The Wee Garden, continues...

Since we ran out of garden space, we started planting in the empty spaces in our backyard. I like the idea edible landscaping and think it looks beautiful when zucchini, pumpkins, squash, cantaloupe or cucumbers are mixed among the foliage. Above we've planted artichokes and zucchini. I don't know if you can see from the picture but the artichokes are in the very back in the right and left of the picture and the zucchini is in the lower left beside the fern.

zucchini!

Tomatoes, rubarb and watermelon.

Spaghetti squash

I planted two concord grape vines on the fence. My hope is that, not only will we have a nice harvest of grapes in a couple years but that they will grow to block the view that the neighbors have of our deck from their house. I think Jeremy could build an arbor "extension" for the top of the fence that would give us a couple more feet of privacy so Rigby can hang out naked in the back yard.

Along the fence we've planted brussel sprouts (my favorite veggie) red and yellow bell peppers, poblano and chili peppers, Japanese and purple eggplant, carrots, golden beets, sugar peas and beans. As you can see, we don't get full sun here for the entire day. The near end gets a few hours a day but it this was the only place we really had for a garden so we thought we'd give it a shot. If it doesn't work out maybe we'll consider raised beds in the front yard next year. This year will be our trial and error year:)

COFFEE!

Just a quick comment on coffee and the PNW. People seem to take their coffee pretty seriously here. And what's with everyone asking you if you want a straw in your hot coffee? I've never been anywhere where people where so obsessed with straws in hot beverages? Is it just for stirring or to some people like to sip their hot beverage through a straw? Am I missing out?

There is a coffee shop on practically every corner even in Salem, which is not the cultural center of the universe by all means. Even if you're driving out in the middle of nowhere, eureka, coffee shop. Town of 30 people. Coffee shop. Or at least a drive thru coffee hut. I'm not complaining because coffee is on my list of favorite things in life. Anyway, Tracey and I were discussing this and I think we came to a basic agreement that it has something to do with the rain and the slight depression that sets in mid-winter and how coffee really gives you the extra punch you need to get through the cold, rainy mornings. I know I've been drinking a little more coffee since I moved here. Jeremy says it's a cold climate thing, but it's not as cold here as say the NE and look how much bigger coffee is here. I have to disagree. I think it's the rain.

With the many options to choose from in Oregon, I have felt the need to branch out. So far my absolute favorite is Java Crew. Their coffee is so good! Honestly, it's so good that after a year of Salem's coffee diversity, I can hardly drink a Starbucks coffee anymore. It's is second so far only to my husband's mad-coffee-making skills. Jeremy's is also my favorite because it doesn't cost $3 a cup and a girl's gotta budget. What's your favorite?