tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88007203059965728052024-03-13T12:37:05.344-07:00Gardening in MiamiMiami FL is a tropical climate. (Zones 10b or 11) There aren't many other places to share gardening information for tropical climates. And like everything else in this city, the plant life and possibilities are as diverse as the amazing people who live here.
This blog is authored by at least 4 folks that are gardening in various Miami locations and various garden sizes.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-11266144990031985512013-02-11T18:01:00.001-08:002013-02-11T18:01:22.839-08:00Pineapples on their wayThree pineapple fruits are on their way. They were started from tops of regular grocery store fruits about three years ago. They didn't take much maintenance. In fact, I didn't do anything after I planted them, except hope for fruits. Helpful to live in Miami. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmKgmLkILFmsNTaEVxfJoKfW9gY2JlserV5lZx5ZjyXDmESR9ONvObxtlbhMQXs_2vPuFBTuYYk-FGF4lGSQ8jQNBEwmEAhyWx-ATOzs26_f-Ac6E3aI8nnMQ0hI2T8-rHdAw2rJ6ERI/s640/blogger-image-2089732410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmKgmLkILFmsNTaEVxfJoKfW9gY2JlserV5lZx5ZjyXDmESR9ONvObxtlbhMQXs_2vPuFBTuYYk-FGF4lGSQ8jQNBEwmEAhyWx-ATOzs26_f-Ac6E3aI8nnMQ0hI2T8-rHdAw2rJ6ERI/s640/blogger-image-2089732410.jpg" /></a></div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-20047725505108557852013-01-09T07:20:00.001-08:002013-01-09T07:20:34.503-08:00Burn and TurnEven now as I am familiar writing the date 2013, I look back over the sabbatical time in 2012 and continue reflect on the nature of 'sabbatical' and it's impact.<br />
The third metaphor for the year involved utter destruction- burn it down.<br />
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Many people don't want to wait for composting. They pile up their garden, their leaves, their clippings, etc and <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/171401-burning-vs-composting/" target="_blank">burn it all</a>. It's usually intentional. Sometimes if your pile of compost is large enough and the decay raises the temperature enough, it can <a href="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex10721" target="_blank">spontaneously combust.</a> The ashes provide nutrients. The decayed matter provides ground cover. The useless is removed. Room is made for new growth and support is there for it as it grows. <br />
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If this metaphor is applied to my 2012, combustion was not intentional, and it wasn't exactly spontaneous but thinking of it burning is helpful. It is helpful because of another burning image.<br />
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There is the image of the phoenix. Harry Potter's fans know because of the headmaster's avian companion, Fawkes. There is a quote Dumbledore; <br />
<dl><dd><span title="Source: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets">"<i>About time, too. He's been looking dreadful for days; I've been telling him to get a move on.</i>"</span>
</dd><dd>—<a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Albus_Dumbledore" title="Albus Dumbledore">Albus Dumbledore</a> about his <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Phoenix" title="Phoenix">phoenix</a> Fawkes after Fawkes burst into flames.<sup class="noprint"><a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets" title="Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets">[src]</a></sup>
</dd></dl>
Fawkes the phoenix, periodically died by bursting into flames (an event called a "<a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Fawkes" target="_blank">Burning Day</a>"), and was then reborn from the ashes. It takes a while. He doesn't came back quickly, red plumage ready to take flight, all pristine and proud on his perch. There is some ugly, some rest, and regrowth. <br />
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This sabbatical time had me wondering just how often does our life, our ministry, our work, just need to burst into flame and start a new. If we keep it contained, we keep it the right size, it won't combust. If we manage, and plod along, do the same things, it won't surprise us much.<br />
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Maybe I'll choose some flame from time to time. <br />
doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-16078380679582210262012-12-23T19:01:00.000-08:002012-12-23T19:01:43.479-08:00Sabbtical as PruningSabbatical has had significant impact on me. This year-long process was important but it took some serious imagery to get my mind around it. Even as the year draws to a close I'm still working through it and feel it will be a while until I'm on the other side. One of the images was of pruning. <br />
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I've spent a lot of time in the Biblical chapter, John 15. It's Jesus talking to his disciples in their waning time together. Might not be exactly their last night, but it's in their last days at least. <br />
It's the chapter with "I am the vine and you are the branches." Which although is incredibly popular, I don't know of a praise or children's tune that uses this imagery. There was a short devotional book written around it in the late 90's that caught my attention.<br />
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There is some serious pruning discussed in verses 5-10.<br />
My thoughts: Pruning hurts. <br />
Pruned branches don't compost well. They are stiff and woody and end up burned. <br />
Pruning isn't self inflicted- but of course what vine has access to loppers. <br />
Some pruning sets the plant back a few years.<br />
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I have been trying to grow grapes over the last four years. Literature taught me grapes will flower on two-year old vine. This means your pruning today is planned on to your pruning next year so you'll have bigger better grapes the year after that.<br />
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If you're a grape vine, good pruning can take you out of productivity for two years. <br />
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I don't want to hear that. I want the short snip. Cut the head off the dead rose bloom and let me get to blooming again this year.<br />
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But pruning is essential to better fruit. That's the promise. The nice words they say when you feel like shriveled blooms, crusty leaves and unbending woody beginnings and fruitless attempts. doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-38534811602508924822012-08-08T11:55:00.001-07:002012-08-13T20:38:09.608-07:00FallowSabbatical time could be a "fallow" season. <br />
Fallow is often viewed as the field laying at rest. Do no work. Leave the fields unplanted. It might be serene. Maybe former seeds volunteer to bloom. Maybe wildflowers mix with some very green weeds, but in any case, it's still a fairly pretty image.<br />
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A more realistic view of the fallow field may not be so ideal- certainly in a tropical climate. There may be a lot of ugly weeds. Some fields are grown in conditions constantly fighting back the weeds. Left to their own, they take over. The thought of kudzu comes to mind, a literal take over.<br />
There maybe several old seeds still sprouting. Some good seed or some bad crop ideas. Some sprouts getting choked by the weeds.<br />
It could be a total mess.<br />
It's a fight between civilization and wild. Tamed versus unruly.<br />
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For a short time- Maybe the brambles and the vines need to stretch. Maybe irregular rain and lots of sunshine just need to reign. Maybe the weeds and the sprouts need to fight it out and let the tension release.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-30763775412910959352012-06-11T20:17:00.001-07:002012-08-04T23:45:29.396-07:00Sabbatical TimeI'm taking some sabbatical time this summer. <br />
First let me say how wonderful it is that I work in a organization that allows for sabbaticals. <br />
Second I have to say how anxious I was taking time away from work that I love. When you like what you do, it seems silly to take time away. <br />
Last, I had a difficult time getting my head around what a sabbatical was to be for me.<br />
Gardening offers useful metaphors. There is the Levitical command to leave the fields fallow every seventh year. There is pruning of fruit trees and vines. There is also the more extreme "burn it down and plow it under."<br />
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With a large chunk of time and adventurous family, we made a plan that put to use my anxious energy. <br />
But being two-thirds through it, Is like sitting in the midst of a weedy field, the pile of shriveled branches and the ashes of burn.<br />
The miracle of sabbath, is like the miracle of gardening. God sends the sun and the rain. And heck, God sent all the original seeds too. The plants grow without us. Some even better than they did with our help. We aren't nearly as productive as we think we are. <br />
doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-16541695842260823732012-06-05T08:05:00.001-07:002012-08-04T23:45:35.495-07:00Pile of Leaves Miami StyleWhat the majority of the US population does in the fall, we do in the spring. We gather the limbs, palm fronds, and tropical invaders into a pile on the curb. But we don't jump into the pile and frolic. We leave it to the rhino spiders and 200 ant species that get that privilege. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfCecXf8Va996EolpwVUA7K9DTprarcopetuNoA9-G92i11zWwq0U_0V4SuXiOxjaHWJlOyIZF3zffXL9lr0GswNUgpvjjYBO6Qjvr69MTGZuApS-sDAf1QmeAgm6z9Bkw2_XzGZ2KIw/s640/blogger-image-1026601816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfCecXf8Va996EolpwVUA7K9DTprarcopetuNoA9-G92i11zWwq0U_0V4SuXiOxjaHWJlOyIZF3zffXL9lr0GswNUgpvjjYBO6Qjvr69MTGZuApS-sDAf1QmeAgm6z9Bkw2_XzGZ2KIw/s640/blogger-image-1026601816.jpg" /></a></div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-41971161492869247082012-05-06T09:36:00.001-07:002012-05-06T09:37:00.311-07:00Risk Love and CourageJust as I sat slightly anxiously considering the risks today. <br />
Today three churches are gathering together. They're mixing food (culture,) music (culture,) and party conversation (culture.) I had already dealt with the anxious thoughts of weather and attendance. This morning is gorgeous and a lot of folks are coming.<br />
These new thoughts went to- tribal risks. What if something breaks and each tribe starts to blame the other church? What if any of the food, music, conversations start to stress those cultural understandings and cross into misunderstandings? <br />
Oh Dear Lord.<br />
And just as the thought formed words, the pastor introduced the "new layer of love" he has been meditating about recently. Romans 5:5. <br />
Love is poured out into our hearts. This love grows a courage. That courage will allow three churches to gather. That love will allow three tribes to worship God in the neighborhood God placed them in. That love is God. <br />
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It is going to be a great day. Without such love, there is great risk. But today there is great courage.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-75561935263498416072012-04-06T19:13:00.001-07:002012-04-06T19:24:29.882-07:00Frog HidingWe live near a lake. No surprise since really everyone in South Florida lives near some body of water or another. In our area we have frogs that get really loud at night. I don't see them but I can really hear them. I've often wondered where are they hiding. well here's one chilling in a bog lilly like its a hammock.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhY3UX3bqi9Xl_k6S75tP2QBzJMdoOVVBTGsnG3a8GRv5X35FyJt-O9S2XcDVzGle1hn_CZ_SsIJjHPlY2Yc8YRCu9xfbok4fm-_SzSfWK8i5HR73rfayqCQMdnFrMHlBYB-ApelirVI/s640/blogger-image-1632137589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhY3UX3bqi9Xl_k6S75tP2QBzJMdoOVVBTGsnG3a8GRv5X35FyJt-O9S2XcDVzGle1hn_CZ_SsIJjHPlY2Yc8YRCu9xfbok4fm-_SzSfWK8i5HR73rfayqCQMdnFrMHlBYB-ApelirVI/s640/blogger-image-1632137589.jpg" /></a></div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-16969069676837696322012-03-01T17:24:00.001-08:002012-03-01T17:24:19.463-08:00Surprise Pineapple GrandbabyOne year after my first, I found this beauty today. I hadn't even looked because I didn't expect another pineapple could follow so quickly. Any name suggestions?<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58k1bLk26VX9__pPpQYfjyDprtuFaG83KKUQWf69wHqMvjtBbA5HqLAt_fNOQXB56j2xiHOqM77ANwgkKcmkp6U9XDLwlccGTQRYBv1XqYvIbrDtDtkHqfmPEooeJ5657Iv0PBSiUN3k/s640/blogger-image-1432245383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58k1bLk26VX9__pPpQYfjyDprtuFaG83KKUQWf69wHqMvjtBbA5HqLAt_fNOQXB56j2xiHOqM77ANwgkKcmkp6U9XDLwlccGTQRYBv1XqYvIbrDtDtkHqfmPEooeJ5657Iv0PBSiUN3k/s640/blogger-image-1432245383.jpg" /></a></div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-54561892071733046402012-02-29T17:43:00.001-08:002012-02-29T17:43:11.277-08:00Caught in a Private Moment<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeTEkYFE280eK9DyM7e6bjhVqJ_9IVqXGPkBAAT0gZe31OoDQafUEOZyoC4KMk-RI1-JblQ0Jl2aFXMdc7xvZVOSzcfPynAQ0lWJ_minWNsQFlpZti8l4xebBZInrXsGOZu6Y1a5sWRs/s640/blogger-image--501372672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeTEkYFE280eK9DyM7e6bjhVqJ_9IVqXGPkBAAT0gZe31OoDQafUEOZyoC4KMk-RI1-JblQ0Jl2aFXMdc7xvZVOSzcfPynAQ0lWJ_minWNsQFlpZti8l4xebBZInrXsGOZu6Y1a5sWRs/s640/blogger-image--501372672.jpg" /></a></div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-79093310619014941222012-02-26T05:44:00.000-08:002012-02-26T05:44:45.683-08:00Midnight Planted Spaces Now Bursting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcbsa_7t_TENNuoNxc2iBcI7fCJENS76Ki8M-FYQgCbV5v5PPG9r6NamyJyrlTUZmRwTWOnnTEG7sF8osYus8WcMp3qJ_5qNkyyprjk7TSXQkk7fGL1K3Ey_2cI39MC6COJ9ApWCssNs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcbsa_7t_TENNuoNxc2iBcI7fCJENS76Ki8M-FYQgCbV5v5PPG9r6NamyJyrlTUZmRwTWOnnTEG7sF8osYus8WcMp3qJ_5qNkyyprjk7TSXQkk7fGL1K3Ey_2cI39MC6COJ9ApWCssNs/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a>Maybe there is something to planting by midnight, because I have a large amount of very happy tomatoes. This bed was planted at midnight January 8 as I returned from Atlanta. The Full Moon seemed to stick around a little longer. Of course it could also be the occasional rains we are having this winter or maybe the quality of the seeds. But in either case I'm glad I have cilantro growing. It may be a year for salsa. </div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-50261553748818642552011-11-15T11:35:00.000-08:002011-11-15T11:35:52.566-08:00Planting by MoonlightI did it and did it literally. I planted as much empty soil space as I could. And I planted in the light of the full moon last week. I write today because already a sprout of cucumber is busting forth. <br />
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It's funny to operate in the dark. There are several Biblical passages about light and dark, Jesus as the light of the world, etc. The experience left me pondering. Here are a few raw thoughts.<br />
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It takes a while for your perspective to adjust. Dropping into a new situation, it's best to sit and acclimate to the view. Short-term mission teams get this wrong all the time. They just drop in and start to work. Often making a mess of things. <br />
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You really ought not get in the way of the light source. If you block the moonlight, you become the shadow. Get out of the way. Oh how often we block the source of light!doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-19581354830924797962011-11-08T20:24:00.000-08:002011-11-08T20:24:15.742-08:00Thursday= Full Moon= Garden BeginsI've heard rumored advice to plant at the full moon that follows the equinox. But I'm still pretty sure that gardening in Zone 10b probably shouldn't follow advice from zones 5 and 6. <br />
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If I had taken that advice and planted at October's full moon, I'm sure my garden would have washed out with the late tropical storm activity we had. However my habeneros and pineapples all seem to be perfectly happy.<br />
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Waiting one more month has been essentially a great excuse for pure procrastination.<br />
But Thursday is the day. I'll plant seeds any where I can see dirt and sunshine. And I'll let you know how it goes.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-28133159861267126012011-10-06T05:54:00.000-07:002011-10-06T05:54:07.605-07:00A new gardening season is upon us!The upcoming winter months will be full of new experiences for me. Every year I like to try something new. Last year it was heirloom tomatoes in my backyard raised garden and this year it's sweet corn in that garden and an entirely new community garden at the church (which I'll get to in a future blog). <br />
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Almost two weeks ago I finally got around to preparing my garden by pulling out the sweet potatoes I used to keep down the weeds over the summer and adding some compost. The only survivor was the Malabar spinach which really started to grow later in the summer. Now, I have two large, healthy plants...and yes, it really does taste like spinach making it great for salad.<br />
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So, what's new? I decided to add a little (emphasis on the "little") sweet corn. I've been hesitant to plant any in the past because it takes up so much space. However, we simply love sweet corn too much and the prospect of 2-3 meals this winter was too much to resist. The corn is already 3-4 inches tall.<br />
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Last weekend I also planted peas, carrots, leaf lettuce, spinach, cukes and cantaloupe. As always I also threw in a few marigolds to help keep the bugs away. Heirloom tomatoes, radishes and broccoli will all be in before the end of the month.<br />
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I'll try to do a better job with regular updates this season. Stay tuned!Jason Wysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01392025739729494620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-89952956209979420732011-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:002011-09-23T07:00:29.239-07:00Backward SeasonsThis sad little blog reflects my sad little garden. <br />
OK, It's not as sad as it is backwards. Miami's growing seasons can be all year around. My pineapples are certainly growing fine and they're happy it seems. Mangos, avocados, peppers and okra are all summer season.<br />
But our fall is your spring. August and September are the months to clean up the beds and get ready. It's way too rainy with regularly passing tropical storm systems.<br />
Late September and October is time to plant. We still have to pray the seeds don't wash away in a down pour, but they usually hold on pretty well. And in the winter, we have all kinds of beautiful vegetation while the rest of the country is in winter gridlock. <br />
It's getting cooler though. I'm more inclined to get this mess under control. You'll see and read more updates.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-25613943329703625002011-06-07T16:24:00.000-07:002011-06-07T16:24:59.098-07:00My Summer Garden in MiamiI thought I should post something before the summer gets too hectic. So here goes....<br />
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It's been about a month since I planted my first ever summer garden. With only a couple exceptions, I was completely unfamiliar with the plants I decided to put in the garden. So, I didn't know what to expect (and still don't in many ways) but that's part of the fun. <br />
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It's been a very dry summer so far but with a little irrigation the plants are really starting to take off. The sweet potatoes are growing like a weed, the winged beans seem to grow 3-4 inches every day, the everglades tomato plant is filling with flowers and I'll soon get to enjoy my first pepper. I've already starting stealing a leaf or two from time to time from the cranberry hibiscus and malabar spinach plants. I can't wait until I get enough for a full salad. <br />
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The big surprises have been my strawberries and muskmelon. They continue to grow and produce. I'm getting a couple strawberries every day. They are small but as sweet as I've ever eaten. As for the melon, there are several marble to golfball size fruits but only time will tell if anything comes of them. I'll keep you posted.<br />
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I've included some photos for those that might be interested.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXaSzEW-BXV72p-PklR5MveWSvi39CYOt0tefXNHoVKIP6V9hzD7BB_gDAR7EP0cEKGeOnkSxgetSPy_Z-2fmjIXguUQI9Au8_8Bp3OtXOR_lVitfq9Hv_C_R7QioNKPwrAoq6LROF5M/s1600/DSCF1690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXaSzEW-BXV72p-PklR5MveWSvi39CYOt0tefXNHoVKIP6V9hzD7BB_gDAR7EP0cEKGeOnkSxgetSPy_Z-2fmjIXguUQI9Au8_8Bp3OtXOR_lVitfq9Hv_C_R7QioNKPwrAoq6LROF5M/s200/DSCF1690.JPG" t8="true" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everglades Tomato</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fpt2Xfxjcs1PobKmS4xz0vcA7SDdIeAho5Br0JuMt_qxe86DkdIOzkMjg1HF9CWMMOn4GYqG1ZTz5GnCKnpddzRjQK5_aP7rlZL2ulJEQVgBLRunEnA6fKfBgIOuVTVi5tgoWYtz4L0/s1600/DSCF1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0fpt2Xfxjcs1PobKmS4xz0vcA7SDdIeAho5Br0JuMt_qxe86DkdIOzkMjg1HF9CWMMOn4GYqG1ZTz5GnCKnpddzRjQK5_aP7rlZL2ulJEQVgBLRunEnA6fKfBgIOuVTVi5tgoWYtz4L0/s200/DSCF1693.JPG" t8="true" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pepper plant w/one large pepper</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberry Hibiscus (the leaves are edible and the flowers make great tea)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malabar Spinach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P7iig0Tgnroubsyld-aDAIsqNst4uc8C64kTbq4oNEtVTG8MNfLzTHDGZgQXi4bAR0uegcsYyDUrOEXyVuenl5MXQxwf_yJ9tI7PWuCz5Dv5_Eb4TrV1x0tgZuHVynXpTnJmSdg3Mwo/s1600/DSCF1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2P7iig0Tgnroubsyld-aDAIsqNst4uc8C64kTbq4oNEtVTG8MNfLzTHDGZgQXi4bAR0uegcsYyDUrOEXyVuenl5MXQxwf_yJ9tI7PWuCz5Dv5_Eb4TrV1x0tgZuHVynXpTnJmSdg3Mwo/s200/DSCF1692.JPG" t8="true" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Potato (from a start I got for free)</td></tr>
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</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jason Wysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01392025739729494620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-77109386878010904792011-06-02T06:38:00.000-07:002011-06-02T06:38:29.196-07:00A Lychee by Any Other Name...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCQnQNvxjeJ7ksWRpueL888ADiLNhiphoOf2mCEY-FakkAH2uFru_4qMVpeYYXo3ynlnzOWiZ9zVpB7f2lsik-aX69JzBQL0Er63LpsGLIwoWLfXWOTa6b5qAWW3YbCiko6esy6LhXpM/s1600/Lychee+solo+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCQnQNvxjeJ7ksWRpueL888ADiLNhiphoOf2mCEY-FakkAH2uFru_4qMVpeYYXo3ynlnzOWiZ9zVpB7f2lsik-aX69JzBQL0Er63LpsGLIwoWLfXWOTa6b5qAWW3YbCiko6esy6LhXpM/s320/Lychee+solo+2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We have one lychee tree. I only discovered it was a lychee after learning a bit from a dear neighbor. It hadn't produced fruit before, probably because of my inappropriate pruning.<br />
But this year, I was ready. I waited and yes, it fruited. One fruit in the whole tree. (Pictured here.) <br />
But this is my question South Florida friends: What other names are there for these fruits? Have you heard of them called Soapberries?doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-80139944114926541182011-05-09T07:08:00.000-07:002011-05-09T07:08:32.440-07:00The summer gardenThis is my first year with a summer garden in SoFla. I'm pretty excited about the prospect of eating from the garden year round. About a week ago, I bought a few plants from one of the vendors at Fairchild. Each is supposed to do well during the hottest part of the year. I've planted some herbs (e.g. basil), cranberry hibiscus, winged bean, hot peppers, everglades tomatoes, malabar spinach and sweet potatoes. I'll let you know how it goes. :)Jason Wysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01392025739729494620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-12271133876912981132011-03-24T14:40:00.000-07:002011-03-24T14:40:10.996-07:00What are Loquats.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlGKSf37atKXjvwrLKSVsR5TZKcWVnqUoeiol6OavIn3mwGaw3UXIkuywcmHJKC0LqDe_bRpYgiP1Vlatggxe4_ICEZJSpZmZENQ3LtITn7lvPatD82hl2jWry2GWbOxrjID2vbkW028/s1600/2011-03-10+17.43.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlGKSf37atKXjvwrLKSVsR5TZKcWVnqUoeiol6OavIn3mwGaw3UXIkuywcmHJKC0LqDe_bRpYgiP1Vlatggxe4_ICEZJSpZmZENQ3LtITn7lvPatD82hl2jWry2GWbOxrjID2vbkW028/s200/2011-03-10+17.43.33.jpg" width="200" /></a> Loquats are also known as Chinese pears. I learned this from Nathaniel, native of Miami, neighbor of the West Grove and friend to Erica and Kristy in the <a href="http://www.urbanresurrection.org/">Urban Resurrection Community</a>. Nathaniel was nice enough to barbeque/smoke a delicious meal for a college group of <a href="http://www.doornetwork.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=183">DOOR participants</a> from Reinhardt College.<br />
Once I figured out they weren't Kumquats, I described them to Nathaniel who knew them as Chinese Pears. I finally checked the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loquat">wikipedia article</a> for confirmation. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUwUTmUs7Bksf_06RtyGmKovdaZaVrxoy1j6UHeZXFgqp1cWINT-EPnpLII6pLEv-v4RbvwV6bL9NPYyCbSchnvah4HN82UrzLAPHmsP9NDojU49oydL1gHOvTeZHMx4eMbxat4hdv7I/s1600/2011-03-10+17.36.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUwUTmUs7Bksf_06RtyGmKovdaZaVrxoy1j6UHeZXFgqp1cWINT-EPnpLII6pLEv-v4RbvwV6bL9NPYyCbSchnvah4HN82UrzLAPHmsP9NDojU49oydL1gHOvTeZHMx4eMbxat4hdv7I/s200/2011-03-10+17.36.38.jpg" width="200" /></a> Most trees around town are kept much smaller. But like so much in my yard, it was already planted and growing a little wild. They make me extra happy when they ripen. It was this time a few years ago, we moved into this wonderful place. The kids climbed the trees and ate enough to make me worry they'd get a stomach ache. (How mommish of me.)<br />
I'll bet they are all over Miami and most folks don't know the fruits are delicious. But almond trees grow here as well, and most folks don't know it either. So much to learn. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-50621121990715207592011-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:002011-03-23T06:27:13.386-07:00The Variety of March in Miami<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyC0Hjx93htofX19DohBZau56KGKTh6U3bFUzBKQ9nls_2WVH5c38desc9yrerSp079Um_8bEuL6ZpN4RNTUv4bxSt8f_PUvBD813Rm7iqsXYlZ2W7nqMbLDgrmNbcrwIlCwG8suER6U/s1600/Pina+Nina+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyC0Hjx93htofX19DohBZau56KGKTh6U3bFUzBKQ9nls_2WVH5c38desc9yrerSp079Um_8bEuL6ZpN4RNTUv4bxSt8f_PUvBD813Rm7iqsXYlZ2W7nqMbLDgrmNbcrwIlCwG8suER6U/s200/Pina+Nina+2010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X9WU6VaxYXMByf3oleb5yW-Rz38kOCGKnrFF7L33m-aOqE8ziwHVANI6z2lp8tkI6K9Gz56yWqmBx8znTJU1S7RqtuFalx37gOzBD474bpeZ1camUOb7N71dYhApD_J54oI9Lck4Uo0/s1600/Bananas+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X9WU6VaxYXMByf3oleb5yW-Rz38kOCGKnrFF7L33m-aOqE8ziwHVANI6z2lp8tkI6K9Gz56yWqmBx8znTJU1S7RqtuFalx37gOzBD474bpeZ1camUOb7N71dYhApD_J54oI9Lck4Uo0/s200/Bananas+2011.jpg" width="150" /></a> In addition to Pina Nina growing every day, there are bananas coming along. What I had mistaken for kumquats, simply because I guessed, are really loquats. The three trees have a large crop this year. Tomatoes, potatoes, basil, mint, spinach, watermelon and sage are all doing well. The grape vine has burst into bright green. I still struggle with oregano and cilantro. For some reason, I just haven't been able to convince them to germinate well in three tries. And I sadly buried the habenero. Looks like a soil problem took it from the bottom up. The tropical climate of Miami has so much going for it, but I think the humidity lends itself to strange molds and mildews. I'm going to try 'solarizing' that particular bunch of soil before mixing it with compost and trying something else. doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-56904524470058833882011-02-16T19:03:00.000-08:002011-02-16T19:03:09.784-08:00Baby Pina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fiQFRg4eCLhCyNm9_gFA0T0AIQwfY5TIrkQlhWhUhDvcMvOW8LOw48b56xWcz5E5s8ouBAvTSJgRm-H8UVqsVTJ305HHIQM8oqQ9m0RW5NiZ8mZq9z5WGbWFoCDZ3jwfzKZagU5nTWU/s1600/2011-02-14+21.36.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fiQFRg4eCLhCyNm9_gFA0T0AIQwfY5TIrkQlhWhUhDvcMvOW8LOw48b56xWcz5E5s8ouBAvTSJgRm-H8UVqsVTJ305HHIQM8oqQ9m0RW5NiZ8mZq9z5WGbWFoCDZ3jwfzKZagU5nTWU/s400/2011-02-14+21.36.40.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>It's a baby pineapple being born! <br />
I think this plant has been gestating for 3 years. It was the top from a willing participant in my gardening experiments.<br />
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Slice the top off, remove extra juicy bits. Let it sit to dry out a little. I think I sat mine next to the sink for 3-4 days. Then plant it into the ground and water.<br />
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Three years later, viola'. Although I read it would only be two years. Oh well. Since this one, I've started 6-7 others.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-59459561144509833762011-02-10T20:25:00.000-08:002011-02-10T20:25:39.651-08:00Look what God grew!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZOKu2fk8k-IpbGqS69LAwAVeHDlXPyyrF_PcEGHU71mGf7UC2bVvHMb-ljHFQWS7oHv9qEUZc4BsbbioXCECDkJCsi57OIxGxmaaj9oca0MsPrXwxFmbEhDZBAkBFWupC_UpJAZf2Y8/s1600/2011-02-10+19.05.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZOKu2fk8k-IpbGqS69LAwAVeHDlXPyyrF_PcEGHU71mGf7UC2bVvHMb-ljHFQWS7oHv9qEUZc4BsbbioXCECDkJCsi57OIxGxmaaj9oca0MsPrXwxFmbEhDZBAkBFWupC_UpJAZf2Y8/s320/2011-02-10+19.05.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've been on a kick of posting photos of warm & sunny So. Florida on to Facebook. Last month I had the honor of attending the youth worker <a href="http://www.elcaymnet.org/WhatsAnExtravaganza">Extravaganza</a> in Kansas City and the <a href="http://www.apcenet.org/index.php">APCE Conference</a> in ABQ. In both cases those locations received record snow falls and low temps the day I arrived. <br />
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All that travel just made me love this place more. Giant spinach leaves growing in January. Potatoes growing from the peels I threw out after Christmas dinner. Pineapples making little baby pineapples from a top sliced off the grocery store fruit (after 3 years of waiting!)doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-56668845529602491712010-12-06T15:18:00.000-08:002010-12-06T15:18:07.541-08:00When it gets cold in SoFlaFrom time to time the temperatures really drop...even in sunny South Florida. Tonight is one of those nights with temperatures expected to get down into the 30s...there is even a frost watch. <br />
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So, if you find yourself in such a situation regardless of where you live, be sure to cover your plants. Tomatoes, melon, cukes, lettuce and herbs are particularly suseptible to the cold. Old sheets and towels work best but you can also use a bucket or old tire, if needed. Try to stay away from plastic or tarp, if you can. Even though they provide some protection (and are better than nothing, they don't do a very good job keeping the cold out. For some added protection spray down your plants before you go to bed or, if you have a drip irrigation system, you can mist them overnight. Any ice that forms on the plant will provide some insulation and protection.Jason Wysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01392025739729494620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-14770344880535115952010-11-15T16:30:00.000-08:002010-11-15T16:30:49.583-08:00Things are coming along in the new raised garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvM8BwPC9NdK_d9xQCs27ebikKfC1zevI7l7VzNrzBAmC7gWQ3_5gBdZDm59mwZU31ebZ-pQnGC1ZZDgkcxFGyJOjL6PKghayPYPuLZ2PPCcqrc0b35_ZM81zu4RIoMZwN9Ff63QQm3M/s1600/garden+11-14-10.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvM8BwPC9NdK_d9xQCs27ebikKfC1zevI7l7VzNrzBAmC7gWQ3_5gBdZDm59mwZU31ebZ-pQnGC1ZZDgkcxFGyJOjL6PKghayPYPuLZ2PPCcqrc0b35_ZM81zu4RIoMZwN9Ff63QQm3M/s320/garden+11-14-10.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The garden took off after the weather started to cool down. The cukes (to the right of Jonas) and lettuce (to the right of the marigolds in the foreground) are particularly happy. The tomatoes are a bit slow this year and peas got a bit of blight which I was fortunately able to treat before too much damage was done. I've also been very happy with the marigolds...as I haven't had to deal with a single bug issue so far.<br />
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At this point the garden is really low maintenance. I go out to pull the random weed a couple times each day and turn on the drip irrigation for about 10 minutes every other day. It's great therapy and gets me away from my desk and into the fresh air. It also gives me some opportunities to do a little "teaching" with the kids. I'm proud to say that they know how their food grows and that it doesn't come from a room in the back of a supermarket or a truck. It actually grows somewhere.Jason Wysehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01392025739729494620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800720305996572805.post-67521415781728229412010-11-15T13:45:00.000-08:002010-11-15T13:48:01.535-08:00Here I plant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ7ZyEc0nNUzyf6Qka0Edy9U3RwXj4eUVEK7CAN4kRluU3Zt2-OBQLj80Dek4AThPjNuvdzAnO2AtJKgx1lPn9Xn7dZHDs_VuG-dZfQ7hku2YQPyHZb7SjUjtWNN71lI41PSPiIssCB0/s1600/DSC06609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJ7ZyEc0nNUzyf6Qka0Edy9U3RwXj4eUVEK7CAN4kRluU3Zt2-OBQLj80Dek4AThPjNuvdzAnO2AtJKgx1lPn9Xn7dZHDs_VuG-dZfQ7hku2YQPyHZb7SjUjtWNN71lI41PSPiIssCB0/s200/DSC06609.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Traveling a lot can do funny things to you. It can certainly keep you from posting on a blog. <br />
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When I travel, I have odd habits getting more ingrained as I go. I always get a meal just before getting onto a plane. I carry some snacks that could be shared easily with seat mates if we’re all stuck on a runway for hours. Almonds and peanut M&Ms are favorites. <br />
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When I get home there is a list of items I need to check through. I first check in with the important people in my life- just to touch base at least a little. I get laundry caught up, unpack and pack the clothes I only wear when traveling away from Miami. The turtlenecks & wool socks go right back into the suitcase when they are clean and ready. We don’t usually need such clothing down here in sunny Miami, although I wear them if it gets down into the 60s. yikes.<br />
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Traveling could keep me from tending my garden. But it hasn’t. Instead, every stretch of time I have been home this last month, I’ve planted something. Honestly, I have killed as much as I have planted. Irregular irrigation probably.<br />
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The important part to me, is the planting. It is a very real physical representation that HERE are my roots. This is where I hope to produce fruit. And later, it is the great hope to feast together on all that God has grown. <br />
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I leave for another meeting this week. Today I planted more spinach.doormiamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048704939819288599noreply@blogger.com0