Spring 2012

On Monday I harvested the gone-to-seed rocket, and you know what? It was so tasty!! It was not nearly as bitter as the stuff I usually buy at the supermarket.

There was a large amount of it so one night I made an Asian style slaw with it chopped up a bit and then last night I used the remainder in a rocket & basil pesto. I often make pesto and just chuck in whatever green leaves I can find in the fridge. Last night’s pesto contained the following:

• 1 cup basil leaves & stems
• 2 cups rocket
• 1/2 cup raw almonds
• 2 cloves  of garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt to taste

I don’t usually add parmesan to the pesto mix. I prefer to add it to my pasta later on.

Aside from the rocket, nothing happened in the patch.

I did start a to-do list, though:

1. Get dirt for new garden bed
2. Trim hedges around patch
3. Dig over compost
4. Tidy up dry stacked bricks
5. Ask neighbour’s gardener where I should plant my lemon tree
6. Research pumpkin varieties to plant in new garden bed
7. Plant purple carrot seeds in front left bed

So, I did ask the neighbour’s gardener about the lemon tree. It seems the frosts are a bit of a problem up here, he suggested a full-sun position with the protection of a building. I was hoping he would say in the veggie patch up next to the hedge would be okay. Nope. He said right at my back deck would be ideal.

I need to weigh up my love of citrus with my aesthetic ideals. Maybe I need to get a second lemon tree for balance….

Any of you guys able to help me out with item #6?