At this point in the summer, I seem to find myself coming up with excuses as to why I shouldn’t go out and see what is happening in the garden.

It’s too hot.

I need to hang laundry.

I don’t feel like it.

Deep down, I know the real reasons.

1.  Truthfully, it really is hot in here in July- 90s-100s most days plus high humidity does not make working in the garden very appealing.

2.  It’s starting to get overwhelming in there- as the plants grow bigger, it’s hard to maneuver around them.

3.  It simply does not require as much maintenance as it did early on in the growing season.

That said, I still need to get out there on occasion and see what’s happening!  Yesterday morning, Lula and I did just that.  I had been placing her on a blanket while I explored the garden, but last week, she swallowed some grass and then threw it back up (just like our cat).  Since then, I’m reluctant to put her anywhere where she can access the grass, so we’re back to the stroller.

Anyway, here’s what it looked a month ago…

And this morning…Do you see how it’s not as lush or full anymore?

Here’s a look at the squash corner:

sad squash

Those hideous dried up squash leaves are a pathetic sight, indeed.

Fortunately, I think I have had my fill of zucchini, yellow squash and I are no longer friends, so the remaining contenders are butternut,

hang in there little buddy!

and schumpkins!Apparently the squash feels boxed in by the garden fence so here’s what it has chosen to do.Or maybe…just maybe…it’s because we didn’t thin the squash properly and we always plant them without enough room to grow within the confines of the actual garden.

The corn is still standing tall.The peas, broccoli, turnips, and most leafy greens are done for the season.

The tomatoes are continuing to ripen, and in a few weeks, we are going to be giving them away by the bag full!Did you know that the seeds on the tops of cilantro plants are actually coriander seeds? You can dry them out and then ground them into powder…if you know what you are doing.  I’ve never had success, and we love coriander, so maybe I’ll give it another try.  Maybe I should look into purchasing a mortar and pestle…

The onions are doing pretty well- I think some of the zucchini leaves stunted them a bit but now they have the opportunity to really shine.

Our pepper and jalapeno plants are doing great- such little maintenance with these guys.

christmas comes early...

...thanks Santa

I keep writing “I’ve never…” statements about the garden this year but truly, I’ve never seen bell peppers begin to take on color so quickly.  I’m lucky if I see color on the peppers (other than green) in early August!

Here are a few more shots from yesterday.

Lula’s baby rose bush she was given when we came home from the hospital after she was born!

This is the first blossom that has appeared since they all fell off in the late fall.  Does anyone know if we can plant this in the ground, or should it remain a potted plant?

More pansies!And a pseudo-sunflower from our wildflower patch!

Enjoy the day!