Going Green With Our New Garden

For years, we have always has a selection of fresh herbs growing along the north side or our building.  We planted a little mint a few years back, and of course, it has spread like wildfire and lasts ALL summer.  We would plant some thyme or opal basil, but never anything significant.  The mint was used primarily for dessert garnishes, and the basil could be used 2-3 times a year... there just wasn't that much of it.

Well, that is all changing this year.  Marcia and Stewart spend hours building our new garden and finished it early this week.  The mint is now contained, and the herb section has be drastically expanded to 3 beds along the north of our building.  We are now growing chives, tarragon, dill, fennel, parsley (flat leaf and curly), cilantro (their flowers taste great), sage (regular and tricolor), basil, opal basil and rosemary! 

A special THANK YOU to our neighbors behind us for letting us expand into their property a little.  In the larger beds to the west are a variety of at least heirloom tomato plants.  These Heirloom tomatoes come in all sizes and colors, and are the most delicious summer-time treat.  When served with some herbed goat cheese, fresh basil, and some extra virgin olive oil, it is truly a treat for your mouth!  No longer do we have to go to the farmer's markets and be at their mercy... we will be able to serve these tomatoes literally just a few hours after being picked fresh from the vine.

In another bed are the squash plants.  We have planted zucchini, butternut, and yellow varieties.  While the vegetable is delicious, we can't wait to use the blossoms in our food!  Also planted are some eggplants, peppers, fennel and flowers to keep bugs and critters away.

While these plants will allow us to provide the freshest, most flavorful produce available to our clients, it is also a small step in becoming more green.  Without using harsh chemicals or transporting vegetables 1000's of miles to it's final destination, this is a small step in becoming more sustainable and environmentally responsible.