Another beautiful, unfettered blue sky is overhead today and a slight breeze is tickling the trees. It couldn't be more lovely. The newly planted lawn survived last week's borderline heat-wave and appears to be out of that 'critical stage' now, so we are breathing a sigh of relief. Now kicking back again. Ah Summer! It's definitely in full bloom--at least here in the backyard, where Ive been spending some time puttering amongst the flora and fauna. Getting my hands in the dirt.
A few days ago I realized I hadn't taken any pictures to capture all that's been transpiring out here and decided I really must remedy that, because it's all so very fleeting you know. So here's a little tour. A few snapshots of the good spots. (Weeds, and other unruly plantings do exist I assure you, but are out of range today as we focus on the lovely bits instead.) Like this thyme border. Oh my goodness. I am really so pleased with this. I planted it last year and it is making my heart swell with happiness right now. Types of thyme? Off the top of my head--I really can't remember what different varieties went in here; though there are stick markers hidden somewhere underneath, and I suppose I could go prodding for them and report back, but the tiny flowers are covered with honey bees and I hate to disturb their industrious work. The bees do so love thyme and I plan to plant more of it.
Sharing space with the thyme are some medicinal and culinary herbs such as, bee balm, chives, borage, comfrey, artemesia, boneset, echinacea, hyssop, tall perennial sage, and those sickeningly pungent (though worthy) types of santolina. A most aromatic and colorful bunch that repel critters.
Stepping around the other side of the fence beyond the colorful herbaceous borders, you will find our vegetable garden thriving in an abundance of goodness. We've been spending a lot of time back in here, mostly weeding (it's all organic), and picking mostly lettuces, spinach, carrots, beets, and sweet spring peas--still going strong--as you can see. These are so good. We've just been eating them raw right off the vines or steaming them whole to round out our meals. The beets have also been amazing. The Mister has been roasting the beets and making some incredible salad dishes with them. The only downside, of course, is that his teeth temporarily turn a bright shade of pink. We try not to notice.
Three weeks ago, we moved our picnic table out to the herb garden while the painters did some work on the house, and we liked it so much we left it right there. This cedar table was made by a Mennonite farmer. We saw it and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. It is an ingenious design consisting of three pieces that fit together and that can easily be taken apart and stored when necessary. Out here, we have different varieties of mint, and marjoram, sage, rosemary, yarrow, st. john's wort, and silver artemisia, which has overgrown it's tidy little box just a tad. I still remember when it all looked like this. And the garden was just a dream in the making. And a little wild.
And so, the dream continues . . .
What a beautiful herb garden. You must love spending time out there.
Posted by: Lorrie | July 14, 2010 at 08:10 PM
beautiful! this makes my day! thanks for posting on this one! lovely to look at this photos.
Posted by: nursing apparel | July 14, 2010 at 08:15 PM
I'm loving your gardens too! Great photos and love the pink house.
Posted by: Dianne | July 14, 2010 at 08:20 PM
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!
Will you tell us how you use your herbs?
Posted by: Bridgette | July 14, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Oh me, Oh my! Sigh. Lovely!
Posted by: DEB | July 15, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Lovely! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Debbie | July 15, 2010 at 03:15 PM
That was a lovely little walk through your garden--thank you!! :)
Posted by: Sharon M. | July 16, 2010 at 06:52 AM
I was going to say lovely, lovely, lovely, but that's what everyone else said...so how about fantabulous? Inspiring! Going to go out and working in my garden now....hehe :)
Posted by: kate | July 16, 2010 at 10:30 AM
work in my garden...kate...when will you learn to read the comment before you post it? silly girl! :P
Posted by: kate | July 16, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Your garden is magnificent! I love all your pictures.
Posted by: Tamdoll | July 16, 2010 at 07:07 PM
Just heavenly, Vicki. It must smell lovely sitting there.
Posted by: cathleen | July 17, 2010 at 05:16 AM
Your garden is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
jam
Posted by: jam | July 17, 2010 at 08:42 AM
Hi Vicki~ I really enjoyed the pictures! The pink playhouse makes my heart sing, and I love the way your table looks in the herb garden. Beautiful! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | July 17, 2010 at 09:45 AM
What a lovely place to be. I smile whenever I see your pink house. I'll bet you do too.
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | July 17, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Your garden is beautiful, Vicki! Thanks for sharing it. Bee balm is one of my first loves as a flower -- it reminds me of a woman with wild red hair!
Posted by: Lisa | July 18, 2010 at 05:18 AM
Your garden is so peaceful and pretty. Glad your grass survived. It's about 100 degrees here in Texas!
Posted by: Leslie | July 22, 2010 at 02:48 PM
What a beautiful peaceful place.
Posted by: pam | July 23, 2010 at 05:57 PM
Always beautiful!! I love your photos and your garden is breathtaking!
Posted by: Pam Kellogg | July 24, 2010 at 04:11 AM
I so love peeking into your lovely garden.
I love the way you put everything together.
Marie
Posted by: Marie | July 26, 2010 at 07:47 AM
What beautiful garden pictures - I would so love the gorgeous little pink house myself! And the thyme border is such a lovely idea. Thanks for the pretty garden inspiration!
Posted by: Helen Philipps | July 26, 2010 at 12:02 PM