Putting the garden to sleep

The growing season for many plants is now over.  It's time to complete the harvest, prune and weed and mulch and let the soil rest.  I always feel a bit sad about pruning my plants, and afraid that they won't survive it.

My blackberry is fading.  The roses are a bit tired and the tomatoes are ripening the last few fruits on the vine.  I've been putting off this work, but now it is time to let go of spring and summer.  Next year, they will come back, stronger and more beautiful, but the winter months without them are dreary.

Hopefully, when my family completes it's move, and the wheel of the year turns again, these beloved and long suffering plants will get a permanent home in the earth, not just my planters on a patio.  Good night little friends, I can't wait to see you in the spring.

Don't forget to visit the October etsy feature post and enter to win a 7 card tarot reading from intuitive, Kat.  The drawing will be October 31, s check back then for the winner.  Good luck!

Pumpkin processing

It's that time of year, when those pretty orange and white gourds are everywhere.  Besides being fun to carve and decorate, they are also good eating.  Use pumpkin in soups, breads, cookies, cakes, and pies.

Fresh pumpkin, while not as convenient as the canned variety, makes better recipes.  It's not hard to do, just a little time consuming.  The difference in results in well worth the effort, however.

Cut your pumpkin into large pieces that will fit in a baking dish.  Remove the seeds and pulp.  Place in the baking dish with about 1/2 inch water in the bottom.  Bake at 350 until fork tender.  Allow to cool. Peel off the skin and run through a food processor or mill until smooth.  This puree can be frozen until needed or used immediately.

Don't forget to check out this month's etsy feature: Reaching the Through the Veil and enter to win a seven card tarot reading from Kat of EmKat Creations!  Drawing will be held October 31.