Cauliflower
'Cheese', Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
and calendula seedlings have already sprouted and will soon be large enough
to put in the ground. Although they could be direct seeded, Ann Marie
prefers to start them in pots to protect them from slugs and squirrels.
If needed, chicken wire frames are placed over the flats of seedlings.
Lettuce will continue to be planted every month and parsley, kohlrabi,
kale and chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) will be planted in mid
October. (Tip: Parsley germinates faster if the seeds are soaked
for 3 days before sowing, rinse daily.) Some plants are direct seeded at
Horsetail Haven. Texas Bluebonnets, cornflower (Centaurea cyanus),
poppies, nigella, arugula and larkspur will be broadcast in flower beds
in October. Garden peas (Pisum sativum) were planted the last
week of September and are growing quickly. While their white blooms
are lovely, they are grown as an edible crop. At the end of October
nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) will be planted where they can be
covered during frosts. In the spring their cheerful blooms perk up
the garden and, along with leaves, add a peppery taste to salads.
Ann Marie also likes to make nasturtium bloom appetizers with cheese based
stuffing. Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) will also be sown in late
October or early November to provide fragrant spring blooms, new
gardeners, don't be confused, these "peas" are poisonous
plants.
The
Festival Hill Campus is the site for a wide variety of events as well as
a simple strolls through the gardens. Here two pharmacy school students
enjoy a walk on the grounds of Festival Hill after touring the pharmacy
garden with Ann Marie. For directions and information on music events
visit Round Top Festival Institute.