A short visit to a fabulous 2nd year vegetable garden which is the result of much time and love. The garden is the result of two years work of friends of our family. I was overwhelmed by both the garden size and the crop variety knowing this would be a garden anyone would dream to have. Congratulations ... a few photos of the large and usually sunny family garden ...

A 2nd Year Vegetable Garden ~ In the Beginning
When the family purchased their home recently part of the vegetable garden was already in place with four large 4 x 8 feet raised beds. The new garden followed the same format and more than doubled in size, along with a great makeshift greenhouse.

Vegetables & Fruit Choices
In this part of the Lower Mainland, near the ocean, the climate is more moderate and it was interesting to see fig and peach trees growing well and bearing ripening fruit.
The Strawberry Patch: One of the raised bed gardens was full with strawberry plants and producing an abundance of fruit, much to the joy of our grandsons. As well as having a bounty of fresh berries to eat there were also over 10 pounds of berries frozen in the freezer.
The makeshift greenhouse was such a good idea as it used a frame from a portable carport and simply re-covered with plastic. It was overflowing with hanging baskets of thriving tomatoes, herbs and veggies and of course a chair to take a break and contemplate.
Due to the large number of wildlife, especially deer, in the area, there is the need to have a high fence completely surrounding the large vegetable garden. Bamboo poles made great growing ladders for cucumbers as well as for fences.

In Closing ...
I know this 2nd year vegetable garden was the result of much labour and love and it shows. This article and also The First Year garden are examples of what you can do if you set your mind to it.
This is one of those wonderful gardens you simply enjoy spending time in. It was exciting for me to see, and learn about the plans, schemes and gardening dreams of the next generation and perhaps also the generation after.
If you are looking for a "lifestyle" which includes exercise, mental wellbeing, with the added bonus of fresh and healthy "real" food from your own garden ~ this is a perfect example to help you start.
Thanks for the tour and the delicious fresh fruit "treats". Looking forward to our next visit. Very best wishes and continued success with your great garden ~ Liz
In almost every garden, the land is made better, and so is the gardener.
~ Robert Rodale

Links and References :
- 8 Reasons to buy or make a Greenhouse - CAP (2017)
- Grow Your own Fruit at Home including Fig - (CAP 2017)
- Many reasons to Use Raised Beds - CAP (2013)
- Guide to Pesticides in Produce from @EWG aka The Clean 15 & Dirty Dozen lists
- How to Grow Sweet Potatoes - Michigan State University (2016)
- What is Real Food Anyway by Robert Lustig MD, Endocrinologist

Harry Gardner
Great site, lots of good information!
Liz Gardner
Thanks Harry, Appreciate your letting me know you enjoy Caramel and Parsley. Stay posted for hopefully lots more new articles, etc in the coming months. Best wishes ~ Liz