This weekend I had the great pleasure of visiting the Zaferia Organic Community Gardens in Long Beach. This was my third visit to the gardens, and each time I have been amazed at the lush garden plots growing there. The gardeners are a creative group, growing flowers and vegetables together in raised beds and a variety of quirky containers. The gardeners I spoke with were very friendly, happy to discuss their gardens with visitors. Most said this was a place of solace for them, as well as providing good vegetables to eat and share. I am always amazed at how things grow in Southern California. Here I saw 6 foot high dill plants, five foot high borage plants in full bloom, hosting hundreds of bees, and Brussels sprouts sharing beds with artichokes and strawberries. And in the background--palm trees waving in the breezes.
A pair of monster hands are nestled in this watering can!
Artichokes, nasturtiums, and kale are all growing together happily.
I love the stair step buildings backing a plot brimming with sweet peas.
When I got home, I checked on Mother Robin and her two hungry chicks. She is staying busy keeping them fed with bugs and worms. I love watching them bob their tufted heads above the rim of the nest. Mama gives me the stink eye whenever I look out the window at her, so I'm trying to keep a low profile.
