Garden Friday

 

 

 

Welcome to the first Garden Friday of summer!

The garden is bursting with color

and the anticipation of tasty goodies!

 

 

There is lettuce ready for the picking

growing in the raised bed with carrots and nasturtiums.

Several varieties of lettuce include buttercrunch, green oakleaf, and rouge.

The nasturtiums are dispersed throughout every bed

as a pest deterrent,

but did you know that both the leaves and flowers are edible?

 

More lettuce shares space in another bed with beets, green beans

and room to reseed two types of peppers.

 

The leek are going to seed and it will be the first time

I will save seed for next year for this crop.

The seed head is absolutely gorgeous.

 

We have a volunteer squash growing in the chicken run.

It looks like it might be a butternut variety,

although they were not planted there last year.

Chalk it up to the bird or squirrel relocation squad.

 

One of the purposely planted squash

is starting to outgrow the bed.

I'm trying to figure out what type of trellis I want to use here.

I will be diligent in checking for squash bugs and eggs.

 

The sweet potatoes surely seemed to appreciate 

the bit of rain we got this week.

They love the combination of rainfall and the heat of summer.

 

What a thrill to be able to pick the first blueberries!

I wasn't even sure the plants would ripen this year.

My soil test showed that the soil is not acidic enough,

which is their preferred condition.

The berries were juicy and sweet,

with just a hint of tartness. 

We have several varieties planted,

which we acquired from our local Extension office.

blanket flower

The flowers are also enjoying the warmer temperatures

and modest rainfall.

 

These balloon flowers are doing so much better this year.

I'd say they have gained at least 6 inches on last year's plants.

These beauties come back every spring.

 

The moonflowers are starting their climb on the front porch posts.

These fragrant white blooms open at night,

which is perfect for us front porch sitters.

The pollinator bed near the old garden site has filled in nicely.

Residing here, we have blanket flower, daisies, nasturtiums, pinks, rudebekia

and one very happy gnome.

 It looks like we're in a good position to receive more rain this week.

No complaints from me,

as the garden responds to it like nothing else.

Enjoy some time outside this weekend

and see what Mother Nature has to offer.

Garden Buzzzzz!

 

 

 One of the intentions of our homestead

is to provide a safe haven for bees and other pollinators.

Along with supplying a water source and a place for raising young,

we aid these vital visitors by offering up an array of nectar sources.

Nectar furnishes pollinators with energy, 

so that they can continue with their valuable work.

 

Here are 8 easy-to-care for perennial plants that will support pollinators in your yard.

 

 

Black-eyed Susan- 

This common perennial can be planted in fall 

or early spring and is easily divided.

A show stopping display of blooms

will surely attract all sorts of pollinators to your yard.

The flowers grow on long stems,

which make them ideal for use as cutting flowers.

It prefers full sun and room to stretch out.

 

 

butterfly bush-

As the name implies,

this beauty is a favorite for many species of butterflies.

It can get quite large, unless pruned regularly,

and it will fill a space with plentiful blossoms.

It comes back brilliantly each spring after a good pruning.

 

Shasta daisies

daisies-

Daisies are a bit of cheer in the garden,

not only for the gardener, but for the pollinators as well.

They are a favorite of all types of butterflies

and the flat petals make a great landing spot while out foraging.

Daisies return each spring and last up until autumn.

They are one of the best flowers to grow

for cutting and bringing indoors.  

 

echinacea-

I don't know anyone who doesn't adore coneflowers.

They are a summer staple, popping back up

around the beginning of spring.

With numerous blooms on each plant,

there is ample opportunity for critters to feast.

These come in a wide variety of colors

and are very easy to grow.

 

Joe Pye weed-

This is one of the best pollinator attractors.

Bees and several types of butterflies enjoy

visiting its blooms.

It can grow to be up to 8 feet tall,

but the one we have in our flower bed

is a dwarf variety, which never exceeds 3 feet high.

The purple flowers show up in late summer,

but last for a few months to enjoy. 

 

 

milkweed-

The only host plant for the Monarch butterfly,

this essential plant is a must for every garden.

Each year, we save seeds from the plants we have growing.

We are always looking for full sun areas where

we can plant more so that we can help support 

these fascinating creatures.

 

 

salvia (also known as sage)-

This vibrant perennial is one of the most loved plants

by all types of pollinators.

The blooms are prolific, and are constantly covered in bees.

This drought tolerant plant requires very little attention

as long as it gets full sun and room to grow.

 

 

yarrow-

With a variety of colors to choose from,

there is sure to be a yarrow you can't live without.

The butterflies and bees swarm this beauty constantly.

Given a spot in full sun,

it will continue to bloom all through the summer.

So, there you have it.

These garden staples are easy to find at nurseries

or quick to grow from seed.

They all require full sun, but very little else.

They are drought tolerant once established

and provide so many critters with food, shelter and protection.

I hope you'll consider adding them to your homestead.