It's been a long time since my last post so I thought I should put something up here.
The hummingbird feeder has been going down very slowly. The regular contingent has moved on, the only use is from other migrants passing through.
The other day I was at the sink cleaning up after a session of tomato sauce production. A female hummingbird flew to the feeder outside the kitchen window and had herself a very long drink. I don't know if she had just flown into our yard or whether she had been around for a while. It was about 4:45PM so I tend to think she was ending a day of travel. She took off into the arborvitae for shelter and about 30 minutes later she came back for more, although this time it was not as long a meal.
I wonder how the migrants find us. What is it that brings them in? Can they see the feeder and the thick stand of arborvitae and balsams? Do they remember from year to year?
Whatever the answer I'm glad they stop. It makes me feel a little useful in the grand scheme of things. We humans do so much that impedes our wildlife, it's nice to think we can give a little back.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Garden rewards
Yesterday I indulged in one of summers best treats.
I was in the vegetable garden eating Sungolds (cherry tomatoes) when I realized that it was the perfect day for a truly fresh tomato. I searched and found a couple of likely candidates. I selected a Black Krim that was in the sun and warm to the touch. I picked it, admired it and bit into it. No tomato will ever taste as good as one that is perfectly ripe, warm from the sun and seconds off the vine.
It was so divine that I found an Old German (it’s a tomato) and had that too.
Next time I want to try a Valencia and a Fritz. Those are the only varieties I am growing this year, so I will have a complete sample.
The Fritz is a tomato I will certainly grow again. Large and meaty, good flavor and ideal on a tomato/cheese sandwich. The Valencia is a probable repeat as well. A medium sized orange tomato with good flavor and again pretty meaty. Tastes good in sandwiches and in salads or as a garnish on potato salad.
The Black Krim and Old German go on the maybe list. Both are good but not spectacular. Both have a tendency to crack, although not as bad as some I have grown. The Old German is a good salad tomato but seems a bit small for sandwiches.
The Black Krim has a dark skin, flesh and flavor. I enjoy the taste but that is not an opinion shared by all. Also the fruit ripen unevenly, if you wait until the green is all gone on the top the lower part is over ripe. I usually cut off the green top and use the lower 4/5th of the tomato. It’s a watery tomato as well. I think this helps the flavor but it is messy and unmanageable for sandwiches.
When I get a freezer I will expand the tomato selection again. I will use the excess tomatoes for sauce and freeze it. I would love to have room to grow 15 – 20 varieties a year, but I have a feeling that Jan won’t give up the space where the flowers and shrubs grow. I guess the animals wouldn’t appreciate it either.
I was in the vegetable garden eating Sungolds (cherry tomatoes) when I realized that it was the perfect day for a truly fresh tomato. I searched and found a couple of likely candidates. I selected a Black Krim that was in the sun and warm to the touch. I picked it, admired it and bit into it. No tomato will ever taste as good as one that is perfectly ripe, warm from the sun and seconds off the vine.
It was so divine that I found an Old German (it’s a tomato) and had that too.
Next time I want to try a Valencia and a Fritz. Those are the only varieties I am growing this year, so I will have a complete sample.
The Fritz is a tomato I will certainly grow again. Large and meaty, good flavor and ideal on a tomato/cheese sandwich. The Valencia is a probable repeat as well. A medium sized orange tomato with good flavor and again pretty meaty. Tastes good in sandwiches and in salads or as a garnish on potato salad.
The Black Krim and Old German go on the maybe list. Both are good but not spectacular. Both have a tendency to crack, although not as bad as some I have grown. The Old German is a good salad tomato but seems a bit small for sandwiches.
The Black Krim has a dark skin, flesh and flavor. I enjoy the taste but that is not an opinion shared by all. Also the fruit ripen unevenly, if you wait until the green is all gone on the top the lower part is over ripe. I usually cut off the green top and use the lower 4/5th of the tomato. It’s a watery tomato as well. I think this helps the flavor but it is messy and unmanageable for sandwiches.
When I get a freezer I will expand the tomato selection again. I will use the excess tomatoes for sauce and freeze it. I would love to have room to grow 15 – 20 varieties a year, but I have a feeling that Jan won’t give up the space where the flowers and shrubs grow. I guess the animals wouldn’t appreciate it either.
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