A Great Day at McRorie Community Garden

Yes, it's that time of year in this brilliant place, Florida. You know what I mean. If you live anywhere that has citrus, you are fully aware of this phenomenon. It's called Spring. 

I can remember excitedly telling people that March is the best month to visit Florida. People in California, for example. Funny. People in Chile. Even more funny. People in Spain. Hilarious. Why? Because they all know what happens this time of year. The citrus blooms and it smells great. End of story.

Not quite, cowpoke!

You gonna get some more whether you like it or not! Let me tell you, it's nirvana here in the swamp. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, you're gonna notice. You're gonna see it. It smells so delicious, you want to eat it. You may be walking down the street and there it is, that smell. It smells kind of sweet and gasoline-y at the same time.

I know...I should have quit while I was ahead. But, it's so good and I want to tell you all so bad. Words fail me. (no joke!)

Here's some more. Not one of my better shots, but hey you get what you pay for ;-). Yes, it's beautiful. How we wound up with this delightful citrus tree in the middle of our garden, I don't know. All I can say is thank you, thank you...thank you verrrry much. (Use Jay Leno's voice as you read this to yourself)

What's this, cowpokes? Why, it's mint! And, it's what we in the community gardening biz call a "volunteer", because I sure didn't plant it. But, there it is in all it's glory, hanging out in my patch. All you have to do is pick a little of this sweet stuff, boil some water, drop it into the pot and wait a few minutes. Tao of Tea beware. You've got nothing on this. It's so good, you'll want to cry with joy.

Try making some cookies to go with it out of ... I don't know what. I'll get to that one day. I have a trusty Kitchenaid mixer I have never tried, but the day will come. Soon! If you're into baking or using that contraption somehow I am all ears. Please fill me in. 

You want more? I'll give you more. See that tree above? It smells so good! You may read the news and hear all sorts of awful stuff. Blight, plight, trite. Whatever. This is one thing you can do yourself. Despite everything. In spite of ourselves. 

Here's a little view of the patches to the east of mine. You want beans? You need a trellace? Can you even spell trellis? Obviously, I can't. But, I jest. Anyhoo, you can see by clicking that trellis link that a trellis may cost anywhere from $20 on up. But, not if you use your noodle and make one yourself. Isn't that beautiful?

I can remember some years ago our fellow gardner Bruce Lipnickis planted some loofahs and his trellis was covered with them. 

Ok...I've gone on and on enough about what a great day it was at the garden this weekend. Time for a kale smoothie and yes, I even smell some blossoms here in my humble abode emanating from who knows where. Life is good. Hope the same for you. If not, I hope this little ditty cheered you up a little. If you're looking up and seeing waves, then I beseech you...take a deep breath and venture outside yourself. Physically or metaphysically - do your best and get out. It's going on out there and we want you to join us!