Farm Fresh from Wellspring Charitable Gardens - May 21, 2026

Fresh Today… New Potatoes, Artichokes, Summer Squash, Cucumbers, Broccoli, Swiss Chard, Spring Onions, Head Lettuce, Chives, Dill, Basil, Parsley, Apricots & Cherries

Using your Produce… by Julie Moreno

When potatoes are available at the store every day of the year, we forget how good a freshly harvested potato can taste. This smashed potato recipe highlights the humble potato in a crispy side dish that transforms them into golden, pan-fried delights. After boiling and drying, the potatoes are gently smashed and seared in a hot skillet, creating crunchy edges while keeping the inside soft. Aromatic rosemary and onions add depth of flavor as they cook alongside the potatoes.

Smashed Potatoes

1-2 pounds new potatoes

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons of oil

½ spring onion, chopped

1 sprig rosemary

Salt

Fresh ground black pepper

* Bring a pot of water, about 2 quarts, to a boil, with 1 tablespoon salt. Add the potatoes and turn the heat down to a low boil and cook for 12-16 minutes. When the potatoes are cooked drain the water and let them cool for about 30 minutes allowing them to dry. In a non-stick or cast-iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Smash each potato with a mallet or the flat bottom of a glass or cup and place it in the hot pan. Let the potatoes brown in the pan, without moving them around, for about 5-6 minutes. Flip the potatoes and add the rosemary and chopped onion around the potatoes. Reduce heat to medium low and gently stir the potatoes, onions and rosemary until the onions are cooked about 3-4 more minutes. Turn off the heat and enjoy right away.

“Be Still…” Day Retreat

Incessant noise, clamor, and static of life often impede our hearing the still small voice of God. His word to us comes often as a question: “Adam, where are you?”; to Cain, “Why are you angry?”; to Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?”; “What are you doing here, Elijah?”; to Ezekiel, “Son of Man, can these bones live?” Jesus to Everyone, “Who do you say I AM?” Responding honestly to God requires us to examine and reveal the condition of our heart. This is done best in those still moments when we Press Pause and set aside time for quiet, unhurried reflection.

So, join us in the garden this Saturday, May 23, 9 AM – 4 PM, for a day of quiet retreat from the distractions that prevent you from hearing the voice of the LORD. Contact Pastor Jon Byron of Press Pause Ministries for Be Still Day details and how to join in:  jonbyron@sbcglobal.net.

How to Microwave an Artichoke

Slice off the top of the artichoke to remove the top portion of the leaves. Trim the stem and any small leaves at the bottom. Place artichokes in a glass bowl deep enough to fit the artichokes. Add about an inch of water at the bottom of the bowl and cover. Cook the artichoke in the microwave for 5 minutes and check for doneness by gently tugging on the outer leaves. If the leaves release easily and the flesh attached is tender, it is done. If it needs more time, return the artichoke to the microwave and continue cooking in 2-minute increments.

When the artichoke is cooked, allow it to cool slightly. Be careful handling the hot, steamed artichokes! Enjoy the leaves with your favorite dipping sauce, melted butter or salad dressing.  You can use a small spoon to scoop out the choke or just eat around it. The bottom of the artichoke flower and the stem have the meaty heart, make sure to enjoy it.

Metaphors of Soil and Soul…

Grateful Awareness

Ronda May Melendez & Keith F Martin

The morning garden filled my heart with unexpected delight and gratitude - two emotions sorely absent from this battered soul. The garden is a refuge, a sacred place where senses are quickened, and I am invited to move outside myself and engage. Chittering magpies flit nearby, then dart between soaring poplar limbs and olive branches. Cool dew gathers between my toes, and grass blades tickle my sandaled feet. A Jasmine scented breeze reaches over the fence rails to caress my nose. Flame callas unfold red spathes that reveal yellow and orange petals. They enliven an otherwise drab, shaded stretch of east facing fence. Plump cherries hang in boughs beyond hand’s reach and tempt me in their glossy red dress. They bid me “Taste!”

Today’s garden delights are balm for my soul. So often, though, I hurry past these strikingly tangible blessings, unaware of their presence or the beauty in their being. With heart and mind pressed inward and numbed by present cares and constant concern, I easily overlook or indifferently decline their sensual attraction. I have become overly familiar with them, taking for granted their simple beauty and seasonal show. Plants and creatures offer freely what they are, give what they are created to be – Delight! In them, the LORD displays his handiwork, reveals His design, and declares His Glory. The Psalmist bids me, “Taste, and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

Could it be that when we find ourselves discontent in earthly relationships, we are overlooking the Life and Being in Whose image we are created? Perhaps we cannot appreciate or understand the supreme value of such a divine gift because it seems so incredible or has become so unremarkable. If so, let us ask the Lord of Life to re-open our eyes and hearts to His remarkable handiwork and His glorious Presence revealed in all creation. Revived, we can joyfully offer Him our gratitude and His delightful creation our respect and regard.

“…what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20