Normally this time of year, I would be commenting on how the summer heat has been taking its toll on the garden. Not this year, though. The gardens have responded to these cooler than normal July temperatures by being one explosion of color after another. Right now it's the sunflower's turn to show off. … Continue reading Summer Sunflowers
July Meadow Wildflowers
We were out on a bike ride over the weekend enjoying the meadow wildflowers that were in bloom (or prairie wildflowers as we call them here in Illinois). I tried to take some pictures, but between the camera lens being dirty, the mosquitos being so ferocious we needed to keep moving, and taking moving shots of flowers don't work … Continue reading July Meadow Wildflowers
Keeping Fresh Berries Fresh
There is nothing tastier than fresh berries from the farmers market. All those lovely strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. But, there's also nothing worse than going to the fridge and finding them becoming fuzzy only a day or 2 later. I tried different ways to try to prolong their freshness, and finally found something that worked--Vinegar. Simple … Continue reading Keeping Fresh Berries Fresh
A Macro Look at the July Garden
My husband (and mom and daughter) are much better photographers than I am, so I'm always excited when one of them wants to shoot some photos of my gardens. Here's some of what my husband saw the last couple of days through his macro lens. Brilliant Zinnias One of my favorite annuals--Marigolds More … Continue reading A Macro Look at the July Garden
After Vacation
After a wonderful beach vacation and some college tours, we're finally back home. As expected, the weather has been crazy while we were gone. The temperatures were just about average, but rainfall was almost double the normal amount. Included in this total was a single storm that dumped almost 2 inches of rain in under … Continue reading After Vacation
Before Vacation
It's always tough to go leave the garden and go on vacation. It seems like something (or everything) is ready to just burst out in color or ripen just in time to go away. Or the weather can you throw you a curve ball and get crazy hot/cold or dry/wet. Very unpredictable. I assumed this year … Continue reading Before Vacation
Not the Marigolds!
In one of my mom Peggy's raised beds she had the beginnings of a beautiful bed of huge African Marigolds (Tagetes erecta). If you love marigolds like I do, I couldn't wait to see how this was going to look in the next few weeks. Then, one morning she woke up to this... ...and I got … Continue reading Not the Marigolds!
Painted Rocks as Plant Labels–In the Garden
Last fall, I had great fun painting rocks to use as plant labels (Painting Rock Garden Markers). They look great in the garden and add a bright splash of color! But, now that I know what I've actually planted, I need to get my paints out and make some more to complete the set. … Continue reading Painted Rocks as Plant Labels–In the Garden
Geranium and Petunia Planter: Summer Maintenance
In my last post, I showed you how I planted my geranium and petunia planter (Geranium and Petunia Planter). Aside from watering and fertilizing as needed, there's a little bit more maintenance to do to keep the plants bushy and pretty. Basically you need to pinch off the dying flowers before they turn to seed. This … Continue reading Geranium and Petunia Planter: Summer Maintenance
Geranium and Petunia Planter
In my experience, to have a successful planter or pot, there's a few tricks you'll want to use. First, be sure your planter has a drain hole. If not, try to drill some if the planter material allows Add a layer of something to keep the soil from washing out (and can cut down on … Continue reading Geranium and Petunia Planter