August 11, 2009

View from the Knox Garden

Lettuce Leaf Basil
Thai Basil in full bloom
Mable waiting patiently for her apple.
Hamp is not enjoying this heat!

This time of year when the heat is off the charts in Georgia, gardens start to look a little sad, or at least our does. We have not had ideal weather for gardening here in the south or maybe that is just my excuse since our garden looks so terrible! Tomatoes, sweet corn, and basil have been the bulk of my crops this year and we have also had quite a few Japanese eggplant.

I planted Thai Basil, Lettuce Leaf Basil, Spicy Globe, and Sweet Basil earlier this spring and they are thriving in this hot weather. I hate to see any basil go to waste, especially when cooler temperatures set in. I generally make batches of pesto and one of my favorites, a Basil-Mint Oil. It is fabulous to drizzle over grilled fish, fresh tomatoes, or steamed vegetables and it will last about 2 months in your refrigerator. It is so delicious and easy to make, I sometimes just use it for dipping bread.

A little update on the chicks – they are full grown for sure! We should see some fresh eggs around October or so. Brownie, Fordie, and Mable are doing well and love their daily treat of a nice, cold apple. They were named by my good friend’s children and I must say, the kids did an excellent job choosing such fitting names. All three of our Boykin Spaniels are back in Athens, after several weeks at my parents farm. They are not so sure of what to think about the chickens, but so far they are staying out of trouble.

That is the update from the Knox household and now I am looking forward to a plate full of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with a little Basil Oil. Yum!