Garden update

 This is the time of year where all of the work in the garden begins to really pay off.  On July 4th, we spent the afternoon working in the yard and garden. The temperatures were mild for this time of year and we had some time to spend.  We continued the battle between us and the weeds that seem to be taking over every vegetable and flower bed we own.  Weed pulling is boring and tedious work, but might be the best therapy for me.

Our garden entrance with the "walk on me" thyme is blooming the delicate little blooms that I love.  We have also had really good luck with all of the other herbs - basil, parsley, thyme, chives, and cilantro. The cilantro has started to bolt and go to seed, but it was delicious while it lasted.

I am really disappointed in our clematis this year.  It has only put on a few blooms, where in previous years, the plants have been loaded with the pink blossoms and it has been a focal point for the garden.  The lack of a wow factor means that the school bell looks kind of bare.  We did find one bloom hidden on the backside of the plant.

We were happy to see that we had a few more ripe tomatoes.  We had a half dozen of the small grape tomatoes about two weeks ago and then nothing. On July 4th, we had three more little tomatoes ripen enough for picking.  This is significant because in my family, it was always the goal to have the first ripe tomatoes by July 4th.

 

 We also picked an enamel bowl full of onions.  I am excited to have garden fresh onions for our salsa and for some canning that will begin soon.

 

 We also dug potatoes.  Ugghhh...always hard work.  We were happy with the result.  We planted two varieties this year and both seemed to do well.  I look forward to making some potato salad and all of the other variations of potatoes we enjoy.

 I can't help but think of the movie Forrest Gump and Bubba's list of all the ways to prepare shrimp, only insert potatoes.  This is my future.