The Backyard

 Prior to leaving for the cruise on May 6, the weather was chilly and windy and not at all conducive to thinking about flowers and gardens. In fact, we were wearing winter coats and blankets to the soccer games and track meets! When we got back from the cruise a week later, the plants were just beginning to appear in the store parking lots and greenhouses, but again, the temps were not that favorable. All that changed the week we spent with Kari while she was hospitalized with pneumonia; the temps jumped to the 80s. Summer arrived. What happened to spring????

One of the projects I helped with once Kari was finally able to go home after 10 days in the hospital was clearing her patio of last year's plants (planters) and shopping for and repotting flowers and vegetables for this summer. 

Before I left Minneapolis, I did some plant shopping of my own. Some flowers, some herbs, and vegetables. I had spent some time in the flower bed the week between the cruise and Minneapolis, but by the end of May the grass and weeds had begun to take over the perennial flower bed. After many hours in the sun (over several days) I feel like the flower bed is ready for summer.

This was the result of last weekend's work, June 3rd. Some of the flowers, the herbs and veggies were bought and planted.

after this past weekend, the decor is in place

for now the grass & weeds are under control

in the perennial flower bed

Before we left for the cruise, I did plant the butterflies and bees flowers along the back of the flower bed. Now it is just waiting to see what will appear. (Don't judge my crooked bricks!)

The wild roses are really blooming right now. There are more plants this year than last. They are at the far end of the perennial bed.

the wild yarrow, also at the far end

mojito mint, rosemary & sweet basil

one of about 4 little peppers on the tri-colored plant

the cucumbers (straight eights) are growing

the bush cucumber plant

the tomatoes are doing well in their new location

we added a hose hanger to help clean up the rocks

the tomatoes all have cages and watering tubes

I finally found a place to hang this bird

and the water fountain is running on the deck

the Mandela planter

yellow yarrow and light purple something in the perennial bed

the only color right now because the pasque, peony, and columbine 

are done blooming