23 Juin, Sunday

Partly Cloudy, NNW at 16 mph gusting to 33 mph

88 degrees F, Precipitation .53 in

Bonjour, les amis, sometime has passed since the last post to this journal. Summer’s arrival has heralded the start of yet another season in the garden. Spring was mysterious and long, with much rain and flooding of the land adjacent to the Mississippi River; cooler temperatures prevailed until recent weeks. The spring plowing of some of the farmland in the Mississippi bottomland was delayed, and some of surrounding land is still too wet. In our small jardin potager, the challenge of the drenching downpours meant the direct sowing of the garden often had to be repeated, as seeds were overwhelmed by too much moisture and late frosts. Isn’t it ironic, considering the drought of last summer, where severe lack of moisture reigned over the land and most hours in the garden were spent watering in the oppressive heat?

The pea, spinach, and lettuce sowed late winter germinated well and all were growing nicely when the repeated rain and frosts caused some of the young plants to fail. One hopes the fall planting of these staples will have better success. The cabbages and red onions are thriving again this season, with the cabbages looking a bit worse for the attack of insects on their outer leaves. Within a few weeks, both will be ready to harvest, along with the carrots. Kale also grew well these past 2 months, but the spring radishes went almost immediately to flower. Cucumbers and squashes are now growing in leaps and bounds as the heat and rains encourage their growth. The different heirloom watermelon seeds are sprouting, but we have had to re-sow some of the varieties washed out by a few of the heavy downpours.

All in all, the jardin potager is surviving. A bumper crop of gooseberries are ripening, the flowers and herbs are flourishing. Earlier this spring, the French mallow (Malva Sylvestris), was in full bloom. More than half of last year’s growth of this hardy annual over wintered and bloomed profusely in May and early June. Now the pot marigold, love in the mist and French field poppies are beginning to bloom and herb beds are in full growth. After researching all winter, a replacement grape variety was found and we successfully planted our native Riverbank grapes (Vitis riparia) in May, and all transplants are doing well.

As we move through June, we recognize the reality of the coming July which will surely bring back the oppressive heat. Paul Le Jeune,  the new Superior of the Acadian Mission in the year 1633, related to the French Provincial of its order in Paris, “I have never experienced in France, anything like the heat and drought which we have had during this month of June.” We will persevere as have the generations of those who have gardened before us and continue our ever surprising journey.

Our first 2013 Heirloom Produce Saturday will take place July 13.  A new gooseberry recipe will be shared and time has been spent scouting for additional recettes featuring carrot, cabbage, and onion. Heureux Été!