Rooftop growth.

Rooftop Growth.

the Soil Box is where the soil from last year is stirred and tossed into some fresh compost and the addition of perlite and vermiculite to lighten up the consistency resulting in good drainage and maximum root growth. Anyhow the leftover soil seemed like a good place for a smorgasbord of flowers with a mix of hot peppers too... and some of it is already blooming nicely !

Soil Box contents include:

Portaluca, Gazanias, Sonata Cosmos, Echinacea, Tithonia Sunflowers, Jalepeno Peppers.

Detail of the blooming Gazanias.

Its a daily task to sweep away the daily discharge from the big towering maple tree above.

Just about ready for the first meal of Rainbow Chard and flavor bombs of fresh Herbs.

Heirloom tomatoes and hot peppers are doing great in the cold frame... just about time to pull them out and stake them up.

Always great to have a herb box to spruce up dinner.

This years batch is:

Oregano, Lovage, Thyme, Savory, Lemon Balm, Sage and Chives...

the Lemon Balm is winning, probably going into some tea this weekend.

Also growing on the rooftop this year is a tight lil grouping of Rainbow Chard and Tuscan Kale.

I plan on harvesting most of these on the smaller size and not letting them get out of control as the amount of soil is not really sufficient for lush thick stalks, but we shall see how they progress.

Munching a little spinach but the heavy heat has got it wondering what happened to spring.

The summer breeze has been good for the deck and it's always so satisfying to see hard work pay off. Lots of hours have been spent this spring sifting soil, planting, watering and sweeping... but as nature responds to your efforts it always seems easier and more gratifying everyday especially when you get to eat your rewards.

Stay tuned for some early harvest dishes, an upcoming trip across the border and a community garden plot update !