At the beginning of season two, the returning cast surprised me with their determination to survive. Even more surprising at this point is that the bell pepper is attempting to bear fruit. Too small and undeveloped for harvest, it has yet to meet its potential. Tomato from season one has also flowered, but no fruit as of yet. However, the mere act of trying to be effective in combat even after sustaining what could be considered life-threatening injuries makes me proud to have bell pepper and tomato as warriors loyal to my cause.
I have harvested from basil and rosemary numerous times, gaining decent XP and HP. The strategic placement of wood mulch proved to be a misguided error as a swarm of fungus gnats have set up camp right at the base of both plants. Attacks with insecticidal soap have thinned their numbers but it appears that the insects are heavily entrenched and that I may have to resort to higher levels of biological warfare if I want to win the war.
With Helios’ influence growing stronger, the new recruits for season two seem to thrive with his aid. The zucchinis which were started from seed have now flowered. Using hand-pollinating techniques gleaned from seeking and reading scrolls, at least one more zucchini is ready for harvest.
The tomatoes from season two have also shown promising developments. Each of them appears to have at least one fruit in the process of growth. While momentary triumph seems imminent, I constantly remind myself that a crucial mistake on my part or any unprovoked attacks from either Helios or Gaia can easily swing the tide of battle. A bountiful harvest is in no way assured.
As Helios’ “Solar Gaze” seems to have leveled up, much to the delight of most of my soldiers, it has left bibb lettuce wanting cooler climes. While two of the six were successfully sacrificed for the greater glory of the cause, providing for a week or so worth of salad greens and contributing to both XP and HP, the four that were left behind are not in good shape. Torn up by insects and unable to withstand the powered up Solar Gaze spells, their future seems more grim than the fruiting plants.
An experiment with chives has yielded mixed results. The seeds have sprouted but the seedlings have not manifested enough strength and growth to merit transplanting. A batch of bell pepper seeds have yet to break ground and reach for the skies. It was my hope that these bell peppers would have grown enough to transplant into a waiting row by now. It seems the row will have to stay empty for a bit longer.
A few months into season two and The Garden seems well. While there have been a few setbacks and some battles yet to be won, the troops are strong and the promise of a good harvest seems so close. I hope that the soldiers continue to react positively to Solar Gaze. I know Helios will only grow stronger as the season progresses.
The marigolds seem to be doing alright but I may have placed them too far from the effective range of their mythical insect-repelling capabilities. As such, they stand watch for Gaia’s advance. Reports from the front lines have indicated that her troops are getting weaker…
