Big chili
Not a recipe from me today but a trip around my little courtyard garden. I’ve never had so many successes at once so I thought I’d share them. The first ones are my giant chilies. I love the Christmas colours! They’re growing faster than I can use them but I did manage to use a few to make chili oil last week.
Mint
The next stop is a cute little pot of mint that continues to grow for me. I think it’s nearly time for some mojitos!
Lemongrass
I never knew what lemongrass looked like growing until I complained to mum one day about how much it costs in the supermarket. ‘We’ve got masses of it growing at home’ she responded. I’d never noticed it, but thought mum was neglecting to remove the giant grass-like weed growing in the corner – lemongrass. These are just babies I planted from seed (shaken from the top of mum’s mature plants) a few weeks ago.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is happily growing below the lemongrass. These little plants were offcuts from my grandma’s giant Aloe Vera. They seem to like their new spot and are doing well – ready to treat my next kitchen burn.
Pumpkin
This is my miracle pumpkin. I was making a pumpkin cake a few months ago and didn’t like to waste the seeds (I hate wasting anything as Will found out the other day when he discovered 3 cubes of frozen wine in the freezer – good for cooking!). I roasted some up and the rest of them I threw in random places around the garden. I had little hope that they would actually sprout but this one is going strong!
Herb pot
I made this herb pot up at the start of last year and it is invincible. I’ve never had something that I can neglect so badly and still be rewarded with herbs-a-plenty. The Italian parsley has slightly overtaken recently and you can’t see the rosemary and mint hiding under/behind it.
Vietnamese mint
This giant herb is Vietnamese mint. I was gifted it at the start of September (in a tiny pot) and it’s grown like crazy. I have a few recipes ready to try it out but haven’t ever had it before. If anyone has any recipes that use it I’d love to hear from you as you can see I definitely have an abundance.
Rocket
My little crop of rocket is doing well. Every few weeks I sprinkle a few more seeds and they sprout up for my lunches. Some people might find it sad how excited I get being able to pick my own salad from the garden but I love it. Plus, a packet of seeds costs about $2 and gives you a massive supply of fresh rocket. $4 will by you one bag at Woolies. I know which one I prefer. Simple savings all the way!
Lemon
My pride and joy – lemon. I have been nurturing this little guy like a baby and he’s slowly growing. I’ve had this plant for two and a half years and had about 6 false starts. It flowers, grows teeny, tiny lemons then they fall off. This time, about 5 of them have stuck around. My lime tree hasn’t had quite as much success but I’m nuturing it all the same and hopefully one day I’ll be rewarded.
More chili
Last on my garden tour – little chillies. I don’t know what they’re actually called but they’re so cute! They provide a beautiful rainbow of colour as they grow too. Starting off purple, they fade to yellow then orange before becoming a vibrant red. My great aunt gave me this plant as a tiny seedling at the end of last year. I thought I’d killed it when it shriveled down to practically nothing but a few months ago it got a second wind. I gave it it’s own pot and it took off much to my delight.
Having all of these things growing five steps from my kitchen doesn’t take much time at all. Recently all I’ve had to do is fertilise every few weeks and rain has looked after them. The little time and effort is well worth the rewards.
I didn’t realise just how many of my plants were free or grown from a tiny little seed. It still baffles me how one little seed can provide so much! I can’t wait to have a big backyard and grow everything I possibly can. I’d love to have a garden like Celia’s from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. There’s nothing better than being able to walk outside and have your pick of fresh veges, herbs and fruit. Not to mention it’s rather nice on the bank balance too!
What have you got growing in your garden?
I am Claire & I love food. Here you'll find my favourite recipes, tips, tricks, restaurants & plates full of frivolity with the odd crafty post. New inspiration posted daily.
I’ve been to Celia’s garden and it’s amazing. she even gave me some of her precious chicken’s eggs and they were delicious. Your garden looks great! And I didn’t know you could grow pumpkin in a pot!
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