Garlic scapes

[Ross]

We like garlic, use a lot and always grew more than we could use. This year we cut back to about 120 feet of row from the 200 feet of years past. Also, in years past we've grown as many as 26 different hard-neck varieties but this year it's only about 18. That brings me to the subject of scapes. With the many different garlic varieties there comes different scapes harvest times. I guess I should really say scapes removal, rather than harvest and yesterday I removed about another 2-1/2 pounds of scapes. I don't say harvest because in years past, we've tried grilling scapes, using them in stir fries, pickling them, etc. But, a few years back we both came to the conclusion that the best use for garlic scapes was gently placing them into the compost pile ;). I seem to say 'in years past' quite often but, that's probably because there is a lot of years in the past. I'm 83 this year but with a few health issues it's my wonderful, hard working wife who does most of the gardening. Then again, she's just a kid of 76. Best wishes to you followers of r.g.e. Ross. Southern Ontario, Canada

[The Cook]

Nice to see some of the earlier posters. Hope you stay.

I have been out since the latter part of August. I fell an broke a wrist and a leg. About the time it was healed I did it again on the other leg. Came home from re-hab yesterday. Since I am not allowed to do very much (grin) I will probably spend lots of time here.

Susan Ness

[George Shirley]

Longtime no see Susan. Had wondered where you were. Don't feel bad about not being allowed to do very much. Miz Anne does all the gardening and mowing. I cook, clean, wash clothes, etc. Mostly due to dragging my right leg from the many strokes on my right side years ago. I use a cane most of the time and, sometimes, just hang onto the wall nearest me.

We still have Tilly Dawg, she turned 10 years old last month and, like me, sleeps a lot. Miz Anne still takes Tilly on a daily walk, sometimes they just turn around and come home as one or the other is to tired to go any further.

We're back living in Houston area, specifically on the far outskirts of The Woodlands on one side and Tomball the other side. Our kids, grands, and great grands live nearby. Our eldest great granddaughter will soon be out of high school and is courting already.

We miss our long time friends in Louisiana but the two hour one way drive was starting to wear on us so we sold out and moved. I was astonished how much moola we got for our old house in Louisiana and were able to just buy this somewhat smaller house for cash. Over the last five years here we've turned it into what we feel like is our last home before the darkness falls. Miz Anne caught up with me in May and now we're both 77 years old and, sometimes, we feel it. Good to hear from you again.

George, Miz Anne, and Tilly Dawg

[T]

I live for scapes!

I use them in anything that garlic is called out for. And since they hit before the bulbs, they get me through till the bulbs ready for harvest.

I have even thrown them into salads and forced them under chicken skins. And yes, ate a few raw. I sure smelled pretty for a day!