04.19.2024 | National Garlic Day

A chilly start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden.  After several days of 80-plus degrees we are feeling a bit like April again.  The skies are partly cloudy today with highs in the mid-60s.  More seasonable temperatures for the next few days.  This is actually perfect weather for any heavy lifting jobs in the garden, so there are no complaints from this old man!

Today is National Garlic Day.  I cannot think of anything that deserves to be celebrated more than garlic.  I also believe that nothing tastes better than the garlic you grow yourself.  Garlic is a magical plant that is really pretty easy to grow.  We plant the cloves in late Fall in a dedicated bed and cover with a fairly thick layer of straw and wait.  The bulbs will be ready for harvest sometime after Independence Day.  This is a picture of my 'Music' garlic from last July.  I'm already looking forward to my harvest this year!  

I am a total believer in Slow Gardening.  We often hear of the Slow Food movement.  I believe in the Slow Gardening movement.  Mostly because I move a bit slower now and have more time to stop and smell the roses.  This is the time to simply relax and observe.  Take the time admire the was a seedling pushes itself up through the earth, its back humped into a croquet hoop with the effort.  Even if it's a seedling of a weed, its sheer tenacity is a miracle of endurance.  Grow something from seed.  If it's useful like lettuce, so much the better.  Train a clematis.  Plant a perennial.  Enjoy the process and reap the rewards.  Slow down, relax and watch in wonder.  Listen to the pretty!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.