Drive-In Entertainment and Garden Cuisine Over the Weekend of July 13th to 25th
In the heart of the summer season, families across the region are enjoying the fruits of their labour and the bounty of local farms.
At Harmony Farms in Rhode Island, the pick-your-own blueberry season is in full swing, with the season expected to continue through August, subject to crop conditions[1]. Lori, Mama, and others have been diligently working in their own garden for an hour or two every morning, about four to five times a week, tending to a variety of vegetables including squash, zucchini, and purple beans[2]. Their hard work has paid off, as the garden and pumpkin patch are currently looking vibrant and full of life.
The deliciousness of their homegrown produce is further enhanced by the use of lard from sausage bought from a friend, adding a rich, mouth-watering flavour to their fried vegetables[3]. Remarkably, no salt is needed when frying these garden-fresh delights.
Meanwhile, the blueberry patch has been a hive of activity. Lori stayed and helped in the blueberry patch from morning until noon on Monday[4]. The kids, including Tilly and Samuel, have also been getting in on the action, carving their names in their pumpkins and enjoying the 12-foot tall sunflowers in the garden box[5].
The Berry Patch and Sunrise Harvest Farm are also thriving, with abundant rain showers supporting the growth of their blueberry crops[2][3]. At The Berry Patch, the picking season is just around the corner, though specific details about exact dates or conditions are not provided[2].
Family fun extends beyond the gardens, with the kids attending a drive-in movie to see the live action of "How to Train Your Dragon"[6]. Andy made cardboard cars for everyone but Thomas and Kaitlyn to watch a movie at home[7].
Delicious strawberry salad is another highlight, made using lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, almonds, and raw cheese from the garden[8].
This year has been the best year for the garden so far, despite issues with squash bugs, hornworms, and deer[9]. Clearly, the dedication and perseverance of these families have led to a bountiful summer harvest.
References: [1] Harmony Farms - [2] Gardening and Blueberry Picking - Personal Communication [3] Gardening and Cooking - Personal Communication [4] Blueberry Picking - Personal Communication [5] Sunflowers and Pumpkins - Personal Communication [6] Drive-in Movie - Personal Communication [7] Cardboard Cars and Movie Night - Personal Communication [8] Strawberry Salad - Personal Communication [9] Garden Issues - Personal Communication
Homeschooling has been adapted to align with their lifestyle, with children like Tilly and Samuel learning about the food-and-drink they are harvesting from their home-and-garden during their lessons. The bountiful produce from the garden and blueberry patches, including blueberries, squash, zucchini, and even sunflowers, have become an integral part of their food-and-drink education.
