Just a reminder, gardeners: the Gardener鈥檚 Market is now on, each Saturday from 9 a.m. till noon at the North parking lot of the Prairie Harvest Christian Life Centre (corner of Melrose and Simpson) in Yorkton.聽 This is your chance to buy or sell fresh local produce. If you would like to register as a seller, call Glen at (306) 783-7040.
This is an exciting time in the gardening year! If you don鈥檛 have a garden of your own, wonderful markets like this gives everyone a chance to enjoy delicious seasonal produce. And if you do have vegetables of your own, either in a garden or in containers on your deck or doorstep, the plants are bringing forth delicious gifts for us to enjoy. I always remember the delicious meals Mom always made for us, especially at this time of year. We were so excited when we were able to have that 鈥渇irst meal鈥� with all kinds of delights from the garden: tomatoes, carrots, beans, new potatoes with dill鈥� it was all so wonderful and so tasty! 聽
I can still picture in my mind鈥檚 eye just how her beautiful garden was laid out, where everything was planted, and how we would begin at one end with the rows of carrots, and work our way along with a basket, collecting veggies warm from the sun to make our feast! I am so grateful to my darling parents for the wonderful family times we shared together in the garden, but also for the chance to experience tasting so many kinds of vegetables that we grew ourselves. It began an appreciation and enjoyment of these 鈥渇ruits of the earth鈥� that continues to this day. Growing and picking our vegetables was such a family adventure that no one ever had to tell me to 鈥渆at my vegetables鈥�!
Okay, class, just to review: how many servings of fruit and veg are we supposed to have each day? Seven to ten is the correct answer. We know we may not always achieve this, but it is a goal to aim for in our diets. I read somewhere that half our plate should be vegetables and fruit, and the other half divided up between one quarter grains and one quarter protein. Of this, www.heartandstroke.ca says that 鈥淔oods with protein include fish, beans and lentils, tofu, dairy products and lean meat.鈥�
So let鈥檚 make it our goal this week, gardeners, to sample and savor something delicious from the garden! 聽
Did you know how delicious Swiss chard is when eaten raw? Mom always used to steam it slightly, but you can use it for salad, as well. Swiss chard is a veggie that is full of vitamin A and antioxidants, so it is very good for us! I found a dressing recipe that looks yummy for Swiss chard salad, so visit our website at www.yorktonhort.ca and let鈥檚 give it a try! 聽
Now, please get your calendar out and check these dates: If you are planning to be in Kamsack on Friday, August 11, you can take in the Saskatchewan Horticultural Association鈥檚 73rd聽 Annual Provincial Show, 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the OCC hall, hosted by the Kamsack Horticultural Society.
Then, here at home, Tuesday, August 15 is the date of the Yorkton and District Horticultural Society Annual Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Display Show from 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. at St. Gerard鈥檚 Parish Complex, 125 Third Avenue North, Yorkton. It鈥檚 a wonderful show! Bring a friend, enjoy coffee and dainties, and spend a relaxing summer afternoon! 聽
Have a great week, and if you are working outside, please wear a hat! Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca
