Hello everyone,

We have had pretty perfect weather so far this week. The only slightly negative attention grabber was a Tornado Warning from Environment Canada which did not materialize. Not sure where that went. We got a few drops of rain and that was it. Actually we could use some rain right now.

This week was spent mostly getting caught up with weeding.( we are not caught up though) We finally had enough time because strawberry picking  is done.:(. Asparagus is in its last week. Which is all fine because we are swimming in summer squash and have lots of cucumbers as well. It is always so funny with both of those crops. First you harvest just a few which is like gold. Everyone wants a few and you run out in minutes. Then comes the abundance; and you start wondering how many different ways you can eat summer squash. Cucumbers are not a problem, I just eat them like fruit. This week I have been grabbing a quart basket of cucumbers, sitting on a bench and munching cucumbers with the puppies; One (piece) for Rosie, one for Blue and one for Mommy! It is amazing how everyone waits for their turn!

We do have a few more newcomers to the markets; leaf celery, although still fairly young and small, kale and collards, again just sizing up are going to be on the tables, next week we should look even better. With this heat a lot more will size up. 

Usually at the end of June, the first week of July spring flowers start giving up and that’s when it is time to pick perennials. Our bouquets this week will reflect that: shasta daisy, rudbeckia, hydrangea, feverfew, yarrow, phlox, roses, monarda and echinacea as well as snapdragon, delphinium and pinks. We will have more of last week’s beautiful striking blue/purple lavender as well. Sunflowers, zinnias and lilies are starting and will be much more abundant in a couple of weeks. Dahlias are still a few weeks away.

All in all with the exception of tomatoes everything seems to be on track. Head lettuce, beans, corn should all show up pretty soon.

This.week’s baking will be strawberry rhubarb pies, cherry pies, feta and spinach quiche and empanadas. We will have hummus and eggs as usual. 

We seem to have finally turned a corner and will experience pretty consistent warm weather. It’s great for kids going to summer camp and families going on holidays. I think the Great Lakes are finally warming up, our weather and temperatures up here are pretty similar to Toronto’s.  I  am hoping for sun-ripened tree fruits. Pies and preserves taste especially delicious when the fruit is sweet and ripe.  In the meantime my patio fig trees are looking really good, their numbers almost tripled, hope that reflects in the number of fruits we get. I will keep everyone posted as to how they fare.

Time to finish this email, and wish everyone a good night. 

Hope you can make the time to come to one of the markets, as you know it is our favorite day of the week when we see everyone!