I'm feeling a bit melancholy today. 

Yesterday I went to the back garden and although I noticed things were changing, yesterday it was brought home that most of my plants are about "done." The cucumber plants are starting to die back. My cherry tomatoes which have been very generous are running out of tomatoes to ripen and the plants themselves look weary. I had been watching a cantaloupe to see if it was ready to pick. Apparently it was because it "picked itself." So, I brought it in. Sadly, when I was weeding, I pulled up another cantaloupe plant that had a small cantaloupe on it. So, I had to bring it in too since it is now an orphan. If nothing else, I'll save the seeds from it if it has any. 

It's been a pretty good gardening year. Good yes. Perfect, no. But I can't really complain. I had no luck with watermelon this year although I did multiple plantings with seeds. Last year we grew huge watermelons. I harvested garlic, potatoes, green beans, peas, and carrots, not to mention the gazillion cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Plus the regular tomatoes which are probably my favorite. I have two bell pepper plants and they had a slow start, but are starting to produce. And my herbs have been wonderful. I picked a bunch of Basil this morning. My hands smell delicious. I'm going to dry it so I have it this fall and winter to use in cooking. I plan to do the same with Oregano and Thyme. Here is my Basil plant and then the leaves I harvested:

Earlier this spring  I attended a class on growing herbs through an county extension offering and was gifted a two tiered pot with a bunch of herbs. I've used the herbs from the planter all summer. It was a great present besides a learning experience. I used the dill when I made pickles. I made mint tea for myself. So, it has been very productive as well.

But back to my sadness. I'm sorry to say goodbye to the garden and the plants. It was exciting to watch something come up or come about and see it grow. I know there are people who are excited for the fall and pumpkin everything and that's great. I'm just sorry to say goodbye to our fresh garden goodies.