Survival of the Fittest

As long as I confessed about my less than enthusiastic approach to growing a vegetable garden, I may as well tell you about my flowers.  

I have some mighty fine flowers, really I do.  I have  pots with annuals that are quite pretty.  So far, I've watered them every evening this summer...almost.

I have some Russian Sage that is thriving.

I planted some Creeping Jenny that seems to love this soil.  It is fairly well-behaved.  I like it because I planted it in memory of our niece, Jennifer.

When we first moved to this property 8 years ago, there was a huge mound of dirt in the front yard where previous owners had done some sewer work or something.  Maria and Eric came and spent a lot of time helping me turn it into a lovely garden.  I was very proud of it for several years.  Then, when I wasn't paying attention, it became all shaggy.  I started noticing that some beautiful perennials didn't make it through the winter.  Eventually, some of the plants that were meant just for filling in the bare spots seemed to be overtaking the prettier flowers.  I've forgotten what this ferny stuff is called but it certainly thrives in this soil that used to be the bottom of a river bed.  It is definitely winning the "Survival of the Fittest" contest in my flower garden right now.

And then there is this stuff.  I was quite pleased with its durability the first year or two.  Now, I'm regretting that I ever planted it.  I forget what its called as well.  It's something like Ice on the Glacier or Snow on the Mountain.  Anyone know?  Anyway, it wants to take over our whole lawn now.  Maybe I should just let it.  No, I'm kidding.  We have a plan to get it under control.  But I do kind of wonder why we don't grow things like that to cover our front lawn.  It grows  great.  It doesn't mind being mowed.  And it is a suvivor.

But, alas, I really do have one plant that makes me proud.  No surprise, I've lost the name of it as well.  Not to worry.  I just decided to make up my own name for it.  It is my Umbrella Star.  See, it begins all closed up like this, like a closed umbrella.

Then, Twaaa-Laaa, it becomes a brilliant, blue star!

Isn't that just so cool?  The color is such a bright periwinkle.  I hope I don't kill it.

How Does My Garden Grow?

I've seen quite a few blogs this summer showcasing beautiful vegetable gardens.  The photographs are so exquisite my mouth just waters over the lovely produce!

My Mom is a marvelous gardener.  She always has been.  She could poke and prod the most stubborn soil and end up with her own little Garden of Eden.  My daughter is very much like my Mom.  Her backyard is becoming more and more an oasis.

I've had lots of gardens.  Sometimes I've even managed to grow something edible.  Mostly my poor gardens have been loved and tenderly cared for.  Really! I get all excited choosing what I will grow and I love watching the first little beginnings of each plant.  There is such a mother earthy feel when growing a nice garden.

Then...  Apparently I get distracted.  I need a garden that takes just a week or two to produce food because my attention so quickly wanes.  Typically what happens is this.  I get busy for a few days and kind of forget to water my garden.  As it turns out, that is not good for gardens.  Then, I spend several days trying to revive shriveled plants.  Once that cycle starts there is no more mother earthy feeling.  There is just shame.  Then, I dread seeing those sad little plants so I avoid them.

This year is a bit different.  While it is true that I've let my garden get a bit dry a few times, I've so far managed to keep it alive.  I water it every evening, although I believe it would appreciate a drink twice a day.  I am seeing actual food growing!  It is not quite time for my big harvest but I am confident that I will make it to that point this summer!  Well, pretty confident.

Aren't you proud of me?  I'm so excited I've decided to post my own garden photos...or should I say, photo?  Tell me what you think of my vegetable garden.

Yes, that's it.  That tomato plant is my entire vegetable garden this year.  It sits right outside the backdoor so I see it every time I let the dog out.  So far so good!

Are you a gardener?  Do you love digging in the dirt?  How about all that weed-pulling?  Are you aware that too much gardening leads to even more work...  canning and freezing!?  

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Reminder:  Now is a good time to stock up on gifts as we are continuing with our big inventory reduction sale at 

Wyoming Rose Boutique.  

Many items are just $2!

Click on the photos to the right of this post and you will magically be transported to our little store!