Rabbit Snacks in the Garden

As spring turns into summer, my garden is beginning to yield small crops of rabbit snacks. At least that’s what he likes to think.

The raspberry bush in the front yard is starting to produce it’s first batch of berries. Planting this bush was an experiment and I’m thrilled that it’s actually still alive with the added surprise of yummy treats.

The rabbit was a little impatient for the first berry to ripen.

So close, yet so far!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

Then, I made him wait a little longer . . .

Yes, its as tasty as it looks.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

The pinto bean bushes had a major growth spurt and are producing a number of pods. Here they are on the vine . . .

A tripod!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

. . . and here’s the first harvest:

Raw beans are toxic, little rabbit!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

Over in the zucchini patch, two were ripe for the picking. More are on the way and I suspect our friends we’ll be getting some free zucchini again this year – providing I can distract the rabbit.

Big zucchini for a small rabbit!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

The plum tree we planted earlier this spring is barely a stick in the ground, but he’s intent on making plums! A baby plum is holding onto to one of the branches:

One little plum holds on for dear life!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

Even the bees are getting a yummy snack. The wildflowers are still blooming like crazy, giving the birds and bees a feast!

Buzz, buzz! The bees are here!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

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c.b.w. 2013

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Garden Treasures

The summer heat may be blazing, but my garden is thriving!  The sunflowers are blooming and I’m making some yummy salad with my freshly picked zucchini (yup, I’ve included a recipe!).

Gold petals unfurl
Beautiful blast of yellow
Sunlight on a stem

A sunflower finally blooms!

The zucchini harvest continues to yield some great picks off the vine.  My little bunny thinks he’s going to steal one, but he doesn’t realize those suckers weigh over a pound each.

There better not be any bunny nibbles on that zucchini!

I made a great zucchini salad by modifying a recipe from Incredibly Easy Salads.  Here’s how I made it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound zucchini, unpeeled
• 1 medium sweet onion, sliced thinly
• 1 medium orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram

Directions:

1) Halve and cut zucchini into 1/8-inch slices.  Combine with onion and bell pepper; set aside.

2) Combine vinegar, water, oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and marjoram in a bowl and whisk until combined. Pour over vegetables.  Chill overnight.

Makes 6 servings.

To serve:

I’ve found the marrinated zucchini/veggie mix to be quite tasty on its own, but you can also serve it over some salad greens.  Use a slatted spoon as the dressing is quite strong!  A little bit goes a long way.

Enjoy this cool, refreshing salad as a light supper or as an appetizer!

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What’s growing in your garden?

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c.b.w.  2012

Haikus: My Garden Grows

Big Bubba’s growth spurt
Huge leaves shade pale peach blossoms
Zucchini grows wild!

Don’t get lost little rabbit! Big Bubba is huge!

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Peppers in a pot
Bright green hands wave to the sun
Summer babies grow

Green peppers take root!

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First harvest of spring
Tiny green orbs in small pods
Nibble on sweet peas

My first little peas!

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To see where these little guys started, check out my previous garden posts:

My Little Garden

Haikus From My Garden

My garden continues to grow tomorrow with more pictures and haikus. Stay tuned!

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c.b. 2012