I’ve had some complaints recently from ‘regular readers‘ that I haven’t updated the gardenblog as frequently as they would like.  So, in response to their queries, here you go:

As of late last week, the beans are now up, too!  I planted a bush variety bean this year (purple, in fact), and I’m hoping that they do well in the semi-shady garden.  We’ll see, though.  

The garlic chives are also up, only about a half inch out of the ground, though.

For more info on garlic chives, and why they’re way cooler than regular chives, click here.

yummy!

Okay, so now that I have recovered from the shock of my encounter with Mr. Snake (that sounds dirty…), I can post a bit more about the exciting news that the swiss chard is up!  This year i planted a ‘neon lights’ variety, which includes, as the package says, “5 vibrant shades!”  I am a bit skeptical, however, since two of those shades are white.  Hmmm…  

Anyways, swiss chard is another one of those fantastic veggies that is mind-bogglingly good for you.  Read more about how great it is at the World’s Healthiest Foods website.

Itty Bitty Swiss Chards:)

While I understand that snakes are a garden’s good friends, it’s still a little disconcerting to encounter one sunning itself among your baby spinach plants when you aren’t expecting visitors.  

Yikes!

I’m hoping that this isn’t the same snake that decided to come be my new roommate last fall because he is CERTAINLY not welcome back in the house.  I still get the heebee-jeebies when I think about it.

All of that said, this article will explain just why on earth my mother says I should be happy to have a snake in my garden.

PS – the Swiss Chard is up!

The spinach is peeking through the ground, now, too, so we’re well on our way to Will’s garden-fresh salad:)  

tiny spinaches:)

Unfortunately for Ryan, I don’t think they have hybridized bacon and veggies yet, so I won’t be able to plant those for him.  And Mike, I’m hoping that the rabbits DON’T eat it…

For more info on spinach and how awesome it is, please visit the World’s Healthiest Foods.

Now we’re just waiting on the swiss chard!

The lettuce is up!  I planted a 5-variety mix, so hopefully there will be lots of different kinds coming up in the next few days.  

Baby lettuces!

For more information on lettuce and all its greatness, please visit the U of I’s extension website.

Also planted some purple bush beans today – hopefully they will have some success in the garden – it’s a crapshoot, though, given the lack of full sun in the garden.  But, as my lovely momma always says, “gardening is all about experimentation.”

Purple beans!

For more information about why on earth anyone would grow purple beans, please visit www.specialtyproduce.com.

We also painted a few of the stepping stones that are going to go in the garden.  I’ll upload pictures of those soon.

That’s it for today!  Yay for spring!

Okay Will Aldridge, here you go:  From now on, this blog will be dedicated to my Victory Garden, such as it is, and all things Katie’s Garden-related.  

Exciting news:  my arugula is up:)

For more info on arugula and its many uses, visit this site: www.gourmetsleuth.com