A couple of  years ago I did a vegetable garden makeover that I refer to as The Greens Project.

After much planning and discussion, I decided that my growing space would be more productive if consolidated into small intensely cultivated raised beds.

My veggies now live in two raised beds made of stacked concrete blocks.   A section of cattle panel (which is cheap heavy duty fencing) serves as a trellis on the north side of each bed.

My vegetable garden innovation has turned out to be one of my better ideas.

The beds have wonderful drainage.

If I'm feeling lazy, I can sit on the side of the bed to harvest my lettuce!

Our December / January weather has proven to be as unpredictable as usual.  Toward the end of December we had several 19 degree nights.

A day or two later the temperature was in the mid 60's with clouds alternating with dazzling sun.   We had a deluge and thunderstorms on New Year's Eve and now have not had a freeze for several days.

The only certainty about our weather has been change!  To protect the veggies, I bent 1/2" pvc pipe over the top of the beds inserting the ends of the pipe into the concrete block holes.  Now I easily cover the plants with canvas painter's dropcloths when the temperatures plummet.  The fabric covering is great because heat does not build up inside if I'm not around to uncover or vent the beds.

It's a nice arrangement.

Right now I have parsley, cilantro, sorrel, broccoli, kale, chard, lettuce, mustard, Chinese cabbage and onions that are ready to eat.

Young spinach, carrots, turnips and frisee are waiting in the wings.

I will plant snow peas and English peas to climb the trellis in a couple of weeks.

The beds are a verdant oasis during the dreary winter days so I enjoy visiting and harvesting.

Today I scared off an anole lizard who was sunning himself on an Asian red mustard leaf.

I had no idea that The Greens Project would also provide a winter vacation spot for the lizards.