Sunday, July 7, 2013

LONNIE'S GREEN-GREEN GARDEN





 Grandfather's home, Madison County, Kentucky



Nestled next to a heirloom country home is a green-green garden -- at least for now. The home once belonged to the grandfather of Lonnie, the present care-taker and gardener. The garden is filled with lush green leafed plants that will soon enter their color phase producing tomatoes, corn, squash and other delicious vegetables.






Lonnie weeding



Lonnie reinvigorated his grandfather's long dormant garden with gusto. He tells me he is a seed saver, a non-chemical user, and enjoys working in the garden. 


He has planted many flowers around the home and even has an individual "greens only" garden. 







The only part of his grandfather's garden that was left when Lonnie took over the garden was this above grape arbor. It is now producing hundreds of green grapes. Lonnie said he remembers it being there when he was young. 







Lonnie's grandmother collects most of the grapes for preserving. 






Right now the color green predominates in the garden. Look closely at the squash leaves above -- early color is sneaking in -- orange squash blossoms.







Small green tomatoes will soon be large red ones



I believe that healthy gardens flourish 
when a gardener works with nature.




14 comments:

  1. I wish I had a green thumb... humpf!!!

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    1. turquoisemoon -- I bet you do have one. -- barbara

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  2. Gardens know when they are respected and loved.

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    1. Florence -- Nuturing goes a long way when you have a garden -- the plants respond so well to it --- barbara

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  3. Barbara, these wonderful photos took me back home to Kentucky...beautiful!

    Lonnie is so kind to take over his grandfather's garden. I love that he plants from seed and uses no chemicals.

    The home in the background of the top photo, reminds me so much of my Aunt and Uncle's home in Kentucky from my childhood days.

    Thank you for helping to bring back some old memories.

    Jan

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    1. Jan -- the home in my top photo is one that is so typical of KY home types built in the early part of the 1900s. They certainly appear quaint on the KY landscapes. Unfortunately, they are losing ground as they are either neglected or torn down for newer homes. I do see, however, some of these homes being updated -- keeping their heirloom feeling -- they are just terrific to spot on the landscape as one travels about. thanks -- barbara

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  4. Just so healthy & natural & wonderful...& following a delightful tradition! I'm still in the midst of big doings, so not visiting blog world too often...Thinking of you, Rita

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    1. Rita -- oh we are in the same boat. I was not aware that you were attempting to move too. I know you must be swamped with "to dos."

      I never feel a house is sold until closing. I have known some house deals that fall apart before closing.

      But I am pushing ahead with packing and all and if this doesn't go through than the next one will -- according to my odds.

      Maybe by winter we will be all resettled.

      Wishing you the best -- barbara

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  5. It looks as if things are growing like crazy. We have trouble growing all these things--too many bugs. Organic growers use hydroponics, mostly, around here.

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    1. Hattie -- I would think that you could raise just about anything but your soil is key. Hydroponics is a good way to grow. I would imagine it would contribute to the price of the produce? thanks for stopping -- barbara

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  6. The expression "green fingers" comes to mind.

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    1. RuneE -- here in the U.S. we say someone like Lonnie has a "green thumb." Close to your version using "green fingers." Gardens are growing like jungle plants in KY with so many rain storms lately. thanks -- barbara

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  7. Green indeed. A promise of great things to come...:)

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    1. troutbirder -- Yes, I do believe this will be a year of abundant crops in this area. thanks for stopping -- barbara

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