August in the Garden

If one word were to sum up Spring Ridge Commons at this time of year, it would be ­Kairos

Kairos is an ancient Greek word ­meaning the right or opportune moment (the supreme moment). There is a delicate dance played at Spring Ridge; patience allows fruits to sweeten, yet too much patience may mean that another visitor may snatch that mulberry you have been allowing to ripen for days. Nonetheless, patience has its rewards, as does a keen sense of the Earth’s rhythm.
As I write this, I collect Saskatoon and Goumi berries with two wonderful ­harvesters, Gina and Tim, and yet by the time of print, the Goumi berries will be a memory. Kairos is high for Goumi now, and the window of opportunity is slim.
As you read this, the Damson Plums will be sweetening very nicely. The Morello ­cherries are ripe and swelling, and the figs and Autumn Olive will be on their way as well, growing more delicious by the moment. Sea Buckthorn berries, Oregon Grape, Red Flowering Currant, Elder ­berries, and the remaining Saskatoon and Goose berries make a delicious snack.
Plant of the Month:

Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides
Sea Buckthorn is known as the “Holy Fruit of the Himalayas” and may be the most complete super-fruit on the Earth. It contains over 190 biologically active ­compounds, with a full range of omega fatty acids in perfect balance, and is an incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Bee in The Garden continues every ­Sunday at 1:30-3:30pm at Spring Ridge Commons (at the corner of Gladstone ­Avenue and Chambers Street). All are invited to join be in nature, join the ­conversation, enjoy tea, play an ­instrument, create art, volunteer in the garden and gather food! Every 3rd Sunday at 1:30-3:30pm (August 18th, September 15th) join in the fun for a work party facilitated by Brent Howard, a local professional landscaper.