It figures: it rains heavily today, the day after I finally break down and water the garden (after a few weeks of no rain, but considering all the rain we had before that, I forwent, if that's a word).
I finally noticed some tomatoes on my tomato plants yesterday, as well as some more blossoms. I have indeterminate ones, so they tend to bloom and fruit later anyway (as is the case with most heirloom varieties, which is what I planted). No sign of late blight in my garden, probably because I don't know anyone in my urban-ish neighborhood who is veggie gardening, and so I haven't caught anyone else's spores. Yet.
My pole beans are up, about an inch. Spinach just poking through.
I have to plant some turnips in my raised bed soon. Sage discovered she loved them yesterday evening, devouring them for a night-time snack, pretending to be a bunny. (What four-year-old eats turnips for a snack?)
I bought and "planted" a small trellis yesterday to hide the rain barrel that I have yet to install. It's a "one of these days..." project. I plan to grow a clematis or two up it, even if it's in partial shade. I may not get the best blooms, but I'll mostly grow it for the foliage anyway, and the blooms will be a pleasant extra.
I have a number of surprises in my garden this year: lychnis that I forgot I had planted (from seed), some sunflowers that must have fallen from a bird feeder, and a few other plants that jumped from their original location.
The problem of over-abundance: I now have ox-eye daisy seedlings all over the garden, which is soon going to be quite the nuisance. I also plan on cutting back or eliminating my obedient plant (a misnomer if there ever was one) and some loosestrife.
Today's gardening embarrassment: I finally figured out what my mystery flower was from a few weeks ago: a coreopsis. It's one of those plants I don't know well, despite its common nature. I only realized it when I saw some other ones in bloom at Skillins. Oops.
I've been filling out my parking strip with more variety, since it's mostly yarrow -- which is beautiful when it's in bloom, but then turns brown and unattractive. I now have more coreopsis, a few nepetas, and some shasta daisies.
Don’t feel bad, you are not the only one who watered your garden just before the rain. I did so too. Everything seemed so thirsty.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been wanted to post a comment all season, but was unable to for some reason. I have since changed browsers and am trying again. Your garden pics are so beautiful. You have inspired me to rework my perennial gardens next year. I hope your tomatoes stay blight free.
Thanks! I keep "reworking" my gardens too, so who knows what they'll look like next year.
ReplyDeleteHi - I've been reading your blog since the spring and am really enjoying it. I too am a Portland gardener and photographer. I'm getting started on a series of 'witty/fun' garden portraits and am wondering if you'd be a willing subject. You can view my photography at: www.alowphotography.com (although much of my work is different from this project.) If you're willing you can reach me through my website.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks again for all the great information/moral support you give through your blog!
I thought of your parking strip garden the other day when I read the article by Tom Atwell in the Sunday Telegram about "esplanade gardening".
ReplyDeleteGood read and keep up the perserverance!