The roof of the old potting shed was due for replacement this coming year.  But this winter's storms made the matter urgent.  Some areas of fiberglass blew off and had been replaced by a metal strip.  But heavy rains were leaking through along the whole length of the shed where the lights are hung.  Something had to be done if we are to begin growing our plant starts next month!

This last summer we "grew out" several types of heirloom dry beans.  These are all beans with a reputation for tastiness, but which aren't grown by industrial agriculture and so are in danger of being lost. 
 
This year we started with just a few (6 or 8) seeds of these varieties.  In each case those few seeds became enough to pass on to others at a seed swap, or to grow for a community meal in 2016.

On the plate of dry beans, Peregion beans are at 1:00, Monachine at 3:00, Judiones (from a previous blog) at 6:00, Goosebeans at 7:00 and Cranberry at 11:00. ​

Monachine--a legendary Italian bean which was treasured by a local wine-growing family and only recently shared with the outside world. ​

A friend of mine (who has since moved to Spain) first introduced me to Judiones beans.  Judiones  beans are a Spanish delicacy: large, rich, delicious.  They are a challenge to grow in our cool Pacific Northwest climate, but quite rewarding.
 
One must start them early in May and protect them from chill and slugs if they are to mature before the fall rains.