Spring Serenity

Never ending garden maintenance is eased by vistas of lush green and paintbox flowers. Don't you wish every day in the garden was as beautiful as this one? More foxgloves to see...I am so proud of these gorgeous stalks that one picture is not enough.

Rudbeckia - Masses of Color This Summer and Next

Growing Perennials from seed is a money-saving venture. Many will not bloom the first year, and perseverance is a prerequisite for not only growing the plants from seed but wintering them over in your garden until next spring. Then, perhaps you'll get to enjoy the flowers you've worked so hard to see.

Rudbeckia, the Latin family of the Black Eyed Susan, has both perennial and annual varieties. Both will flower the first year from seed. This perennial will scatter enough seed from its giant, bushy bouquet to keep you in Black Eyed Susans from now 'til eternity. Finches love the seed, and you'll be entertained just watching them flock to the bare stalks in winter.


This spring my garden had hundreds of "volunteer Susans," and being the frugal type I potted a dozen or so to give away.

Foxgloves From Seed

Fresh, Organic Sweets Are Right Out Back

Last summer I walked into a grocery and the only item on my list from the produce section was a lemon. It was a stunning revelation. The garden at home was full of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and a melon patch which included watermelon and cantaloupe. Not to mention that everyday items such as onions, carrots, potatoes, eggplant, lettuce, spinach,tomatoes, peppers, corn....I'm losing track...abounded. Growing food is work; hot, arduous, dirty labor. But the rewards are sweet and sometimes spicy. And preserving food will extend those rewards into the cold winter months.

My strawberry patch is overflowing with ruby red Sequoia berries. This type was chosen over the Quinalt ever bearing variety, a decision I do not regret. Despite the claim that they produce all season long, the Quinalt plants which I have located throughout my garden haven't produced well. They do flower, but the yield is measly. I wholeheartedly recommend Sequoia protected by fencing. The 18" netting which surrounds our Sequoia patch has kept out rabbits, increasing our yield.

The Dwarf Elberta Peach Tree is loaded with over 100 little peaches; it's a dwarf, but the fruit will reach full size. Practicality tells me that some of the fruit may have to be removed early or supports made for the smaller branches. It will reach 8-10 ft. in height and needs no pollinator, although adding a Red Haven Peach in the yard is said to increase fruit on both trees.