Gardening in July

Sulfur cinquefoil (potentilla recta). A wildflower or weed, depending on your view. This pretty flower just started blooming the week of July 4, along with the field clover. In fact, there are several newcomers in the field, and many whose names I don't know.

Thinking about how much effort goes into growing and maintaining a garden, and how effortlessly the fields put on their show. I'm happy to be upstaged by so much perfection.

Photos from July 4, 2014

Corn Harvesting in Michigan

The corn was harvested in early December in 2009. This year it was soybeans in the same field. The soybeans were harvested in late October. We don't farm ourselves, but living here closer to the seasons makes me appreciate the effort that is spent on cultivating. We planted a very modest garden of our own this year. When the cucumbers emerged from the vine, it was like a small miracle had taken place. Food came from the earth!

It is funny to me that in only one or two generations we have nearly forgotten what it is to have a vegetable garden and to grow our own food. We are so dependent on others for our basics, that I almost forgot that I can plant and grow myself. It is a great thing to be able to depend on others, for it teaches us to group together. But it seems good to re-learn some basic skills and perhaps some new tricks to make the job easier. I'll be planting more vegetables next year and remembering my grandparents and their own common sense about the garden.

Reminiscing.

Reminiscing about the end of summer gardening...

Fall has taken hold of us here but I still enjoy the garden I worked in this summer. Slowly it is taking form, and each year should be better than the one before.

Gardening with Seamus, my Parson Russell Terrier

While I garden, he observes from the window. Eager to help in any way I'd allow, I find his assistance most helpful as a companion on the other side of the screen. His devotion is charming, though, and he is such a good friend.

He speaks to me:

"Hmm... This gardening project may take her longer than I thought..."



"Psst... Hey, there! I've got a great idea! Dog treats!"



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"Is anyone else ready for a snack break???..."



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"I think you may have missed a weed over there..."


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"I'm picturing some lovely blooms by next spring..."


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"I'm here if you need me..."

Poppies in Spring

The translucent orange of the poppy petals has always captured my eye, but I haven't had much luck growing them myself. I should try again, since I do love them, despite their short blooming time.

These were seen in a small but very nice garden in Ann Arbor. I was driving by but actually had to stop and go back so I could get out and take a few shots of them. I just love the color and the way they filter the light.