Lughnasa Moon of the First Harvests
We’ve settled into a rhythm that will continue until the last substantial harvest. I go out in the mornings and harvest. Kate then pickles, cans or freezes. I helped with the garlic drying, but otherwise she’s done all the work. We’ve had to clear the detritus out of the food storage room, gathered there over the winter and spring, because now trips down there for empty canning jars or to deliver full ones have become frequent.
Kate said she needed a calico dress and a gingham (Gangham?) apron. I suggested a bonnet. This work for her, right now, is primary in her life and she reports getting energy from doing it. She must because she stands long hours in the kitchen. Of course, she’s one tuckered out gal at the end, but the pantry has more stores and she feels good.
This whole garden is a dance with each of us playing different roles over the course of the season. I have overall responsibility for the gardens and their health. I do most, but not all, of the planting, all of the international ag labs supplementing and survey the various beds for plant health over the course of the growing season. If there’s corrective action to be taken, that’s my job. I bag the apples and take care of the fruit trees, also harvesting. (but not pruning.)
Kate weeds and that is one huge job. One I don’t like. She says it brings her satisfaction. I can’t get no satisfaction there so I’m glad she can. At harvest time Kate takes the lead and chooses what kind of recipes to use and what methods of preservation to employ. Near the end, when the leeks come in, I’ll make pot pies for freezing. We both do fall clean-up and I plant bulbs. Then the garden takes its long late fall and winter nap.
