Category: Annuals

Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in February

Post author By Barbara
Post date February 5, 2013
16 Comments on Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in February

What a delight to have news for The Garden Bloggers Harvest Day this February and the veggie patches of Two Gardens will thrill any gardener. The summer’s warm temperatures and the busy helpers have kept their side of the deal. All we have to do is pick the fruit and eat it!!!!

Let’s see what can be harvested from Barbie’s Garden this month

I am so excited to bring in my basket of goodies from the veggie patch. The photos will be the proof of all the love that has gone into this years harvest. So much on my plate – we have to have a huge dinner party to go through all the fresh vegetables!

Love my tomatoes!! My favourite is the Roma! I also have the small yellow Blondekopf! Very sweet and delicious!

[one_half]Roma tomatoes are plentiful[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Tomatoes in various stages of ripeness[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salad Days!! With green and red basil[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I have all sorts of lettuces![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Sweet Basil is a favourite in the house[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I love the colour of red cabbage[/one_half_last]

I have all kinds of squashes – butternut, hubbard and gem squash

[one_half]This hubbard squash is an heirloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]And the butternut squash is delicious![/one_half_last]

I kept my fennel plant to harvest the seeds! I just love them!

[one_half]Here they are drying out! So pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]These are Peppadew chillies-lovely and sweet[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Peppadew plant is just lush this year[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A new addition – Eggplant! Almost ready![/one_half_last]

[one_half]And the Figs! So amazing![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Can’t get enough of them![/one_half_last]

About Garden Bloggers Harvest Day

Please join us on the 5th of every month and show us what you’ve harvested. Whether you have a massive vegetable garden or grow a few herbs in pots or just pick a few peaches from a tree … we’d love to see! It’s all about sharing our experiences, photographs, successes and failures as we “learn to grow”.

So prepare a post on your blog about what you harvested this past month, link up to us at The Gardening Blog and then, add your link to the Mr. Linky below so we can all visit your blog and “share in your harvest”. And leave us a comment! We LOVE hearing from you!

Mister Linky's Magical Widgets — Thumb-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
For best results, use HTML mode to edit this section of the post.

Tags garden bloggers harvest day

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features

Ramblers and vines

I have been watching my garden daily and to my wonder, there are so many vines and climbers and rambling plants that I have in my vegetable selection, I will have a bountiful harvest of squashes and cucumbers this winter. I have tried to grow cucumbers before with no success, so this one I am following like a hawk. The Butternut Squashes were successful last season, but I had so many of them stung by some pest! I have a new squash – the Hubbard squash! A newbie to my garden, so this one I am watching closely. Some of my vines have not done well – the grape vine started off looking strong and healthy, but slowly drooped with the nasty wind we have had everyday for weeks on end! This is very unusual this time of year, so everything looks dried out and all my plants need lots of watering!

here is the small yellow flower of my cucumber vine

[one_half]A small cucumber growing – sweet![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Here is one in a growth phase[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love the way they climb[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The tendrils holding tight![/one_half_last]

My small Gem squash – I love these!

[one_half]I think this is a watermelon vine[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ladybug keeping the pests off![/one_half_last]

[one_half]The closed flower of the butternut squash[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Oh! Here is a small butternut squash[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Have a few of them growing-my favourite[/one_half]

[one_half_last]I really like these flowers – pity none are open[/one_half_last]

[one_half]This one all hidden away[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hanging like a bell over the raised bed[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Here is my Hubbard squash-heirloom seed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My grape vine did not do well[/one_half_last]

What is climbing, rambling, creeping, trailing in your garden?

Happy Gardening xxxxx

Tags butternut squash, climbers, cucumber, hubbard squash, ramblers, vines

Annuals Barbie's garden Bloggers Harvest Day Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in January

Post author By Barbara
Post date January 5, 2013
10 Comments on Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in January

The Garden Bloggers Harvest Day that Two Gardens have initiated is showing a generous following and we appreciate all those who enjoy getting their hands dirty and digging up delicious wholesome vegetables and picking scrumptious fruit. The new year has brought hot and windy weather to our southern shores, so summer hats and blockout is part of the gardening arsenal this month.

Let’s see what can be harvested from Barbie’s Garden this month

The year has started and I have very little to show in my harvest basket! Oh dear! Nothing seems ready for the picking quite yet – come on you lazy tomatoes!! I have lots of herbs ready and I am pleased that I can finally pick my own sweet basil. I look back on last years’ harvest, and I have to say that I have refined my vegetable choices quite a bit to what works and what I enjoy eating and growing. A good deal less to harvest, but eaten all the same! The lazy holiday feeling has not helped either! Let me show you what I can harvest now and probably harvest soon, but not quite yet ….

[one_half]Sweet Basil galore![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chillies too![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Fried Green Tomatoes anyone?[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Still harvesting Broccoli[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lemon balm, Thyme, Oreganum,Mint[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Baby butternut squash[/one_half_last]

What’s in store …

[one_half]A variety of squashes[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New quince[/one_half_last]

I have lots of potential lemons and figs, but these I will keep for next months Harvest Day when I can eat them!

About Garden Bloggers Harvest Day

Tags garden bloggers harvest day

Annuals Barbie's garden Bloggers Harvest Day Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in December

Post author By Barbara
Post date December 5, 2012
14 Comments on Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in December

Can’t believe that this is the twelfth Garden Bloggers Harvest Day that Two Gardens have posted. Summer has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere and the gum boots, wheel barrows and garden spades are toiling along side these two happy gardeners. The year has flown with lessons learned – both good and imperfect – always with sincerity and good intentions. This month will show what we have lovingly added to the edible part of the garden.

Let’s see what can be harvested from Barbie’s Garden this month

The summer is finally here and the holidays will see me living in my garden. I can go with my basket and return with a variety of veggies. The berries are a disappointment, but this is because something beat me to it! I have tons of lovely herbs and the summer fruits are showing signs of life. Let me show you what I can harvest this month ….

A basket full of goodies – carrots, broccoli, beetroot and baby potatoes

[one_half]Lettuces main growing crop[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cabbage[/one_half_last]

Lots of Swiss Chard

My first successful chive harvest. I am collecting seeds now and through experience, now I know where to plant them.

I prefer growing red cabbage – looks great in the garden and on the table

Red onions – sweeter and not so sharp as white onions – great in salads

The same plant is now producing more chillies!

[one_third]Coriander[/one_third]

[one_third]Butter lettuce[/one_third]

[one_third_last]New tomatoes[/one_third_last]

New additions ……

Here are my new additions – new lettuces (mine have bolted already!) coriander, parsley and cucumber (let’s try this again!)

A new brinjal plant – I have never tried this before – so I am excited to get this in the ground!

Herbs galore …..

[one_half]My favourite – sweet Basil[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Chamomile – love the tea it makes[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Origanum[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Thyme[/one_half_last]

What’s coming….

[one_half]A variety of squashes[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Tomatoes galore!!![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Figs looking good![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Potato harvesting soon[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Fennel seeds to harvest soon[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lemons ripening![/one_half_last]

About Garden Bloggers Harvest Day

Tags garden bloggers harvest day

Annuals Barbie's garden Bugs & Pests Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Bugs alive

I guess with the sunshine and the great goodies the garden has to offer, it is not surprizing that I will be seeing more and more critters taking advantage of the flowers! But, I have seen less bugs, so far, than last year. The ladybird beetle is back and she loves the celery and coriander bushes. Aphids are still my archrivals. They are in the roses, lemon tree, brassicas and now I see them in the Artemisia Powis Castle. This is unusual because I thought that bugs don’t like the Artemesia plants. Well, that is where the Ladybird beetle comes in – go fetch!!!

My Calendula is something new to my garden. I read about the great benefits of this wonder plant – Calendula is has been used throughout history in skin preparations. Calendula is beneficial for dry or damaged skin and also promotes the fast healing and regeneration of the skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying calendula topically is effective for decreasing inflammation and promoting the healing of wounds, burns, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. But the beetles swarm the flowers and the caterpillars are making a feast of it!

[one_half]Munch munch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Little black beetles everywhere[/one_half_last]

I seem to think that the bugs like the YELLOW!! This is the first spring that I have so many ‘daisy-like’ flowers – this is Chrysanthemum.

My hero – the Ladybird beetle!! Go get em!!

Oops! sorry! I see you guys are busy!

A Dandelion in the meadow does not escape the jaws of these little critters!!

I am happy to see that my home-made bug spray is working wonders. I always start with a soapy solution for the Aphids, but this doesn’t seem to last long. I have to apply it frequently, so I tried a new solution. I take Tansy leaves and Artemesia Wormwood and make a tea of this. I have read in Margaret Roberts’ book of 1000 herbs that these two are excellent bug repellants. I fill a bucket half way with the leaves, pour boiling water until it covers the leaves. Leave to cool. Strain the tea and place in a spray bottle with a teaspoon on Sunlight liquid (dishwasher liquid).

I sprayed my Roses last thursday and the Aphids are still gone. However, the new shoots need treating, so I will give it another splash of Bug Spray! This is the only plant that I spray – the rest I leave for nature to enjoy. I have so much to be thankful for, I can let it slide for now!

Happy Gardening xxxx

Tags aphids, Bugs & Pests, flowers, garden, plants, roses

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Last October Days

After the heat of yesterday and the windy morning, I finally ventured out into the garden to see what needed tending. Besides the blown-over trellis and the build-up of weed, I was amazed to see lots of new growth and happy flowers. I am amazed at how much a garden can really give you when you offer some love and care. I treasure the surprises and the jump-for-joy moments, like the new Louisiana Iris in the front garden, the first new Rose or the Broccoli sprout and the sweet carrots.

My first rose bud. It is so sweet and gloriously scented!

[one_half]Dianthus in full bloom next to the Tea Tree[/one_half]

[one_half_last]New rose bushes with Powis Castle[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Salvia Hot Lips in the rose patch[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Some rose buds, Fuchsia growing tall[/one_half_last]

[one_half]What a beautiful colour-Louisiana Iris[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A single perfect flower-just lovely![/one_half_last]

[one_third]Artemesia[/one_third]

[one_third]My Auntie Henna Rose[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Fuchsia lush and green[/one_third_last]

The Grass Feature is coming alive. The grasses are in their 3rd Season, so this is the year for them to shine!

[one_half]The grass feature is amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in full growth[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The riverbed still looking good[/one_half]

[one_half_last]This will be so nice in summer[/one_half_last]

Well, the front garden is in full display. The Leopard trees are about to bud and within a few weeks will be rich and green with new leaves. Now let’s see what the back garden is doing …..

The Carnations are still blooming – together with the Yarrow. Both are new to my garden and seem to be happy in the new bed.

[one_half]Chamomile- great tea[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Sage – Salvia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Calendula – my first ever from seeds[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A favourite medicinal flower[/one_half_last]

My first Fennel plant with flowers – from this one I will collect the seeds.

[one_half]Babiana are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My first carnations that didn’t die on me[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Sweetpea up the ladder[/one_third]

[one_third]The new bed[/one_third]

[one_third_last]Buffy hiding from me[/one_third_last]

[one_half]My new apple trees in bloom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Quinces are now starting[/one_half_last]

[one_half]New strawberries – I love spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blueberry bush also producing[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Watering hole next to the Tansy[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another watering hole[/one_half_last]

[one_half]My first Lily-behind the pineapple sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A dove in her new nest in the potato bush[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Blue Cornflowers in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Don’t know what this is-but pretty[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Another unknown flower in the meadow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another non-name flower[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Wild growing Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Meadow flowers coming to an end[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Best Lemons ever![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Loquats are nearly ripe![/one_half_last]

I have so many more photos,but I think I will post them on another day. There is so much happening in my garden right now and I haven’t even touched on the veggie patch.

Til next post – Happy Gardening xxxxxx

Tags dove, flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, lemon tree, plants, roses, spring

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Wet October day

Well, the sun is hiding behind dark, ominous clouds and the rain is coming down. I know my garden loves it and after a few warm days, I am quite happy sitting indoors. Just survived a bout of nasty flu and a quiet weekend inside with a great book sounds like a good idea. I did, however, take a quick walk around to see what needed my attention, but my plants all waved me inside. They are all happy. The Gardener can rest! xxx

[one_half]My Potato Sacks are looking great[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The raised veggie bed looking full[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Beautiful apple blossoms-how lovely![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Rose patch is filling out nicely[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The rain is being enjoyed by all[/one_half]

[one_half_last]The potato bush is heavy with blooms[/one_half_last]

The sage has re-grown from the old plant in the veggie bed. I am enjoying the flowers. The Chrysanthemums are also thriving.

[one_half]Beautiful sage[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Buds closed on this cold day[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The Grass patch is looking amazing[/one_half]

[one_half_last]All grasses are in growth-mode[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Well, I thought I could pack away my fuzzy blankets – 🙂 The cold is still creeping in this October month. Well, I’m gonna wrap up warm now and will see you all in the week.

Happy Gardening xxxx

Tags flowers, garden, gardening, grass feature, grasses, organic garden, plants, vegetables

Annuals Barbie's garden Christine's garden Gardening Home page features Perenniels

Mid-Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Post author By Barbara
Post date October 15, 2012
16 Comments on Mid-Spring in Two Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

My Japapanese Crabapple (malus floribuna)

The sun is up early and the earth is warming up day by day, now that we are midway through Spring. Some blooms have come to an end but this only makes way for bigger and brighter flowers. Trips to the well-stocked local nursery are frequent to get all that is needed for a burst of colour with new seedlings and flowering plants.

Here’s what’s blooming in Christine’s garden in October 2012

The warmer days after all the rain means I have a garden full of beautiful colour, lots of buds already in bloom and loads more about to burst into flower. At last it feels like spring and I am again loving all the surprises in my garden. My pride and joy is the Japanese Crabapple which is in full bloom. To me it is the most exquisite of flowering trees.

My biggest surprise of all came today when I spotted the Japanese Cherry – it was a gift from a friend last year – just a twig. And guess what? It has started to sprout buds and one new shoot has started to flower. In about two weeks time the entire shrub should be covered in blossoms. A preview of the blossoms below. Here is my mid-spring show …

[one_half]My Japanese Crabapple (malus floribunda)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]One of the Lilies (Lilium longifolium)[/one_half_last]

[one_half]This Dahlia is massive – but looker closer![/one_half]

[one_half_last]House guests in the Dahlia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]A lovely new creeper (Clematis montana)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Asiatic Lilies flowering in the Alley way[/one_half_last]

[one_third]Yellow flag iris in the pond[/one_third]

[one_third]Murraya exotica in full bloom[/one_third]

[one_third_last]I love the Salvia ‘Mystic spires’[/one_third_last]

[one_third]Louisiana Irises going strong[/one_third]

[one_third]Another look at the Crabapple[/one_third]

[one_third_last]I love the Salvia greggii too[/one_third_last]

[one_half]Babiana are a favourite indigenous bulb[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Another South African beauty – Ixia[/one_half_last]

[one_half]The awaited Japanese Cherry blossom[/one_half]

[one_half_last]A lovely yellow Asiatic Lily[/one_half_last]

That’s it from Claremont in Cape Town, lets see whats happening in Barbie’s garden in Philly …

Here’s what’s blooming in Barbie’s garden in October 2012

My garden is looking so bright and colourful with all the new blooms. All the hard work and attention given to my garden during the year is being rewarded with gorgeous new growth and flowers galore. My idea of adding flowers in amongst the vegetable garden, has given it a burst of colour as well as a host of good bug-a-boos. The butterflies, bees and birds are a welcome sight and enjoy the many treasures – come have a look…….

[one_half]The Purple Patch-lavender, borage and Irises[/one_half]

[one_half_last]My beautiful Irises-the show stoppers![/one_half_last]

[one_half]Lobelia hiding under the Lavender[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lilies nearly there![/one_half_last]

The Babiana are just my favourites this month!

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Strawberry blooms -can’t wait for the fruit![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Lobelia as ground cover works well[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love my lavender[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Cornflower in the meadow still stands[/one_half_last]

The Quince tree is in full bloom – such a pretty tree, but I don’t eat quince!

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_half]Sparaxis coming to an end but still bright![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Delicate Viola next to new Calendula shoots[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Jasmine hanging on the fence-delightful![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Ixias cascading over the raised bed[/one_half_last]

More Sparaxis growing in the veggie patch.

[one_half]Ixias are so pretty[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Dianthus in bloom – last years purchase[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Flowers in the grass bed[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hot Lips Salvia now in bloom[/one_half_last]

The next Iris group is now in full bloom – how gorgeous is this yellow!

[one_half]Roses are budding – it will be a colourful spring![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Feverfew or Crysanthimum?[/one_half_last]

[one_third][/one_third]

[one_third_last][/one_third_last]

The colour in my garden brings magic and happiness – this is the colour of Spring. I love taking a walk around and taking in all the beauty.

About Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

Join Carol and friends over at May Dreams Gardens to see what other gardeners around the world have blooming in September! And if you haven’t joined yet and have some blooms you’d like to show off, please join in the fun of showcasing your blooms! We’d love to see what YOU have blooming in your garden right now!

Thank you for joining us!

PS: Please join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – we’ll be so happy if you do!

Happy gardening xxx

Tags garden bloggers bloom day

Annuals Barbie's garden Gardening Home page features

Babiana Beauties

Christine introduced me to the indigenous flower called Babiana last year, but it never flowered because the chickens scratched it up a few times. Now that the garden is protected from the roaming marauders, I have had the pleasure of watching the Babiana grow and flower. I was so excited to see these in my new corner of the back garden.

[one_half]Babiana Stricta[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Blues and purples – so beautiful[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Love the flowers bunched together[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Babiana between yarrow & carnations[/one_half_last]

Babiana is a genus of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae composed of about 80 species. Most of these species (about 49) are found in the southwestern Cape of Africa, with the remainder distributed in Namaqualand and Northern Cape Province. The native range of the genus is from southern Namibia to the Eastern Cape to southern Zimbabwe, with one species from Socotra off the coast of Somalia (although this may not be a species of Babiana). The genus name is derived from the Dutch word baviaan, referring to the African monkey that consumes the corms of plants in the genus.(Ref: Wikipaedia)

After doing this research, it was interesting to find so many different species.

To my excitement, I found a new Babiana at a local market.

This is a Babiana ringens – “Rat’s Tail Babiana”

Native to the Fynbos of South Africa, this unusually showy plant bears its bright red, tubular flowers on side branches close to the ground. The main stalk is sterile & the foliage is long and erect. One of the hardiest bulbs of the cape, it grows naturally in sandy soil. The Sunbird loves this flower and will find it under the most secluded rocks.

[one_third]

[/one_third]

[one_third]

[/one_third]

[one_third_last]

[/one_third_last]

Unfortunately, this Babiana has finished flowering, so I have to wait for early Spring next year. In the meantime, I will enjoy the ones flowering now. I will look out for more bulbs of different species.

Happy Gardening xxxxx

Tags babiana, Babiana ringens, Babiana stricta

Annuals Barbie's garden Bloggers Harvest Day Gardening Home page features

Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in October

Post author By Barbara
Post date October 5, 2012
10 Comments on Garden Bloggers Harvest Day in October

The days are now longer and this our tenth Garden Bloggers Harvest Day, the 5th day of October 2012 in the Southern Hemisphere. Two Gardens are spending more and more time out doors! Spring showers are the order of the day, but the sun is warming the days and invigorating the growth of our plants.

Let’s see what can be harvested from Barbie’s Garden this month

The sowing of seeds has been done and I am patiently waiting for something to happen. I remember that last years harvest selection was all about herbs and that’s what I have to show this month. Its all about herbs and salad greens, but let me show you what I can harvest so far ….

My red cabbages are looking healthy, but the slugs are causing some damage in the veggie patch.

[one_half]Cauliflower still needs to grow[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Sage is a good companion plant here[/one_half_last]

[one_half]Edible Nasturtiums[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Origanum-agreat one for pasta sauces[/one_half_last]

Arugula (Sweet Rocket) has been a huge favourite in all my dishes. Now it is flowering and the flowers are also delicious.

[one_half]

Potatoes in my new Tater Sacks[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Here again – a week later[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Mint[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Two types of Thyme[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Lemon Balm (Melissa) Great tea![/one_half]

[one_half_last]Well used Coriander[/one_half_last]

I keep some herbs close to the kitchen door for those quick seasoning needs! Sweet Basil, Thyme, Celery, Parsley and Spring Onions.

[one_half]

Cos lettuce-one of my favourites[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Red Curly lettuce[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Oak leaf and Iceberg Lettuces[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Swiss Chard and Celery[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

Beetroot-greens also edible[/one_half]

[one_half_last]Broad beans-abit ravaged[/one_half_last]

[one_third]

My new arches[/one_third]

[one_third]

Celery grows everywhere[/one_third]

[one_third_last]

Love Chives[/one_third_last]

About Garden Bloggers Harvest Day

Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets — Thumb-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
For best results, use HTML mode to edit this section of the post.

Tags garden bloggers harvest day