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Busy Days

5/31/2018

6 Comments

 
Oh, for days twice as long! Yet these approach the longest days of the year.
​                                                                                 ~Celia Thaxter
                                                                                                An Island Garden
At last, a long overdue update! I guess it hasn't really been that long, but everything grows so fast this time of year. We are having a couple of really hot days (90 today!) and I am enjoying thoroughly it. It takes a while to get the winter chill out of my bones, so this heat feels really good right now! There has been plenty to keep me busy. I spent most of yesterday transplanting, but if you look inside the greenhouse, it looks like I've barely made any progress at all!  I've also been a little hesitant about planting because a groundhog has made his home right behind the flower garden and seems to think I planted it all for him! I've been trying all kinds of natural repellents, which seems to be helping somewhat, but I'm still hoping to get rid of him permanently. He has about 6 holes under our house, which probably isn't doing the foundation any good! 
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Here's what's in bloom right now...
I have suddenly gone from wondering if I had started enough plants, to wondering where I'm going to put them all! 
Wormwood
Malope
Celery
Balsam
Basil
Anise
Morning Glory
Sage
A few of the Castor Bean plants in the kitchen last week.
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I even used them to decorate our church for Pentecost!
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I finally got them into the garden yesterday...and of course the forecast announces another night in the 30s right after! Hope they will be alright...I'll probably figure out some way to cover them. It wasn't easy to get them out of those containers! I was so afraid I'd hurt them. They did sulk a little but seem to be fine. They look rather interesting among all the tulips don't you think? Our neighbor was just over and they were the first thing she asked about! 
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Oh the lilacs! Working near them is heavenly!
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I am excited about these peas. They are from seed I've saved for about 3 years now.  The germination was perfect and they are all so healthy and vigorous! The afternoon lighting makes this a terrible picture, though.
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The garlic is doing very well.
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And the lettuce, despite being nibbled at by the greedy groundhog.
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Someone warned me last year the borage self seeds itself everywhere, and they were right! 
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If any of you subscribe to Heirloom Gardener magazine, the Summer issue has an article about Mignonette written by me! I'm really excited about it since it's the first time my writing has been published. :)
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And for those of you who tried to comment on my last post, sorry about the problems with that! It seems to be working again now, though. 
I have more pictures to share from another walk in the woods, but that will have to wait till another post. I must get back to work! 
6 Comments
Eliza link
5/31/2018 08:30:00 pm

I expect you are very busy with all those seedlings. The Caster Bean looks huge! Do you eat the borage? I found it a bit too 'wooly' in salads. ;)
I've used ammonia in dishes to repel groundhogs. It has to be replenished often, but they move out if you keep it up. I'm surprised the smell of dog around the house doesn't deter them.

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Joanna link
5/31/2018 09:20:28 pm

The borage leaves are too prickly for my taste, too! :D I have eaten the flowers though and they are pretty good.
I may try the ammonia. He doesn't seem to care about the dogs at all!

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Glenda
5/31/2018 09:35:07 pm

Thanks for the fabulous pictures of spring flowers - so beautiful after a long cold winter.

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Joanna link
6/1/2018 09:47:08 am

You're welcome! I love being able to share my garden and am so glad you like the pictures. :)

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Jason link
6/1/2018 07:36:34 pm

Wow, all those Tulips! Magnificent. Mine have all gone over, so I am envious. The peas and garlic look promising. I used to travel to North Dakota for my job and some of the people I visited used to make a dish of creamed new potatoes with peas. Have you ever heard of that?

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Joanna link
6/2/2018 07:28:15 am

It's always sad when the tulips fade. Some of mine are gone too, but the late ones held up to the heat very well.
I've heard of that dish, but never had it. It sounds wonderful!

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    ​I am a passionate gardener and seed-saver, who also enjoys playing the violin and accordion, running, spending time with my 4 golden retrievers, keeping chickens, photography, and reading. ​
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