Spurgeon Gardens

11/09/2024

10/08/2024

Announcing.... More produce!!! By appointment

This week, Oct 8-11
126 Arizona Ave.
By appointment only.
Text 309-335-8883
End of season produce available:

Potatoes … $3/ #. Over 10 # /$2.50….over 20 # / $2
Kennebec, Viking, All Blue, Yukon Gold
Storage Onions…$2/ #
Yellow or Red
Garlic … $6/ #
Horseradish

Mixed greens $4/bag
Contains arugula, Chinese cabbage, broccoli greens

Eggplant $1 each
Okra $2/ #
Green Beans $3/ #
Bell Peppers …$2/ #
Green, Red, Yellow, Purple
Hot Peppers …4/$1
Cayenne or Jalalpeno
Tomatoes $3/ #.
Canning Tomatoes $2.50/ # over 10 #/$2
Cherry Tomatoes $3/pint
Zucchini $1 each
Green or Yellow
Pat A Pan $1 each

All produce while supplies last. Most will be available until October 20.

10/04/2024

🌹 The Rose and Mary Magdalene: A Symbol of Divine Love 🌹

Did you know that the rose is often associated with Mary Magdalene in Christian tradition? This beautiful flower carries deep symbolism connected to one of the most enigmatic figures in the Bible.

Legend has it that after Jesus' crucifixion, Mary Magdalene traveled to France, carrying with her a vial of Jesus' blood. Where her tears fell, red roses are said to have bloomed, symbolizing both her devotion and Christ's sacrifice.

In medieval art, Mary Magdalene is frequently depicted holding or surrounded by roses. The flower came to represent:

• Divine love
• Transformation and spiritual awakening
• The mystery of life, death, and rebirth

Whether you're religious or not, the story of Mary Magdalene and the rose reminds us of the power of love, faith, and personal growth.

What's your favorite rose symbolism or legend? Share in the comments! 🌹💖

10/03/2024

Oh look, it's a prince!

10/02/2024

Juniper berries are the female seed cones of various juniper species, particularly Juniperus communis. Despite their name, they're not true berries but rather fleshy, merged cone scales.
Key points about juniper berries:

Appearance: Small, blue-black, berry-like cones
Flavor: Piney, slightly bitter, with hints of citrus
Uses:

Culinary: Flavoring for gin
Medicinal: Traditional remedies for digestive issues and joint pain

Harvest: Take 18 months to 3 years to ripen
Nutrition: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Cultural significance: Used in various cuisines and traditional medicines worldwide

Juniper berries are perhaps best known for giving gin its distinctive flavor. However, their use extends far beyond alcohol production, playing a role in both culinary traditions and folk medicine across many cultures.

10/01/2024

Shelf fungi play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by recycling nutrients and providing habitats for insects. While some species can be harmful to living trees, many are essential decomposers in the forest nutrient cycle.

09/28/2024

Good morning Galesburg! We'll be at the Galesburg Farmers Market from 8am to noon today.

09/27/2024

Catch us at Galesburg farmers market tomorrow at 8am to noon!

09/26/2024

Just gardening it up

09/25/2024

We'll be at Knoxville Farmers Market today from 3-7pm!

09/24/2024

"That time of year thou mayst in me behold When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold, Bare ruin'd choirs where late the sweet birds sang. In me thou seest the twilight of such day As after sunset fadeth in the west, Which by and by black night doth take away, Death's second self, that seals up all in rest. In me thou seest the glowing of such fire That on the ashes of his youth doth lie, As the death-bed whereon it must expire, Consum'd by that which it was nourished by. This thou perceiv'st which makes thy love more strong, To love that well which thou must leave ere long."

-- William Shakespeare

09/21/2024

See you at the Galesburg Farmers Market! 8am to noon!

09/20/2024

See you tomorrow at the Galesburg Farmers Market 8am-noon!

09/19/2024

“As participants in this great work must be named the bat and the hedge-hog, the owl, the martin, the swallow, and all the smaller birds, the lizard, the adder, the frog, and the toad. Praise be to God who has given us as protectors from that glutton, the insect, such birds as the swallow and the warbler, the robin and the nightingale, the martin and the starling. And yet these invaluable creatures, guardians of earth’s bounty, a delight to the eye, a solace to the ear, have their homes pillaged by the barbarous and stupid robber of birds’ nests. Praise be to God who for the protection of our daily bread has given us the owl and the toad, the hedge-hog and the bat, the adder, the lizard and the mole. Nevertheless these useful creatures that come so valiantly to our aid are cursed and calumniated, and we stupidly vent upon them our loathing and hate."

-- Jean Henri Fabre, Field, Forest and Farm 1919

09/19/2024

Goldenrod syrup can be used as a seasonal variation of simple syrup.
Here's how you can make it!
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh goldenrod flowers (make sure they are clean and free from insects)
2 cups water
2 cups sugar (you can use honey as a substitute for a richer flavor)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Harvest and Prepare the Goldenrod:
Forage goldenrod flowers from a clean, pollution-free area. Choose bright yellow flowers that are fully open.
Gently rinse the flowers to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Make the Goldenrod Infusion:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add the goldenrod flowers to the water.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the flowers steep for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how strong you want the infusion to be.
After steeping, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flowers. You should be left with a fragrant, golden-colored liquid.
Create the Syrup:
Return the strained goldenrod infusion to the saucepan.
Add the sugar (or honey) to the infusion and stir to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
If you’re using lemon juice, add it to the mixture now. This will help preserve the syrup and add a slight tanginess.
Once the sugar is dissolved and the syrup has slightly thickened (this usually takes about 5-10 minutes), remove the saucepan from heat.
Bottle the Syrup:
Allow the syrup to cool slightly.
Pour the syrup into a sterilized glass bottle or jar using a funnel. Seal the bottle or jar tightly.
Storage:
Store the goldenrod syrup in the refrigerator. It should last for several weeks.

09/18/2024

Knoxville Farmers Market today from 3-7pm!