I haven’t updated you on my garden lately, so this is a good time to do that. I found a nursery nearby that sells fabulous plants. I picked up several fall vegetable plants, and Fabgrandpa spent several afternoons cleaning out the summer plants that were dying out, and re-potting the new ones. The one above is Rainbow Swiss Chard. It is a beautiful plant that tastes really good. I steam it and we either eat it just like that with a little butter and salt, or I add it in with some stir fried chicken and garlic. Either way, it is delicious. Four plants will provide two or three meals a week for a couple of months, until we get a freeze. And then, if I a quick enough to cover them up, it should still produce for a while longer.
In addition to the chard, we got some broccoli, some kale, and some Brussels sprouts. We love all of these, and are hoping they will mature in the 48 days the tags indicate. I use kale to make a fantastic kale and sausage soup. The broccoli will either be steamed or stir fried; and the Brussels sprouts will be steamed or roasted. These veggies also make pretty plants, so our little garden will look so good once they get growing.
This geranium was a really good investment for our porch garden. It has  bloomed all summer, and is still blooming its little heart out. I  just go out there with the kitchen shears every now and then and cut off the dead blooms, give it a does of Miracle Grow, and she takes off again. Fabgrandpa is planning to bring it in the house when cold weather comes to see if he can get it to come back in the spring.
Fabgrandpa’s Moss Rose is still blooming, too. Today was overcast, so it closed up the blooms early, but on sunny days, it is still a wow factor on our porch. We’ll get another one in the spring. This one has brought us a lot of joy over the summer months.
We pulled out most of the petunias to make room for the fall vegetables, but we kept this little pot going because it is so pretty. If you are thinking of planting a garden, on a porch or in the ground next spring, get a few petunia plants and you’ll have blooms every day.
The Dinosaur Kale has large, rumpled leaves, and is a dark green color. It is sometimes called Lacinato Kale. I like this kind  better than the ruffly, lighter green kind because it is not as bitter. Once the plant gets started, you cut off the outer leaves as they grow, and it makes more and more. I can’t wait to get a bunch of it so I can make a pot of sausage and kale soup.
Fabgrandpa has been looking for a nice Maidenhair Fern for a few months. He found this one at the same nursery where we found the vegetable plants. It is an indoor plant, but on nice days it goes out and sits on the porch rail to get some sunshine.
This is Destiny Broccoli. The tag says it takes 48 days to mature. That means in just a little over a month, we’ll have a head of fresh picked broccoli to add to a pan of stir fried chicken and garlic. I add some Chinese Five Spice Powder, some basil, salt and pepper, and serve over rice with soy sauce.
Putting together this makeshift raised garden was one of the best things we have done since I became disabled. It has provided a little bit of fresh vegetables over the summer, and will give a little more during the fall months, but mostly, it has been a great source of pleasure and pride for both of us. We had forgotten how nice it is to have plants growing around us. Gardening is such good therapy. If you have a disability that has prevented you from pursuing a garden, find a way to make one next spring, or right now for fall. It will raise your spirits tremendously.
Once more look at that geranium.
And one more look at those lovely petunias. How could you stay depressed with flowers like this right outside your door? Do you have a fall garden planned? What are you planting in it?
DJ says
So many nice plants! I really have to start getting my fall veggies planted. I want to have lots of lettuce, spinach, and some cabbage this year.
Jamie says
I’m getting ready to clear my garden out, since our season is almost over. I love the flowers, those are beautiful!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
You got lots of great veggies. Fresh brussels sprouts are my favorite – I could eat them every day!
Crystal says
I always think about planting in the spring, but my fall garden leaves a lot to be desired. I need to spend some time at my nursery. Hopefully, they’ll have some of that quick-maturing broccoli.
Eliza Ferree says
I have always loved gardening but sadly I’ve never been in a place long enough to have one. I’m hoping to start an herb garden now that I am in Indiana. I love the way your chard looks, full. I remember when you first did this, love seeing the update.
Liz Mays says
I love the garden! It’s awesome to see that you’re growing some ornamental along with the veggies.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
Before you know it, you are going to have so much yummy food!! I can’t wait to see what all you make with it!
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
What a beautiful garden. I need to start on our small one!
Jasmine says
Lovely! I wish I had the space for my own garden.