DOES IT EVER REALLY END?

 I received my order of seeds several weeks ago and dutifully filed them in my seed storage box.

The following week I read a gardening article that put me in that 'could 'a, should 'a' state of mind.  The solution of course, was to start another seed order list.

The article was 'The Power of Purple' extolling the benefits of the plant compound called anthocyanins. The compound may help reduce the risk of heart diseases, stroke, metabolic diseases and other chronic diseases.

In 2012 OSU vegetable plant breeder, Dr Jim Myers introduced 'Indigo Rose' tomato.  'Indigo Rose' bears a 2" purple skinned fruit high in anthocyanin compounds. Considering our add on time of 14 days, to the predicted date of 80 days, brings our productions time to over 90 days. I did plant it the first years the seeds were available.  Production was marginal probably due to the weather.  Since then, Dr. Myers and his assistants have developed two 'Indigo' varieties: 'Cherry Drops' and 'Blue Berries' that have shorter maturity dates.  I need to find a source of the newer varieties and try again.

Purple carrots are among the richest sources of anthocyanins that a gardener can grow according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture plant breeder.  'Purple Haze' carrot was awarded an All-America Selection in 2006.  'Purple Haze' is purple on the outside but orange on the inside.  The carrot is best eaten raw as the color and flavor lessens with cooking, but the high levels of anthocyanins remain.  Add to the new list.

Then there is purple kale, purple cabbage, purple beans, purple asparagus and on and on and on.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that adults should eat two to three cups of vegetables per day so I am sure we could add a little purple here or there in our menus.

After publication of an article in The Bulletin/Spokesman, about hummingbirds, I received a great tip from a fellow Master Gardener.  She had observed that Scarlet Runner Beans, were a magnet for hummers.  

Scarlet Runner Beans are a 70-day heirloom.  The scarlet flowers are edible, plant bears exceptionally good-flavored long pods.

The hint came at just the right time.  My honeysuckles were looking pretty tired last summer.  I will plant the beans to grow up into the honeysuckles.  The beans will grow 8-10 feet and definitely need a trellis or fence to sustain the growth.  Another item to be added to list number two.