Beginning of gardening season 2012! Hank's gourds are growing quickly and look at the size of the giant pumpkin plant. This photo was taken the first week of June, and at the end of June there was a tiny pumpkin making its way into the world! The gourds behind hank are starting to climb as well... there will be a bountiful harvest of colorful gourds by Fall's end.

In early June, the baby spinach, snap peas, potatoes, radishes, carrots, and greens were all starting to grow fast. The peppers, tomatoes, and corn were catching up up to them by middle of June. It finally became warm enough for a few seniors to come out to the gardens and finally peak around. Some even grabbed a couple radishes and ate them straight from the garden.... dirt and all! During the last couple weeks of June, the cooks inside Parkhaven came out to harvest some greens and radishes for lunchtime salads!

The herbs grew so fast! There was marjoram, chives, mint of several varieties, lavender, basil, and parsley. I heard rumor of sweet tea with fresh lemon mint on the Fouth of July!

The Parkhaven Gardens couldn't be more beautiful without the daily dedication of resident and lifelong gardener, Hank. He tends the beds and waters everyday, sometimes twice a day when there is heavy wind and drying conditions. This photo is of Hank planting some early acorn squash. He pulled the harvested snap pea plants, tilled the soil, and planted the seeds. Its hard work bending, stretching, pulling, planting...especially in 85 degree heat! Thank you so much Hank for your hard work and and very helpful hand... we've learned quite a bit from you!  

And, yes - end of June brought a harvest!!!! After snipping enough mixed greens, baby spinach leaves, and radishes for forty 40! hungry seniors, we rinsed them clean! They will have a fresh, organic mixed green salad to go with their loaded baked potatoes tonight! The photo at top shows a giant collander full of salad greens.

Eager residents have been pulling and eating carrots, tomatoes, and radishes most of August. Walter was curious and helpful to find the ripe tomatoes. Check out the corn, gourds, and pumpkins growing in the background! The giant pumpkins were already 10 pounds. Stay tuned... Parkhaven has some amazing veggies growing.

The potatoes are huge! Hank has done an amazing job watering all summer long. Thank you!