After a few unsuccessful attempts despite plenty of flowers, we finally have a few eggplants on this large Bush. It was blown over by hurricane Beryl, but it seems to have survived the ordeal. We will see what the size and quality of the fruit turnout to be.
We have begun to enjoy some cabbage from the small crop planted in the spring. With just natural growth, they are small but flavorful. Next crop we need to intersperse with something to reduce the natural pests.
Announcing the arrival of the Malabar variety of spinach to our Fawudd Farms greenhouse! This unique and versatile plant brings a fresh burst of flavor and nutrition to the farm. With its vibrant green leaves and succulent texture, Malabar spinach is a delightful addition to any dish. Known for its high levels of vitamins and antioxidants, this leafy green is a powerhouse of health benefits.
Unfortunately, the passion fruit trees got way too large, and had interwoven themselves in the shade knitting, and had begun to work their way in between the roof panels. Not good. They needed to be relocated to their originally intended destination along the front wall. In doing so, we needed to harvest the passion fruit that were already on the Vines. This was a difficult relocation given how strong their roots had become in the greenhouse beds, and how hard it was to dig appropriately sized holes in the dry season! However, it was a valuable lesson learned about the need to pay attention to timing.
As an experiment, we planted some Navy beams to see how they would develop in the greenhouse. They did not appear to flourish, but they did manage to use the Trellis and to produce a small crop.
The Caribbean is known for its lush rainforests and idyllic beaches, but the region is also susceptible to droughts. And we are in the midst of one right now. These dry periods can have a significant impact on the islands’ water resources, agriculture, and tourism industries.
While the northern Caribbean recently received heavy rainfall, other parts of the Caribbean got little or none. We are currently under water restrictions, and have had a few wildfires !!
This melon grew on the ground in the greenhouse, as the vine escaped the confines of the raised bed. Nor a perfect specimen, but large and round and sweet.
Although the tree itself was looking healthy and vigorous, there was little evidence of fruit in the beginning. However this is changing rapidly and we have some nice healthy fruit on the way
Beneath the swaying fronds of palm trees, a silent dance unfolds. Tiny bees, nature’s tireless pollinators, flit between feathery blossoms, their fuzzy bodies dusted with golden pollen. This intricate partnership is essential for both: the bees collect nectar for their colonies, while the palms rely on the bees to transfer pollen, ensuring the next generation of trees.
Palm trees, unlike their brightly colored cousins, often have small, inconspicuous flowers. But that doesn’t mean they go unnoticed by bees. Many palm species produce fragrant blooms, rich in nectar, to attract their winged allies. Honeybees, sweat bees, and stingless bees are all frequent visitors, drawn by the sweet reward.
As the bees delve into the blooms to reach the nectar, their bodies become dusted with pollen. Unwittingly, they carry these precious grains between flowers, fertilizing the female parts and enabling the palms to produce fruits and seeds. This взаимовыгодное сотрудничество, or mutually beneficial cooperation, is vital for the survival of both species.
The relationship between bees and palm trees extends far beyond a simple exchange of food and reproduction. They shape each other’s evolution, influencing the development of flower shapes, scents, and blooming times. This intricate dance, played out over millennia, is a testament to the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.
