7-24-06 Summer’s Sweet Harvest
In This Issue:
- Home New Home
- Gardenerd Product of the Month:
- Gardenerd Tip of the Month: Tomato Time!
1. Home New Home
Well slap my fanny and call me a homeowner. My husband and I closed escrow on a new house on June 30th. It’s been a whirlwind ever since. This house is what you would call a “fixer.” Right off the bat it needed a new roof, mold remediation, and backyard drainage help. Aside from all of that, the most promising thing about the house is – you guessed it – the backyard. With a perfectly secluded vegetable garden space for yours truly, the rest of the garden can be dedicated to “outdoor living.” There is a sunny patio deck that is perfect for the Italian ceramic table my husband inherited from his mother, a shady tree just begging for hanging lanterns and a grouping of hostas, a little back house that we hope to make a focal point in the yard, and loads of privacy for that “home away from home” feeling. Pinch me! In future newsletters look for details on our projects as we transform our patch of land into an oasis.
Speaking of the future, here’s a little teaser for you: Gardenerd.com is about to get a lot better. When Phase I of Gardenerd.com was unveiled (in its present incarnation), I had big plans for Phase II and Phase III. Well, Phase II is just around the corner. I can’t wait to share it with you, so stay tuned in the coming months for a new and improved Gardenerd.com.
2. Gardenerd Product of the Month: Gardenerd BBQ Apron
What is summer without a barbeque? Even a vegetarian like myself can’t resist the pull of outdoor cooking over hot coals. Whether you are an accomplished griller or a novice (a.k.a. still accidentally feeding the dog when you flip burgers), the proper attire will make you look like a pro. The Gardenerd BBQ Apron is the perfect way to supplement your skills with an air of confidence that will make people entrust you with their top sirloin. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your Gardenerd pride.
3. Gardenerd Tip of the Month: Tomato Time!
Looking for something to do with your abundant tomato harvest? Have a tomato tasting party. I’ve made this a yearly ritual, and each year it’s been a hit! It’s simple; invite some friends to meet you in your garden for a taste of the season’s best harvest. All you need is some crusty bread, fresh mozzarella (actually, this is optional), some basil, olive oil, and of course, your favorite tomatoes from your garden. Bring a cutting board and a serrated knife, something to wipe your hands on (it gets messy out there with all those juicy tomatoes), something sparkling to drink, and your taste buds.
Label your tomatoes with place cards or write on colorful napkins, and take your time passing around each variety. It’s like wine tasting – savor each one to experience the different flavors. Some of my favorites each year include Stupice, Old German, Yellow Pear, Black Prince and this year’s hands-down winner, Juan Flamme. Having different color tomatoes to share is as much of a visual feast as it is flavorful. So get out your calendars and call up your friends for this fun summer fiesta idea that will linger long after your last tomato. For more great ideas about what to do with your bumper crop, visit www.epicurious.com.
Stay tuned for more gardening tips and tidbits from the Gardenerd. Happy Summer Gardening!
