My Ugly Garden

My Ugly Garden

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Back in Town

It's been awhile since my last post.  Our family just returned from touring California's northern coast.  The beautifully rugged coastline and ancient redwoods make for a truly amazing place.  Instead of embarking on a vacation montage, I will try my best to keep it garden focused.  One of our early stops was a visit to my Aunt and Uncle.  They have always been amazing gardeners.  Selling fresh produce out of their garage in years past.  Here are a few pictures from the garden tour.
Look at this beautiful veggie space

Tomatos!
Cabbages!
Beautiful beans!


The last of the artichokes  
This is just a sampling of the garden.  Also planted were zucchini, kale, corn and fruit trees. It was such a joy to spend some time with my Aunt and Uncle in their lovely home and garden.  They sent us on our way with three giant zucchini, which were delicious, by the way.  It is with a touch of envy that I look at these pictures and then out to The Ugly, which was completely scorched by the 108 degree temperatures today.  I will go survey the damage tomorrow, I may have lost my beans, but I will hope for the best.  

 

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Sunflowers




















I admit it, I'm lazy.  And, I guess, cheap.  I bought cheap bird seed at the wild bird center, you know, the kind that will sprout.  That was before I started working on the yard.  From now on  I will spend a little extra for the non-sprouting seed and cut down on a little weeding.  On the plus side, these pretty little sunflowers sprouted from that seed. My kids picked them for me the other day. We put them, along with a couple sprigs of basil, in this vase that had belonged to my husbands grandfather.  I smile every time I pass by it.

The weather was so pleasant today that I had no excuse for not getting out into the Ugly.  I didn't bother taking pictures of more weeds. Honestly, I don't understand how they grow.  There is no water in the area I worked in today, the dirt is the consistency of cement and yet there are growing, no, flourishing, waist-tall weeds.  ARG!  It did feel good to clear that area though.  Now the kids can play over there without fear of being attacked by prickly weeds. Ultimately, I would like to plant some hydrangeas and hostas there, as it is quite shady in that part of the Ugly.  I may be able to pull it off, my neighbor has hydrangeas growing in her yard so I know they can stand the heat. Ah, another project to add to the list......