Summer is in full swing which means things are changing on a daily basis in the garden. I thought it was high time for a garden update.
Since my last post, my potted herbs started to go down hill -- even with the fresh soil they had clearly outgrown their planters and after stumbling upon this in my Pinterest feed I felt way more confident about planting them in my new garden bed.
The results? They are all thriving! Everything has exploded and not one plant seems to be suffering from lack of sun. The greens I started are exceptionally happy -- it's the perfect temperature and amount of sunlight for them down there. Even after all of our hot sunny weather, none of my lettuce plants have bolted! I'm so thrilled -- it opens up so much possibility. Elsie and I harvested our first head of lettuce yesterday -- we were so proud.
{ perennial arugula }
{ Italian parsley }
The heat loving herbs have a new home in the front of the house in a huge terracotta pot that's been empty for years. We live in attached townhouses where our front door is set back creating a little alcove that heats up like a green house in the morning sun. It's the perfect place for basil.
{ spearmint, parsley, peppermint, basil, nasturtiums }
There is a small garden bed next to the front door as well that has existing plants that I am not allowed to remove, beds like this are maintained by the maintenance company. However I've found a little path of paving stones along the bed that were hidden by foliage and I've tucked two pots there to take advantage of the green house effect.
{ Mr Fig }
{ seedless cucumber }
This year I decided to tidy up all of my succulent planters -- they are my babies and have been with me for over a decade. I've collected many of the plants from cuttings on hikes or from friends gardens or gardens where I've lived so each plants has a story and means something to me.
I took a little vacation to see my sister in Penticton. While I was away my sweet neighbor watered my plants and let me tell you -- I think they like her better than me because by the time I returned my planters were exploding with new growth! I don't think I've ever seen them looking so good!
What's exciting and new in your garden?
Oh Jane, I am so jealous of your incredible gardening prowess! There is lots new in my garden... all weeds. I try, but I just can't seem to manage the sun, the rain, the weeds. I'll live vicariously through your "In the Garden" posts!
ReplyDeleteTanis you are a sweetie! Everything looks good close up -- I still have weeds and sorry looking patches ;) Christopher dropped off a humongous pile of soil amending mulch which has done wonders for the beds! It completely smothers the weeds and adds nutrients to the soil, it's been a real help.
DeleteYour garden is looking fantastic! I love watching your garden grow. :)
ReplyDeleteI've only got a handful of plants in pots on the front stoop and back deck, but they are doing surprisingly well. I've burned everything that ever lived outside before this year. I wish my strawberries would take off, but the little pot they are in probably isn't doing them any favors.
It makes me so happy that you enjoy the in the garden posts, I love putting them together but often get nervous I'm boring people to tears, lol. I've held onto the same little strawberry pot for years and it wasn't until this year, when I was able to put them in the ground that they started to thrive and bear fruit again. Maybe try them in a larger pot? Or divide them?
DeleteWe have outdoor space for the first time in nearly a decade, and we're taking full advantage! We've planted a small garden and love watching it grow. It's incredibly satisfying. I'm glad to hear you were able to save your herbs! It looks like you have a nice variety.
ReplyDeleteMichelle congratulations on your new growing space! I couldn't agree with you more about watching things grow, I've come to realize it's something I need in my life -- no matter what space I'm in. It's so satisfying and fulfilling to care for a garden, even if it's just a few pots on your deck.
DeleteHappy Gardening!!!
I love your photos! The plants look gorgeous. We don't have much growing in our winter garden here in Melbourne, except for some herbs, silverbeet and spinach. It's so cold to get out in the garden at this time of the year. However, our succulents are growing great guns and are flowering too. Great blog. Cheers, Leslie.
ReplyDeleteOh succulents are my favorite! They are always gorgeous in my eyes but even more lovely when they flower. I lived in Melbourne for a short stint with my family -- I can't remember what the winter time was like.
DeleteThis year I am going to try my hand at growing some vegetables in half of the garden. They say that potatoes will clean the soil, so I am going for King Edwards, plus some peas and carrots. On the other half, the only new addition will be a wooden garden seat so that I can look at my roses and smell my beautiful nicotianas
ReplyDeleteNorberto @ Thorburn Landscapes