In early September, I handed over a small portion of the “Back 40″ of our Arlington store to our employees there. The instructions were simple - plant a vegetable garden and use only items (seeds, plants, materials) found on the premises. As hard as it was for me to do, I then stepped back and let them proceed. I am loving the progress so far. Some started the next day; others took time thinking about it. Some are works of art; others reflect a more practical bent. I hope none of them is offended as I describe them.

Laura has used chopped stone to define the perimeter and spaces within her area.

It is beautiful. A border of red romaine surrounds a Brussels sprout plant, black seeded Simpson borders a cauliflower plant. There are stands of evergreen onions, Italian and curly parsley, sage, Italian oregano and chives. Freckles romaine edges the area around a beautiful kohlrabi.

Evan has fashioned a trellis out of four bamboo poles and hog wire. Peas are planted at the base and are getting ready to climb it. Eli has diagonal rows of nasturtiums, cilantro and several varieties of lettuces. Matt is cutting arugula and endive from his space daily for salads. Ever the practical one, he also has radishes and cucumber planted. Kathy and Meaggan also have steered towards the practical, planting peas, carrots, lettuces, arugula and radishes.  The one unclaimed space has been planted with red clover - it will be turned over early next spring.

They have all had fun doing this. For those of you in the area, do take a moment and check it out.