Come See My Basil (Said the 4 Year Old)

Tree planting is always a utopian enterprise, it seems to me, 

a wager on a future the planter doesn't necessarily expect to witness.

~ Michael Pollan in Second Nature: A Gardener's Education

Planting the Bur Oak

It was to be our second day at the farm.* Zelda and I were excited as we packed our contribution to lunch, our gear, and ourselves and followed the map back to Wolfgang's Garden for the day. We were there to talk about tree planting (and plant a Bur Oak). After the planting we would visit and sing, share a meal and a walk in the garden.

WG wasn't sure what to make of Zelda. Our Z-girl LOVES kids, but she can be a little too friendly. WG approached her cautiously and continued to do so for a good bit of time. His caution did not override his manners or his pride in the place. And, since we were early, WG offered to give us a tour of the garden while we waited for others to arrive.

After meeting Charlie, the rooster (who spoke to us only after we spoke to him), we headed out into the field where we saw cover crop, okra, basil and so much more. WG is rightly proud of this garden. I learned which okra changed color when you cooked it.  I "oohed and aahed" over the buckwheat and eggplant. Then I showed him some of the wild things, asters and nightshade.

Do you know that bird? I asked. "It's a dove," he said. It was a mockingbird, but it didn't matter.

A Monarch flew by as we headed back to the barn.

"This is my cover crop. It's okay. You can walk on it and it bounces back." said WG.

A small part of the garden - Zelda was impressed.

Wildflowers still bloom in places.

I had no idea this is what would happen with Buffalo Bur - the "bur" splits and there is a variegated tomato beneath. These nightshades are as interesting as they are toxic.

Something prickly waiting for me to fall in it.

Okra going to seed. They "seed save" here. The seed will be planted for next year's crop.

I spent some time watching the birds (the mockingbird shown here).

This place is luscious - even this late in fall. The birds and pollinators are active in the fields, garden, and orchard.

A red damsel fly.

Leaf-footed bug and fly.

Black said her hello.

As folks arrived we loaded up the hayride. We traveled all around the farm, past the bulls, cows, and babies. We saw the orchard, the ponds, and creek. When we arrived at the tree-planting, TM shared her expertise about location of trees, shape of holes, types of earth and more. We marveled at the history and future of this part of the Blackland Prairie. **

As some carried water from the pond for the newly-planted tree the rest of us loaded up and headed back to the barn for food and fun.

Too soon it was time to go. Zelda and I hugged all around before we loaded up the car.

And another Monarch flew by.

Hayride time

Zelda was in dog-heaven. One young man said he was good with pets. And he was.

Such a lovely group of children!

Z had loads of opportunities to run, but did have to stay on the leash at times. She loved sitting with folks at the bonfire.

WG warmed up to Zelda just fine.*** Off they went for an adventure.

I love barns - they have secret places.

The last of the wild morning glories.

NOTES:

* We were here a week ago to plan the event. But we had not met WG yet.

** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_blackland_prairies

***He began to share MY warning about Zelda - "If you pet her and stop, she will jump on you so you will pet her again."