41 Five Plums (SOLD)

41 "Five Plums" 3x16 oil on board, copyright Laura Gable (SOLD)

We have very generous neighbors that bring us a farmer's markets' worth of fruit and vegetables every summer. Gary lives up around the corner and has over 2 lots worth of property (several acres) which is filled with vegetables and fruits. In fact, I don't think he has any lawn to speak of. We've picked blueberries, boysenberries, and raspberries there. And he's brought us all manner of vegetables - tomatoes, string beans, winter squash, pumpkins, peppers, plus more. Plus, the dear neighbor friends across the street bring us tomatoes, plums, apples and zucchini. And my friend, Theo, has provided us with apricots, tomatoes, and even canned goods that last through the winter. Wouldn't this world be a different place if everyone converted their lawns to growing plants that could feed the hungry. There are many such movements born of late, for a greener planet which is really what everyone did in prairie times before sprinkler systems were developed.

I am especially fond of these little almond shaped Italian plums. They have a dusty coating like a concord grape, that when washed reveals a deeper eggplant colored skin. Inside they are the most beautiful limey green and that sweet-tart flavor I just love. The finishing touch is the lime green stems. This is the first study I've done ... and so many more are planned.