When I was single, every summer I would plant window boxes on the balcony of my apartment. Then I would watch as the sun kissed my petunias and the vines of vinca grew and grew. Now that I have a family, I continue the tradition. Every year we salute the start of summer by starting our summer garden. In Brooklyn (where our soil quality is poor) we only plant flowers but in the Hamptons we let loose our inner farmer and plant veggies and herbs. Last week we headed out to our neighborhood garden store in Bridgehampton to stock up on top-soil, seeds, and plants.
©waterwinetravel.com Bridgehampton Agway Country Store
We did well last year with tomatoes, peppers and various herbs.
©waterwinetravel.com Part of last summer's crop
©waterwinetravel.com Big P and our daughter scoping out plants
Our planting list this year includes zucchini, jalapeno peppers, bell peppers, rosemary, carrots, oregano, basil, cherry and beefsteak tomatoes and mint (for mama’s mojitos :)). The kids love checking on the garden’s progress every few weeks and it forces us to share some simple family time – as we plant, weed and cook our crops.
©waterwinetravel.com Summertime Veggie & Herb Garden
Over the next few months, I’ll keep you updated on our garden and any inspirational ideas or recipes we come up with. What “traditions” have you started to welcome summer? Let me know in the comments section below.
what nice photos! thanks for getting me to reflect on my traditions. i love flower boxes too. i’ve been doing them every year, it’s the romantic in me. but last summer i was so sick of dating that i gave up on romance — and my flower boxes. i did plant them last month, though. they’re growing beautifully. i like looking at them. my nice bf of nine months) likes them too. 🙂
Betty – I think there’s a lesson in there (perhaps we need to tend to our own “gardens” to grow). So good to hear you started planting again and found love – again.