Over the years, I have dipped and dabbed in gardening. There is something so satisfying about eating from my own garden. Kale Chips have become a regular appetizer at dinner time. Roasted Eggplant is also a regular.

One thing that always seems to get me down is pest control. I get so frustrated sometimes with the different pests to deal with. The challenge comes when trying to remain chemical free in the garden. Growing organic is always the goal. We have tons and tons of banana bunches. The soil is so rich and the water so abundant. I am so grateful for this beautiful earth and for this beautiful place that I live.

The herbs in my garden are also so abundant. Basil, Cilantro, Rosemary, Scallions, Garlic... so healthy and so fresh.

I also have marigolds in the garden because of it's orange and gold beauty but more because it chases the pests away.

Gardening and eating from the garden is so satisfying. It's important for children to get in touch with the earth and know that food comes from the earth and not from the grocery store.


[Image] The two flowery blooms is pak choy -- part of the cabbage family. This has to be my favorite cabbage. It has a mustard flavor and I usually put it in a soup or stir fry it. Delicious. Right beneath that is arugula -- this usually shows up in salads. It never disappoints!



[Image] This is my bed of manoa lettuce. It is very delicate but so delicious. Handle with care when harvesting this!


[Image] I harvested some swiss chard (left) and manoa lettuce (right) for dinner. I wash it very thoroughly as both delicious leaves are visited frequently by creepy critters - snails, slugs, lizards, etc.