the start of summer gardening

We have very limited space in our garden (2'x5') so in order to make room for summer plantings we have to rip out our spring harvest. I have been struggling to know when I should do this as I hate to waste any of our beautiful lettuces but yesterday our spinach gave me the sign its time to go - its bolting. Bolting is when the plant is in the last stages of its life and it goes to seed - essentially its trying to reproduce before it dies. With spinach the leaves start to grow rapidly and become pointed at the ends. The plant also produces a flowering stem which will cause all energy and resources to be diverted from the root system resulting in poor harvesting and eventual death. 

Our lettuces are also starting to show signs of bolting although its not as easy to tell with them. One source stated that lettuces will produce a milky sap when on their way out. I have started to taste some bitterness but nothing extreme. Either way I will probably be digging them out this weekend and giving gifts of lettuce heads to my neighbors. 

The caterpillars have finally slowed down on eating the kale and three out of the four plants are doing well. The fourth is still growing but its color isn't as vibrant and its a bit soft to the touch. My tentative plan is to keep the three thriving kale plants but to not start eating them again till fall when the heat has broken. 

I am torn on what to do with my three strawberry plants. I have had them for two seasons so I am sort of attached but they just don't produce very well (maybe 10 strawberries per plant). I am starting to think the soil content might not be right or maybe its the amount of sunlight they are getting. I will probably end up composting them as well although it will be rather reluctantly. 

I haven't totally figured out what I will replace everything with but I know I want tomatoes and basil. Beyond that I have been thinking about cucumbers and maybe some other herbs. My plan is to get some advice at the farmer's market and go from there. More updates with summer planting to come! Have a good weekend!

artist feature: madeline denaro

walk away 2 by madeline denaro - 2011

Madeline Denaro is a Fort Lauderdale based artist who's work is "very much about process". She describes her paintings more about the experience of making and remaking rather then an end intention or final product. I like her work for its color and sense of form. Enjoy!

Nimbus by Madeline Denaro - 2010

Everything Gets Turned Around by Madeline Denaro - 2010

Tossing Compliments by Madeline Denaro - 2012

Fidgets, Frolics and Fantasies by Madeline Denaro - 2014

Breath Series (maize) by Madeline Denaro - 2008

john robshaw

John Robshaw Textiles is a company built on the passion of its founder. After studying fine arts at Pratt and traditional block printing in China, John Robshaw traveled to India and fell in love with local fabric making techniques. Since that time he has continued to travel the globe building a company that uses traditional methods to create modern and current textile designs. Using various workshops in India, Robshaw produces pillows, furniture, bed linens, table clothes and other home decor items. See below for a few favorites. 

1. Kumera Brinjal Euro pillow  2. North Sea Dec pillow  3. Luxor Settee  4. Rabari Lavender sheet  5. Madura Lapis Euro pillow  6. Monsoon bedding