The To-Do List from yesterday actually went rather swimmingly, with even a few additional tasks tacked on (with 16 plants, rose dead-heading takes a while!). The composter is nearly finished, just have to add the roof, which probably will not be today since it’s Father’s Day and sweating over projects in the garage isn’t high up on the priority list.
With the removal of the Beth Alpha cucumber, and the zucchini, the pineapple melon seems happier.
I’d been agonizing over the sort of crisped look of this vine after the rust attack a few weeks ago, but discovered a nice healthy section had curled itself into the cucumber trellis. It is now back where it belongs and covered with blooms.
This melon (of the NINETYSEVEN different varieties we’re growing) has caused the most anticipation in our household. Its full name is Ananas D’ Amerique A Chair Verte (Green Fleshed Pineapple), and was apparently grown at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson in the late 1700s. It is heavily netted and a light green sort of honeydew-esque flesh with salmon colored seeds. The scent, moreso than the flavor, is supposed to be quite redolent of pineapple.
At this point the kids just call it the Pantyhose Melon.
Since the corn is making ears now, I planted Red Rice Beans at the base of the stalks, in the traditional Three Sisters technique, though I’m using watermelons in place of squash. The only downside to using melons in this manner is you have to be rather vigilant about not letting them climb the corn, since those tendrils will grab absolutely anything. I’ve seen them grasping little bits of mulch, sticks, whatever was near to “hand.”
We found these huge concrete pots at Sam’s Club a few weeks ago ($10 bucks each!).
This one is holding a trellis, up which will go two different varieties of hyacinth bean. Purely ornamental, mind you, since I’ve no desire to POISON the family. Hmm…maybe another melon instead.
The Birdhouse Gourd vine is flowering like mad, and the first fruit is getting the point where it requires a little support.
I have a feeling I’m going to be taking volunteers for gourd rescue this winter. I don’t think there are enough birds in the neighborhood to populate this many gourds!
Oliver Update: The little man is sailing right along, had his first vet visit Friday, shots all around, meds for ear mites and fleas. He’s eating like a horse, never ever stops moving, and has the biggest buzz-purr you’ve ever heard.
I guess he’s a keeper.