The first Pear (Bartlett). I am thinking of actually growing the pear inside of the bottle, and then fill it with pear brandy (pear eau de vie). This practice of growing pears in the bottle is traditional in Alsace where pear brandy has been made for hundreds of years.

From what I read, Pear-in-the-bottle is highly labor intensive, requiring weeks of work putting the bottles on the trees in late May when the small pear will still fit in the neck of the bottle, tending them all summer, and picking them in late August.

Had a number of herbs which survived the winter. Chives, Sage and Oregano made in through the winter months. I planted Sweet Basil last weekend and this weekend I planted the Italian Curly Parsley which is great for eating and is so good with Pesto. I am adding little patches of flowers. I always think it looks good and it helps fight the bugs too. I planted some Marigolds next to the Nasturtiums.

The tomato list: Beef Steak, Early Girl, Brandywine, Prudence Purple. I think I am getting better at growing tomatoes. Heard one radio announcer say it is much to early to be planning tomatoes. She may be right, but I do not think it bothers them, the hardy ones will survive. The 2 stand bys are the Beef Steak and Early girl. The heirlooms are Brandywine and Prudence Purple. More may be coming, but they need space and a lot of sun. The first Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches will be in mid July.

This is the finished project. Now I am ready for spring planting.

Last week I ordered 25 cubic yards of compost. It arrived on Friday and it was good and it was free. It is amazing what you can get from Craig’s List. Spread it over the beds in front. But 80% is in back. There must be over 6 inches of compost in the far back and around 4 inches every place else. This will probably put a stop to the weeds.