s just magical anyway! The plants look healthy and happy even in spite of the intense heatwaves we’ve had at random. They smell incredible and, like last year,
the shades of green are almost gradient-like. Very vibrant and dynamic, no dullness. The nutrient study continues.
Heirloom sweet pepper coming in. 
Heirloom roma tomato just showed up. 
Hidden pollinator on blackberry flower. 