Happy Saturday! I’m enjoying a rainy weekend here in San Diego, relaxing after a two-day garden makeover, thankful for the weather-induced excuse to hibernate with the cat and watch the clouds roll around the buildings downtown.

Pardon the Photo Booth quality, my digital pal pooped out on me this week!

The areas covered with straw were previously wrecked with weeds of all kind, and the soil was hard as dried out clay. Once the back-breaking hours of weeding and tilling were complete, I had the joy of potting some kale, arugula, and collards, along with an assortment of flowers I picked up from City Farmers. Not only is the straw more aesthetically pleasing, it will cut down on weeds and soften the soil for future use! It’s also serving as wonderful insulation for the compost pile.

This tomato plant was left here by the previous inhabitants of 555, and it has grown relentlessly with no aid for the past six months! I cut back almost a third of the wild growth and trellised the strongest stems up a teepee I constructed out of found materials in the shed. 

The vegetable garden is flourishing and I couldn’t be happier with the harvest it has already provided us, yummy lettuces, bok choy, parsley and kale. Looking forward to enjoying the brussel sprouts and cabbage come Springtime.

Last but not least, some much needed color for the front porch!

Happy growing, friends. Scott is making stir fry and my belly is grumbling. I hope your blustery is beautiful, wherever you may be!