Bloomin' Tuesday

The temps here are in the 90's pretty much daily.
Summer is moving right through.
We are thankful for those blooms that can take the heat.

Zinnias keep the square foot garden company,

just in case anything decides to crop up.

Here's another type of caterpillar found recently 

near our rain barrels.

They had been noticed eating the plumbego.

We certainly have had our share of visits from cats of late.

These marigolds are a deep orange color with bright golden centers.

They were placed around the small potato patch.

Not only are they pleasant to the eye,

they are rumored to deter harmful bugs.

Our fascination with Black Swallowtail caterpillars continues.

We've been monitoring them daily,

sometimes several times a day, for changes.

These variations took place in just a day.
From this to...

 

this.

Several of our chrysalises should be seeing some action 
over the next few days.
I'll be sure to post the video if I am able to catch the transformation.

Last week we posted the amazing work of a cat

encasing itself in its protective cocoon.

Looking forward to seeing more of nature's magic.

This trellis was found in a neighbor's recycle bin last week.
I've got just the spot for it 
where the butterfly vine was recently cut back.

hibiscus

gloriosa daisy bud

gloriosa daisy bloom

The thryallis is reaching for the sky
 and blooming like nobody's business.

This Florida-friendly plant is gorgeous 
and not in the least demanding.

The basil has been up for a bit,

and the parsley seeds just germinated this weekend.

We are mostly growing the latter so that we can continue to host

the Black Swallowtail butterflies.

 I see pesto in our future.

Flower seeds can be so gratifying to start.

In just a couple of weeks,

these beauties are ready to be transplanted, pot and all.

 The zinnias never disappoint.

The organic sweet potato I purchased from the grocery

has sprouted quite well.

Soon, it will be cut into pieces and planted in the back bed.

I'm a little late on this project, 

but I think we'll be able to get a harvest.

Taking time to really notice life in the garden

is one of the best ways I find to unwind after a busy day.

There is always something new.

sweet potato vine

The portulaca is making a comeback.
They aren't bothered by heat and humidity.

The nasturtium flowers are not only vibrant,
they are edible.
The leaves are pretty incredible on their own.

As the morning glories make their ascent,
the temperatures climb.
Not to worry.
There is plenty of time for this gardener in the early hours of morning
or toward the end of a well-lived day.
Enjoy all that summer brings to you.












backyard farming connection hop