Thank goodness this ladybug is looking after the eggplants. I admit to being a supremely lazy gardener. I look at those self-sown rows of seedlings & perfect veggies of otherson insta with the utmost admiration, knowing that mine will never be so pristine. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Yes my raised beds are a wild chaotic wonderland, full of good bugs & bad (what are those small round black bugs on the favas?), a jumble of plants in no certain order (well I usually try to plant the trail-y things at the edge of the raised beds at least, so they can fall over the side), compost and amendments as much as possible, but irregularly applied.. and yet, still somehow harvest all kinds of lovely veggies and herbs. Even if they are not the most gorgeous specimens! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When I suggest installing veggie beds for clients (especially when the beds are a part of the visible landscape) I think they, too, can be intimidated by all the perfection portrayed on sites like these. Usually the two responses are: “Oh, I’ve never grown vegetables before (fearfully) “But won’t it look messy?” (aghast) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Me: • It’s easier than you think, especially if we install drip irrigation • a mix of edible plants can be more satisfyingly aesthetic than you can imagine • it’s always changing as seasons come & go, so there will be some messy times and some gorgeous times (subtext, it’s a garden ffs)• we live in LA, so we are never at a loss for something pretty yet productive to fill the beds • we can mix in herbs & edible flowers too • and so on.. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The funny thing is, once we do install the beds, I don’t remember anyone who hasn’t gotten pleasure & produce from them, beginner or expert. . . . . . #gardenbounty #livesustainably #gardenfresh #eggplants #favabeans #sustainableapld #growsomethinggreen #freshfromthegarden #thesunsetkitchen #growmoremagic #frommygarden #makemoments #eatmoremagic #welivetoexplore #huffposttaste #thatauthenticfeeling #seekthesimplicity #liveyourroots #liveunscripted #liveauthentic #verilymoment #feedyoursoull #sunsetmagazine #lifeandthyme #gardendesignmag #gardendesign #sustainableliving #sustainablegarden #growiteatit #forageandharvest (at Los Angeles, California)
