July 3 - Garden report
On the Caravan property there is a small hill* covered with a motley collection of weeds, grasses, and some flowers we planted last year. At home we have a gorgeous perennial garden which my wife has been working on for many many years. It is the kind of garden that passersby stop and admire, which is not something that will happen here anytime soon, unless the person passing by loves weeds. Nonetheless, inspired by the beauty of our yard at home, I am hopeful that if—in my scant spare time—I add a few flowers every year and encourage the current ones to spread, someday the hill will be a little prettier.
This morning, wishing to modify the header for our updated website, I came to work early and photographed some of the flowers. The lavender photo came out well so it is now our header background. And, in the spirit of the 4th of July, I'm happy to share the flower above which if memory serves, is bee balm. (I love flowers but once the little name tag blows away, I'm apt to forget what they are.)
Our garden also includes some heirloom tomato plants purchased a few weeks ago at our local farmer's market. I planted them in a foot and a half of organic compost and they're growing like crazy. None of them are kinds I'm familiar with—Dafel, Cherokee Purple and Japanese something or other—so I'm looking forward to seeing how they taste. Also have some zucchini, and summer and winter squash.
Caravan Beads will be closed tomorrow; the retail store will be open normal hours on Saturday the 5th. Have a safe and happy 4th!
*The hill, shown below, is actually granite ledge covered by 6-8 inches of dirt and rocks. Even by the standards of rocky Maine soil, this is a nasty place to try and grow anything other than weeds.
