This should be titled "My Fantasy Garden", because I have neither the skill nor the soil to grow this beauty. (It should also be noted that a good part of the inspiration for this comes from my friend's garden, which is currently pushing out enough tomatoes to keep Chef Boyardee afloat.)
But if I had the skill, and if I had the soil, my garden would bloom out something like this:
- Tomatoes. Not just because of my friend's garden, but because they're so versatile. You can put tomatoes in damned near anything. Hell, you can even satisfy a pizza craving with just a raw tomato, a bit of basil, and some parmesan cheese.
- Green beans. They aren't as exciting as tomatoes, but that's a good thing. The underwhelming nature of green beans makes them the universal side dish.
- Cantaloupes. Because they are awesome! No one in this house will ever turn down cantaloupe!
- Fuji apples. The huge, sweet ones that I can't get at my local supermarket. Why? See "Cantaloupes". The same rationale applies.
- Garlic. Left to my own devices, I'd use garlic in place of salt. Also: vampires.
- Basil. To eat with raw tomatoes.
- Oregano. Because, for certain dishes, oregano is a better fit than basil.
- Cherry peppers. For pickling. And for stuffing olives.
- Spinach. Raw or cooked, it's my favorite leafy green. And the best salads always replace lettuce with spinach.
- Butternut squash. You've never cooked a chuck roast with butternut squash? You've missed out!
- Pumpkins. Just because they're so damned cute! Also: pumpkin rolls and jack o' lanterns!
- Peppermint. Just in case I ever learn to make my own soap.
- Sunflowers. In part because I like the look of them. But also because sunflower seeds help with giving up nicotine.
- Arugula. I've eaten this green on very few occasions, but it certainly left a strong impression. I crave it, now, from time to time.
- Honeysuckle. For when I leave the windows open.
- Privet. See "Honeysuckle".
- Evergreen trees. Just because.
- Olive trees. For brining olives. Preferably big, green olives.
- Mushrooms. Butter, salt, pepper, meal. Also: on pizzas, stuffed and baked, or raw in salads.
- Brussels sprouts. With lots of butter, my favorite side to a nice eye of chuck.
- Cauliflower. The Potato Replacer!
Now, the real driving force behind this post: I had leftover macaroni, cheese, and pinto beans for breakfast. The idea of a rich, varied, healthy, and sustainable food source is monstrously appealing to me, at the moment!







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