These should be the dog days of summer. It's mid August, hot and sultry, right? Not this year.
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| Queen Red Lime zinnia |
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| Shabby birdhouse surrounded by Sunny Knockout roses |
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| Munstead lavender with black eyed susans |
This year summer is more temperate. It's not too hot, it's not too cool. Perfect.
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| Grandpa Ott morning glory |
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| Gazing ball with Full Moon coreopsis and anise hyssop |
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| Apple Blossom pelargoniums from seed |
Summer vegetables arrive daily, full of summer sunshine. There are jars and jars of pickles in the fridge. Tomatoes turn into salsa. I'm looking for the perfect recipe to use the lovely eggplants that are ripening quickly. The freezer is full of zucchini bread. It's all just so perfect.
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| Summer veggies |
I wish I could say that everything is perfect in the garden this year. I'm an organic gardener, so there will always be a few bugs out there munching. The rough winter made many of my plants small and weak. Blooms are often much later than normal.
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| Verbena bonariensis with purple coneflowers and Karley Rose pennisetum |
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| Black eyed susans |
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| Endless Summer hydrangeas peeking out from armillary sphere |
Butterflies don't seem to visit as often. But they're out there. They too love the summer sunshine. But they sure don't like to pose for my pictures. There are many more visitors than you see here. Yes, I've seen monarchs, but they are the most skittish of all. That's okay, it's good just know they are here.
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| Painted Lady butterfly |
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| Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar |
Summer is a quiet time around my house. Many of my usual activities are on hiatus, leaving me time to putter in the garden more. This is a very good thing. For once in my life, I don't feel so behind. I might even feel like I'm caught up, can you believe it?
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| Sunflower! |
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| Karley Rose grass |
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| Tiger Eye rudbeckia |
But the days are cooling a little faster this year. I'm afraid that summer won't last quite as long. I fear that fall will sneak in behind my back. So I try to spend all the time I can spare just enjoying that summer sunshine.
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| Goldfinch |
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| Summerific Cherry Cheesecake hardy hibiscus |
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| Welcome! |
