Gifts from our gardens

The blueberries in the above photo were collected in the wild so to speak. At Whitefish Point we have tremendous access to several types of blueberries, both within close proximity to our cabin and on the state land across Whitefish Point Road.

Before returning to Ann Arbor we picked blueberries wherever we found them. There were enough for rather blueberry-rich pancakes for 3-4 meals at the cabin. And now the blueberries that we brought home have magically (thanks to Susan) turned into blueberry muffins that should last for a week.

Our garden in Ann Arbor is approximately a 30-foot square (thus 900 square feet including walkways and the composting area) but usually provides fresh vegetables during the summer, as well as some that will be canned for winter use.

The above photo shows some of the Roma tomatoes that will dominated the canning scene, as well as a few of the delicata squash that will spend some time in the basement before making it to the dinner table, along with spaghetti squash and acorn squash.

Currently, we are getting 80-100 cherry tomatoes a day, with the occasional other item, such as a big beef tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper or zucchini (not in the photo).

I’ve had gardens here for some 37 years. In 2003 I built the raised beds which provide about 300 square feet of planting area and the majority of yield. Currently pole beans have replaced the garlic that was harvested (some 115 heads for the year). We have been collecting basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, chives and mint as needed. It is wonderful to need an herb, or sometimes a vegetable and just walk outside and collect it. Soups and sauces are always enhanced with fresh herbs and veggies.