Signs of life all over the yard!

Blooms on the lilac bush:

Native honeysuckle

Rachel transplanted the gooseberry bush last year because it seemed to be struggling. Looks like it survived the move.

Doing some work in the garden today, topping up raised beds with fresh soil. We pulled the last of the overwintered carrots, plus a close-up of those beautiful early crocuses.

We just had a northern flicker at our suet feeder! First time we’ve seen one of those around here. Didn’t get a good picture, unfortunately. I was surprised how big it was. It was standing its ground with the starlings.

Biggest carrot we’ve ever grown!

One of the highlights of the late season here in the garden is the woods purple. It’s also one of the originals from when we first started in 2020. It almost glows in the sunshine.

One of the best things about our garden this summer has been these galia melons. They’re apparently a cross between honeydew and cantaloupe; they’re straightforwardly sweet, eliminating that slightly off taste of cantaloupe. And they’re so pretty!

Rachel and I have spent much of the day cleaning up around the juniper trees at the back of the garage. Looks much better now. Also, I harvested a lot of berries from the trimmed limbs and I’m currently dehydrating them for incense. Smells so good in here!

A pox upon all lava rock, plastic landscape edging, and all the works and ways of Orthanc Landscaping Services, LLC

Reminder to myself in the low light of winter: strong sun on a patch of brown eyed Susans. Also: remember that it’s been hot as hell for weeks now and maybe winter would be a welcome break.

A bumblebee sleeping in last Friday.