Early Morning Harvest

Each morning, I look forward to getting up, getting dressed, donning my grey hoodie jacket, washed red denim ball cap, and muck boots with basket, scissors and bowl in tow, and going out into the garden / budding food forest to gather the day’s goodies.

Starting in May I was able to harvest strawberries and greens (lambsquarter, kale, and swiss chard) on a daily basis.

Then the raspberries came in with a smattering of blueberries. Blackberries were just around the corner.

Today, I picked a nice sized basket-full of blackberries, a few strawberries, a bowl full of kale, and a couple bell peppers.

I try to get out there before the sun hits the berry parts of the garden to avoid interacting with the bees, but when I get a late start, I’ve learned to not freak out whenever I hear them buzzing.

I particularly enjoy listening to the birds singing as I stroll up and down each row. Their tune has a more calming effect than the roosters who crow outside my bedroom window starting in the wee hours.

Occasionally a little critter will dart across my path. Unwelcome guests they are, but I leave the tending to their eviction to my husband. I’m lucky if I can catch a picture of them before they scurry away.

Now, Summer is upon us, and I expect the window of berry picking will soon come to a close. Thankfully, I have grapes and figs to look forward to in the fall.

But until the last berry is picked, I’m going to continue to relish my early morning routine ventures into the garden, and steal every ounce of fresh juicy goodness while I can.

I never imagined I’d have my own fruit produce aisle in my backyard, but oh, how grateful I am for it now — thanks to my husband’s persistence and our Maker’s provision. 🙂

Do you have a berry patch in your backyard? Have you ever thought of having one? What would be your favorite to eat on a daily basis if you could?