Heat Advisory

We're in a heat advisory, which means especially hot and humid temperatures.  Minnesotans aren't used to this. (I'm not used to this!) The dew point yesterday was 78 F, which is the normal high temperature.  I've been watering my garden early in the morning.  The pots in the sun need more water, sometimes twice a day.  After some cooler than average temperatures, I am happy to see my tomatoes and peppers ripening.  I was nervous that I wouldn't get ripe pumpkins, but this weather helps.  The photo is yellow pear tomatoes. 

Wild Blackberries

I had one awkward moment when picking this morning. The thorns of one cane caught my pants, the thorns of another cane caught my sleeve, and I moved my hand without looking, the thorns of a third cane catching my flesh. Thankfully, no one heard my yelps of pain. I know, I know, I have to get rid of these nuisances, but I'm going to wait until I get one more bowl of berries. 

Embrace the Mushrooms

We have over 60 of these babies growing in our front lawn.   I don't like eating mushrooms; however, they grow with abandon in our yard and woods.  Fungi are nature's way of cleaning up.  With one caveat--making sure that little ones or pets don't eat mushrooms that are poisonous--I say let them grow!

Flowers Finally!

The cosmos in the garden and zinnias by the mailbox are finally flowering.  I planted them from seed late this spring since the ground was soggy and cold.  This is the latest for my garden that the flowers are looking good. 

The zinnias in pots have been looking terrific since I could control the moisture and temperature and planted the seeds earlier than the others. This is Zowie Zinnia, planted in three pots that border my garden. In pots by the front of the house I had planned on impatiens, but when they died, I replanted with red geraniums.  It's a little shady for them, but they look great.  I hope for a late, late frost so I can enjoy these beautiful blooms a long time.