Mistik Acres

Right now we are really enjoying the gardens with all the colours and smells of all the beautiful flowers.  The Zinnia's, Dahlia's, Amaranthus, Galdiola's, Celosia, Rudbeckia, Sunflowers, Sweet Peas (and I can go on, and on) are all vibrant and abundant.  The cool evening temperatures, I believe, are a huge contributing factor to the vibrancy.  The rains have been plentiful and the storms have only produced strong winds so far this summer.  The trees we planted for shelter around the gardens are really doing their job this year for the first time.  So next year I can cut back on the annuals I plant for wind protection.
Pat is busy harvesting vegetables for the Saskatoon Farmer's Market tomorrow.  We will have leeks, celery, carrots, beets, onions, squash and tomatoes.  It is the 36th anniversary this weekend at the Market so lots of events happening to celebrate the milestone.  We will be offering samples of our naturally grown celery for people to try.  It is a lot stronger in flavour than the store bought celery.  We have been using it in soups, and stews etc.  It will be a nice addition to the tomato sauce we make in large batches and freeze for winter use.  At this time the tomatoes are free of blight and the fruit is ripening on the vines.  The little critters are also enjoying the tomatoes as soon as they ripen, if we don't get them picked right away.  The raspberries are still producing and we will have those available this weekend.  We dug out a few horseradish roots for the market, as we have had a few requests recently.  They like to use it in their homemade pickles.  The fresh cut flowers will be available, in ready made bouquets and individually, so people can create their own arrangements.
The garlic will be harvested next week and we will be making a small batch of ready to eat horseradish.  We have a patch of beans that we planted later, so we should have fresh beans available at next weeks market.  The herbs are doing well and we are continually dehydrating them for winter use and sales at the market.  We have mint, basil, summer savory, oregano, rosemary, thyme and catnip.
Stop in at the market Saturday and check out all the offerings.  This weekend, to coincide with the anniversary, with every purchase, you receive a chance to win a $36.00 gift certificate.  The draw will be made at 2:00pm.  The special of the week is in the succulent section, buy one get one free