22 Jun 26 Crazy question, but have you noticed that there is a distinct lack of quality organic fruit and vegetables at the moment? I mean, mostly I grow what I can, which can be either fantastic for me or a big win for Ralphy-poo who managed last year, to wipe out the whole season of Black Boy Peaches that I had lovingly nurtured and grown. Slowly, night by night, he sucked them off the tree, chewed all the fruit bits, and then discreetly spat out the stone. He got away with it right up until the last night, which by then was far too late to do anything about it. Ralphy-poo - 100 Mumma - 0 I grow other vegetables, but between the chooks, Ralphy-poo and me it is always first in, first served. I also try to support local organic shops when I can, but honestly, they try their best, but they can be a bit hit and miss. I also regularly used to go to the local markets, but then they got lazy and weren't very good. But I was absolutely craving silverbeet the other day, and since that is one of my vegetables which really do have to be organic, I hit the market. First market wasn't even open - apparently some "issue" and "...would be back sometime in the future." Right. I hit the next market. I scored some super tasty and smoking hot, Vietnamese lamb skewers, a pair of sissors, some lolly cake crumbs (don't ask), a bowl of micro-greens (organic! yah!) and two Creme Brulee donuts (one for a friend, don't be judgey!). No silver beet. Or carrots, brocolli, cauliflower or any other fruit or vegetable which might be organic. So then I started asking around my friends and asked what they were doing for organic fruit and vegetables. Some had some growing in their garden, again no silverbeet (how is that even possible?), but most were like, "I haven't been getting any...." So my question to you this week is, Where the fuck is it? But I can't complain though, I mean, I will, but I shouldn't, because as much as my garden is not immediately outside my door at the moment, it is, in any way that you judge these things, still my garden. My good friend, Phillipa, has all the transportable trees from my deck of: apples, peaches (yes, Black boy!), peaches (normal), pears, plums, apricots, mandarins, passionfruit, avocadoes, Kyoho grapes, apple custard trees (thanks Aria and yes, they are still alive!), fig tree, cherry tree, ruby grapefruit, marshmallow, tumeric, celery (I can't stand to eat it, but it is great for juicing with granny smith apples and fresh lemons and/or limes), carrots (Phillipa and I thought they were marigolds so had been pulling them out before we realized, then had to re-plant while the horses side-eyed us), olive trees, orange trees and lemons and lime trees. Along with pots of tomatoes, garlic, watercress, kumara, potatoes and courgettes... And my new trees/bushes have just arrived (now also living at Phillipas) of: blueberries, raspberries, boysenberries, (possibly blackberries), strawberries (as big as your palm), bananas (blue - they are crayon blue when they are growing, and turn yellow when ripe, and taste like vanilla ice-cream!), pineapple and Black Pudding (looks like an avocado, has a creamy texture and tastes like a chocolate pudding)....and comfrey. When the young one and I were up north earlier this year when he was back home, we went to this amazing garden in Russell that did this tricky little number with comfrey. Not to mention my seeds: beetroot, brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower, capsicums, chillies, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon, rock melon (I bought 2x last week at $11 each at the shop and they were crap, so decided I would make my own), beans and pumpkin... which can't be planted until we're on our land. Oh wait...and silverbeet and spinach (organic, naturally) which we have just planted in the big pots again and of course, I almost forgot to mention, my herbs like sage (x2 - one for smudging and one for eating/drinking), rosemary etc... So you're right, I can't complain, This life is perfect, in its random, totally weird and absolutely imperfect, way. Love always, T and Spirit, dino_the_dinosaur_kettle and the tribe. * I respect the Elders where I work, live, laugh, play and love - Past, Present and Future.
