Sulmi and Kristel wrestling in the garden.
Cilantro (the naturally growing Belizean variety) in the back. Basil and peppermint (in a sunken pot so it won't spread too much) in the front.
Beans, then okra starting to sprout, habenero, then lettuce and cabbage.The potatoes that didn't grow well are in the back.
While my North American friends and family are buttoning down the hatches and bracing for winter, we are planting seeds. The Special Ed. Unit is responsible for maintaining a school garden. I love this aspect of my job. In fact, if someone asked me what I do these days for "fun" I would say "play in the garden". Some of the children also love it. Yes, there are some who vie for the title of "who can stand around and do the least amount of work", but others are really proud of what we have joined God in creating. It's fun to keep it looking nice. The children are obviously proud of it. Luis said, "Maybe we will get an award." I smiled because there is no award for school gardens, but it showed how he was proud of the fruits of his labor. A kind-hearted British woman who married a Belizean is helping us. She's given us manure (lots of it), many plants, seeds, and lots of encouragement. I thank God for her support and friendship.
What's growing?
We have a lots of stuff to watch:
Tomatoes and green peppers from seeds
radishes, carrots, squash, cucumbers, okra and beans sprouting from seeds
chaya, calaloo (both green leafies) transplanted from my house
cabbage, lettuce, and habenero pepper plants
mint, sweet basil, thyme(or oregano... it's different than the US variety) and cilantro
some potatoes (it rained too much and they got kind of soggy so we will have to plant them again)
Pretty cool, eh?
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your account of what's happening in your garden. I have been interested in your work because I know some of the separation that not hearing brings (although I now have a cochlear implant). I am coordinator of a food pantry garden in Harrisonburg, Va where we have just harvested our last leeks, turnips and China Rose radishes for the Patchwork Pantry. At my home garden I have arugula, spinach and mizuna coming on and some Chinese cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, and radicchio nearing maturity. Then, too there is some lettuce, turnips and leeks to be protected from the cold (28° later this week). We have brought in some "African Blue Basil" to try to keep going over winter. Have you seen this basil?
Prayers for you work there.
David
Hello David: Thanks for reading the blog. I am always surprised that people I haven't met, yet, take the time to read it. Thank you. May God be glorified.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you could make a very interesting salad with all of those greens that you grow. I don't know what some of them are.... but find it interesting to see and taste new varieties. I think we will harvest the lettuce on Friday. We'll try to sell it for a school fundraiser. I will miss watching it grow and the space it took in the garden.
Most people who garden like harvesting the best, but I think I like the planting and watching it all grow..seeing how it fits in the space and transplanting when it overgrows the parameters I have set for it. Harvesting is a bit sad. My friends think I'm nuts. Smile.
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteVery happy to see that you are healing from the dog attack.
Really loved the picture of the Poinsetta Tree. The Deaf at our Church had never seen one!
We continue to pray for you and the your Church there.
God's richest blessings and keep up the wonderful work of our Savior