This morning, Jessica and I went to the Spring Mountain Community Center to do a tabling event for TLA. We got to talk to some folks who had heard about the garden and commented on the good work that we were doing.  I haven't been a part of this garden for long, but it didn't take hardly any time to know how people feel about its presence in the community. Everyone I have talked to about the garden gives a glowing report of what this garden has done for those who benefit from its growth. We also got a lot of comments from food pantry clients about what they would like to see in the garden. I think it's empowering for them to have a direct input into what they will be receiving from the garden. Their input helps us immensely, too!  The garden was created so people could get food; it helps if we know what food those people will actually eat.  TLA's direct connection to the food pantry clients helps us to better serve them. 

It was lovely out today; the sun was shining, but it wasn't too hot.  After the tabling event (and a delicious spinach-salad and salmon lunch!), Jessica and I went for a hike. We started on a trail, but about halfway up the hill, we decided to get off the beaten path.  We walked all along the creek behind the house, and decided to do the same thing on the way back down.  It was an adventure!  I'd love to get back up there to explore a little more sometime.  We saw some downy rattlesnake plantain, which are a kind of orchid native to eastern North America.  They usually bloom from July to August.  Here's what they look like:

 I first learned about rattlesnake plantain in Southwest Oregon and Washington.  There, they look a little different.  The lines tend to be less spread apart, like this:

Rattlesnake plantain was used by American Indians to treat snakebites, burns, and other ailments.

Well, I'm off to eat dinner! Happy Saturday!