Growing My Own

This year, we decided to curb our dependence on Monsanto and Archers Daniels Midland by installing an edible landscape. The backyard was a pit, filled with sand and rock and the occasional mesquite tree. We had to landscape anyway, so why not toss a few tomatoes into the mix? Being Italian, a few peppers, some eggplant, a little basil, maybe some oregano, dill, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, garlic, more garlic, lots of leeks, strawberries, greens, greens and more greens joined the mix.

And, of course, a fig tree. And citrus. And some stone-fruit. And almonds.

We added a bird feeder. The result crosses urban curves with St. Francis Assisi A-Go-Go and since this is Phoenix, not Philadelphia, I'll raise a Captain Morgan's and diet coke to the memory of shaking out the woolens while I snip fresh lettuce leaves for tonight's salad.