Local Harvest Ojai

12 comments:



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
12 comments:
  1. Kelley that is a feast for the eyes!! What are you going to make. Everything looks so yummy, and beautiful.

    Kathy

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  2. I don't know when I had as much fun as I have had for the last hour reading back posts of yours. Came over from Savvy Southern Style.
    You certainly know how to garden. I know how much work goes into flowers not to mention fruit and vegetables.
    Back to read more. Thanks.

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    1. Hey Bonnie! Thanks for stopping by and HI to Kim too

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  3. I am so envious of your harvest! It's beautiful!!! I get a big fail as my zucchini and squash are fried. I tried everything to help them....But my tomatoes are thriving, so not all is lost. Absolutely magnificent.
    Sharon

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon, hooray for your tomatoes! Zucchini is probably over-rated any way ; o )))

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  4. Is it Nancy Fishelson? Your garden and your harvest are amazing Kelley!

    Michelle

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  5. What a green thumb you have. The squirrels are a problem in my garden too - decimate my peach and apple crops, but I would be tickled to see a hawk eating an apple instead of my chickens.

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  7. Whoa...love the explosion of home grown local produce here. Wow!! Envy is my middle name.

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  8. Wow! you are quite the gardener and your harvest is very gorgeous Kelley!! inspiring

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