Well, I'm taking a little pause here before heading out to the lotties. It has been very busy here with harvesting, preserving and processing...not to mention the odd visitor that drops by now and then. The flower garden is looking pretty nice considering that things are beginning to be bloomed-out now and the weather has heen a bit harsh--the wind has blown-over a number of the taller plants and there has been so much rain that I haven't been able to keep it weeded properly. What opportunity I did have to do some weeding, I had to harvest the swelling veg that hung off the plants. We had two crates for the Food Bank last week and people are beginning to ask about bringing things already, so we have contacted the Food Bank and asked if we could just resume the "normal" pick-ups already. This thursday, we will begin again in earnest. To begin with here are a couple of shots of the Hydrangia and phlox corner. A big bumble bee on a Veronica. A pair of "path views" now... Another massive harvest of blueberries. Anyone who has a trug knows how many this actually is. I am reckoning ~3.5 kilos. Then finally a look at the tom progress and development. They have begun to show colour. I have already plucked one off the vine as a "sampler" when we had some friends by who were curious howe it would taste. It seems like I have so little time this year to take pics as all the veg is yielding enormously...it's hard to keep up. I am going to take some vacation in a couple of weeks to do the harvest and put up the spoils, otherwise I will not be able to keep up at all. I hope your gardens are doing as well as they are here in Holland.
I'm glad to hear that the food bank will be starting again and that folks are still willing to contibute to it. It's a really lovely thing for you all to do. :-D Your flower garden is still looking beautiful despite the weather you've been having and the phlox must smell as wonderful as it looks. I've been busy harvesting too. We've picked peppers and tomatoes as well as blackcurrants, rhubabrb and raspberries so I've been busy baking and making jam. I even have baby aubergines for the first time. It will be a while yet before they are ready but I'm so pleased with them.
Oh Eileen--it sounds like you've been having all sorts of good luck with your garden. Do you have any pics? Do you think that having a greenhouse helps at all? Thank you for your sweet comments. It always gives one a mood boost. Those Phlox along with the rest of the fragrant plants give a really nice fragrance in the garden in general...I AM partial to Phlox, though.
Love your picts. I have a veronica plant-new to me this year. I think phlox is another new plant I'll have to try next year. Our garden is still growing though nothing to harvest here yet.
Glad you liked the pics, Petunia. I am anxious to see some fotos from you when your harvesting begins. I think that you will like Phlox when you get some for next year. There are a number of colours to choose from. But the smell....ah, the smell. BTW--which colour Veronica did you get?
That's all just fabulous, Sjoerd! I love the Veronica framing the paths... love that wild look. Your hydrangea and phlox corner is gorgeous. And your toms are almost overloaded! Hey, by the way, how do you propagate phlox? I have it in one or two places but would like to spread it around some more.
Hiyah Daisy, You can divide roots in early spring or early fall...or you can take stem cuttings in the spring. Select the tender, new stems for this. Leave 2-4 leaves on the tip. Remove all leaves below this and then make a clean, straight cut just below a the place where you have removed leaves...one or two joints below the first two leaves. **I have heard that you can take cuttings from adult plants as well...just remove the flowers and the leaves from the lower stem. You can dip the bare stem in rooting powder before placing the cutting into the growing medium, but I don't always do this and still have success. I use seeding soil to fill my propagation pots, but the pro's use sand or vermiculite I think. I always place my cuttings around the edge of the little pot (up against the plastic) that I am propagating them in. I enclose the pot in a celophane bag (but do not close thoroughly) Or a propagator and periodically open the top to let the condensation out to prevent fungus formation. In 4-5 weeks they should be ready. Good luck, Miss Beans.
Sjoerd your garden is awe inspiring! So many flowers and blueberries too. The food bank will be well supplied with gardens like yours. You must be a whirlwind to keep up with it all. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Netty and Jewell for your very nice comments. They make me smile with pride. I can keep up with it all if the weather co-operates...but a few days of wind and rain and the weedsd bounce right back. The veggie plots are easier than the flower garden, though, I do admit. You are most welcome Daisy.
Okay, I need more Phlox, some Veronica, a path. Everything is absolutely amazing again this year Sjoerd.
Thanks guys...your nice words are very much appreciated. Ok then Droopy...close your eyes and SNIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF IN. :-D I wish you could taste the jam. Those blueberries also go well in Yogurt and scones. Yumm-MEE! Ok then Toni...let's see then...hmmmm. Where are you going to start with that path? hahaha. Thanks again for your kind words.
