Eating Spruce?!!

In the studio–how a scratch behind the ears makes us both feel good. Painting, "New Wings."

From the edible landscape–spruce buds. Believe it or not, they are delectable for a very short window–when the "needles" are soft and bright green. Eat them raw, toss them in a salad, sprinkle them over your veggie or meat burger. They have a slight evergreen taste, but mostly, they're lemony, bright, and delicious. Rich in vitamins A and C, they also make a nice tea. We tossed them in with a quick snap pea sauté this morning. Yum! They lose some flavor when cooked, so pop them in at the end for warm dishes. Fermentation fans, they're supposed to be delicious pickled, but we haven't tried that yet. Have you? Let me know!

I've gardened directly in the soil, in small containers, and in straw bales for many years. The new, black locust, raised garden boxes are a backyard dream. We had our first homegrown lettuce salad a couple of days ago. Peas are climbing their trellis. Rapini, beets, and broccoli in back bed. Potatoes and beans in the other 2 beds. So much easier on the back! I've made a polite request for 4 more big boxes for next year.

See details from above painting, New Wings.
See details from below painting, Sun 1 (Flowers).
See details for below painting, When the Lilacs Bloom.

"When the Lilacs Bloom," 43H x 62W inches, on canvas. In a virtual room. ©2020 Michelle Louis

Sun 1 (Flowers), 20 x 16 in. ©2020 Michelle Louis

This is my "social" veggie garden. It's planted along the street. Passing neighbors stop to ask questions or chat. Favorite moment so far this year–a 4 year old neighbor gleefully shouted from the road, "You look like an old farmer in that big straw hat." His dad quickly interjected, "Not OLD farmer." with a wink.