Brigid's Flame for the Women of Ireland

Today is my flame vigil for a Brighidine order of flamekeepers that I belong to. My vigil has been dedicated to the women of Ireland. My hope is that tomorrow people will vote yes, so women there can have the same reproductive rights and freedoms as we have here in Canada.

Plan B Garden

Basil seedlings in desperate need of being potted up

Last year I had planted a bunch of perennials on my balcony garden, which was my first growing season in this apartment, after quite a few years of being lucky enough to have land to garden on. I was careful to choose plants that were at least two hardiness zones lower than the one I am in, used large storage totes to plant them in, and did my best to shield them from the elements. Even with all of that, it doesn't look like any survived the extra harsh winter we just came out of.

So instead of spending more money or babying along perennial seedlings, just to probably have them croak on me again, I am going to go the free route and grow annuals of seeds I already have. My balcony doesn't get full sun, but I am still going to chance some sun-lovers. Even if it is a fail, it won't cost me anything. And me with no garden is like a boat with no water. 'Taint happening. The following are what are going to be a part of this year's experiment:

Basil {a mix}
Black Futsu pumpkin
Borage
Broom corn
Calendula
Cilantro
Cornflower
Cosmos {Rubenza and Sensation mix}
Datura
Dill
Greens {kale, arugula, chard, and lettuces, where ever I can find room for them}
Jasmine scented nicotiana
Nasturtiums
Poppies {Angel Wings and Opium}
Scarlet Runner beans
Sweet peas {Cupani and Black Knight}
Teddy Bear sunflowers
Tomatoes {Black Krim and Indigo Rose}
Wild tobacco
Zucchini {Black Beauty & Yellow Pattypan}

I am also growing seedlings for an heirloom and pollinator garden at my work, which is in retirement/nursing for the elderly. It will be interesting to see if they remember any of the varieties that we will be growing there. I am happy to see gardens there for them to enjoy.

Hope you all are getting your hands dirty too!

Wild Leek/Ramp Pesto

Recently at a local farmers' market I picked up some wild leeks/ramps from the lovely folks at Wood Nettle Farm. Before I could even ask about views on wildcrafting practices, Tibrata mentioned the importance of harvesting them in a sustainable way, only taking some from any particular patch and only taking the leaves instead of harvesting up by the roots. That was all I needed to hear. And if you happen to be the area, they have what looks to be some amazing workshops and other events, including potlucks. I will definitely be checking those out and visiting them again at the market.

I am freezing some of my ramps, and decided to make a small batch of pesto. I have tried a few different recipes, some call to sautée the leeks, but I prefer to just use them raw. Below is how I made this particular batch, which yielded about 1/2 a cup of pesto.

2 1/4 cups roughly chopped raw ramp leaves

1/3 cup shelled pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

I just put everyone together in the food processor and that's it. Even easier than basil pesto.