Full circle: Sustainable Ballard's 5th annual Edible Garden Tour

We were sitting in the backyard when a woman walked around the corner of the house. "Would you like to be part of Sustainable Ballard's Edible Garden Tour? Your garden is really inspiring."

And so it is we're once again on the Edible Garden Tour - five years after the first, which was our first as a community garden. A few things have changed. The gardeners, for one, although several of them remain our friends. My neighbor, Shiv, is the exception, although he's brought family members along to help.

And all that work we did in 2009? Well, I have news for you. We have some invasive grass that's beyond tenacious. The layers of impermeable paper and plastic, along with the foot or so of bark, were no match for the invasives. And we have no shortage of various types of nightshade, holly, ivy, and brambles - and who knows what else. Oh - and oregano, lilac, ocean spray and maple. Who knew these would spread the way they do???

But that said, it's all coming together again this year. Thanks largely to Ice Jackson, as the bluetooth in my car so designates him (he's my ICE - In Case of Emergency - contact). He's now back from seven months at sea, and the garden is grateful. As I am. I think both the garden and I have felt parched, and his return is like quenching a long-held thirst.

I like gardening. There's something very satisfying about pulling weeds and watching seeds grow into edible plants. But because this yard is so huge, and there are so many weeds, it's just too much on my own. He is so much more able than I am - so much stronger, and allergy-free. That combination makes the work go much faster, and the visual sense of accomplishment that much more rewarding. And while so much work is required to keep it up, this garden continues to be a very special place.

The garden tour is Saturday, June 29 (here's the event website with details). If you're reading this and in the 'hood that day, come on by. I suspect it'll be a bit of a party.

May 2013: Getting started

May 2009: Getting started

June 2009: Edible Garden Tour day

The good life

Sustainable Ballard's Food & Health Guild held its first summer event tonight, an "Eat Local" potluck. The open invitation suggested we bring a food dish to share made from local ingredients - ideally from our own gardens, as well as our favorite kitchen garden recipes and any questions we have about what to do with what we grow.

Over a dozen of us shared delicious food, from homemade plum wine and berry dishes, to quiche made from garden produce and eggs from backyard chickens. A number of us had picked up or had delivered a box or tote from Sail Transport Company - and of course we all raved about the Buck Hollow Farms honey.

I learned that beets really aren't very hard to prepare - simmer in a little vegetable broth, add a touch of honey, and they're as sweet as can be. Italian prune plums make fine wine - a batch started in September when the plums are ripe yields delicious results in January. There are a thousand uses for kale - and almost as many types. It's just about time to plant greens for fall crops. Garlic flowers can be sprinkled on top of main dishes and salads for a nice finishing touch. Edible flowers add not just gorgeous color but deliver a nice little flavor package. Bellingham hazelnuts made me want to plant my own. Amazingly enough, I don't think there was a single zucchini dish!

Thanks to Paula, a 23-year Ballard resident, for opening her home and garden. The idea was to come away inspired and with take-away tips and information. For me, it was a pretty successful evening.

(Photo: Jenny's salad, with all things fabulous from her garden)


A bit about the Sail Transport Company
The Sail Transport Company tied up to the public dock at Golden Gardens on Saturday morning with about 40 shares of fresh produce from Olympic peninsula farms.

I met the boat to take some photos for a friend and colleague, and watched Alex, Fulvio and Robin unload the totes and boxes onto trikes and bikes for the last petrol-free leg. After a 25-hour return trip from Sequim (apparently the longest one yet, after a record-breaking quick trip over), the sailors were concerned about wilting, but the radishes, garlic and greens were impressive, and as pretty or prettier than anything I've seen in most grocery stores.

From the boat, I went to the local pick-up point to get honey pre-ordered by friends. Angela from Kick It Boots & Stompwear has opened up her store on NW Market, just west of 24th, for those who live outside of the delivery area to pick up their shares. The mood was festive - by 10 a.m., the air was already hot, the produce was sheltered in shade, and a fiddle-player entertained passers-by and customers.

If you're not already part of a CSA or growing your own, this is certainly worth a try. At least get on their e-mail list!