Summer solstice

Summer solstice is upon us in Wisconsin. We've had a stretch of several days of hot and humid weather, keeping the air conditioner humming and allowing our upstairs bedroom to be stiflingly warm. Our spring wasn't particularly wet so the front lawn has become dry and prickly prematurely. The rain barrel has been our friend, keeping everything green in front and in back.

In back, the rhubarb has flourished and is growing big, BIG!


The square foot beds we put in last year look a little sparser than last year. The reason? We had a different plan for tomatoes. We still opted for cherry tomatoes (started from seeds) in pots this year.


An early lettuce, red deer tongue. Fantastic. An early planting that has come along nicely! Also, don't mind the weeds...


In back, where the potatoes grew last year, we planted onions, garlic, shallots, and three kinds of squash. We hope the members of the allium family will keep the rodents away from the squash...


An experiment: collard greens. To the left, purple carrots.


We put in a new dedicated box for tomatoes and peppers. The tomatoes are already caged so they can't escape. Many of these are from seeds we saved last year.


The shade bed is doing well. The hostas are taking nicely.


Pinks from the front bed next to the sidewalk:


French thyme is flowering and growing very well. It's nice to have these plants so close to the kitchen.




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