I like growing food plants that originated here in the Americas. I like growing ‘Cherokee’ Tomatoes and native runner beans. Here are some of the native food plants that are ready to produce in my garden.

These green beans will be sautéed with red peppers and onions.

I will simply slice these and drizzle with homemade vinaigrette and sprinkle with freshly grounded salt and pepper.

I don’t particularly care for hot peppers. I grow the sweet ones. I cut them up and freeze them. I cook with them all winter long.

I rarely cook with fresh blueberries. I prefer to eat them fresh and raw. Lately, I add them to yogurt. The birds will strip these bushes clean as soon as the berries are ready. I buy my blueberries from Whole Foods Market.

I love sautéed yellow squash. My Grandma Wilhelmina made it with the squash she grew in her garden. I cook it, the way she did, sautéed with onions and seasonings.

The grapevine in my garden is full, lush and loaded with grapes. And the Catbirds have been checking up on the crop daily.