Local Harvest Ojai

July is harvest time around here.  

 Everything sort of "happens" in the month of July...

it's an explosion of fruit and vegetables

This year we had a bumper crop of peaches which I was able to pick before the squirrels got to them. Peaches continue to ripen off the tree, so you can pick them early and still use them.  

I peel and freeze what we can't eat right away.

 The apples are starting to blush from the sun and are also ready for picking.  

Yesterday I saw a young red tailed hawk sitting on our fence eating an apple...

now that was a first

 So every morning this time of year,

 I walk the garden with a big basket looking for goodies 

that are ready to pick 

and make I plans for 

a local harvest dinner...right from my own garden

 I pick herbs every day and I have to say 

that it is a real treat to use fresh herbs 

continuously throughout the year

 Earlier this year I planted onions and shallot, which are finally ready.  

 The shallot crop had been amazing and the taste is really sweet and garlicky

Most every thing I plant mid summer 

is self sown into the beds

This is my not so scientific way 

of keeping track of what is what.

 I staple the seed pocket onto a garden stake

wild arugula is a favorite for salads or to top a pizza

and it goes from this 

to this in

 about 3 weeks

 try some radishes

they are easy 

and you can toss the greens into salad 

as you thin them out

 This year I have 6 squash plants and a giant pumpkin 

 The tomatoes are starting to ripen 

and I planted 6 different varieties 

some red 

some yellow

small and large

 The grapes will be ready to pick soon...can't wait for those

And the lavender garden is in full bloom 

 So for this mornings harvest...fresh herbs;

thyme, parsley, arugula, basil, sage, rosemary, nasturtium and lavender

 spring onions and shallot

 lettuce varieties

 lemons, oranges, apples, squash and tomatoes

 there's even a pomegranate 

hiding in there somewhere

 I hung the shallot on my kitchen door 

and can pluck one off whenever I need it

and now for some really fun news...

I had the chance to speak with one of my favorite designers last week 

for about 2 hours...!!!!

I love her work and I know you do too

So stay tuned for a great Q & A 

Can you guess who she is?

Have a great week!

xo

kelley