Kitchen Garden Day

Today is Kitchen Garden Day. Described as “global, decentralized celebration of delicious local foods produced on a human scale”, it is intended to bring together those gardeners who enjoy growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs and preparing them in healthy, creative ways. Started by Kitchen Gardeners International, the day serves to remind gardeners of the satisfaction to be gained from harvesting locally grown produce.

My own celebration is small. It was to have begun with planting some lettuce and peas followed by a dinner including fingerling potatoes with parsley and the first summer squash of the year. Mother Nature, an unpredictable guest at any party, had other ideas. Sheets of rain precluded planting and turned potato digging into a rather soupy mess. Still, this is all part of the joy of kitchen gardening. The rain has brought out a myriad of rich fragrances that can only be found in the garden, and only after a rain, making the treasure hunt for potatoes a feast for the senses (muddy touch included). It is a pleasure to mark another year as a kitchen gardener.