Dare I say it?

Dare I say we've received just the right amount of rain, the right amount of sun and the right amount of warmth for one of the best gardening seasons ever?  I'm almost a little fearful that if I say it out loud  - it might all change in the blink of an eye.  Our season started early and fortunately over the last week it has cooled a bit.  Perfect for weeding, grass cutting and general chores.

Just wanted to show you an update of my front garden veggie garden.  I started it by putting down newspaper on top of the lawn, cutting out a good edge (I love my edges), and then dumping compost on top.  Over the past few weeks, I've re-edged once and am pretty slavish about clipping to maintain the shape.  Considering it's a brand new garden, I'm really pleased.  Kevin & and I have had salad almost every lunch and dinner and the taste is amazing.  So much better than clam-shell-packed produce.

I decided I wanted to have it look more formal than most veggie gardens because it was in the front garden.   It's my first veggie garden in about 22 years - sadly we've lost a number a trees on the property to old age and so I've finally got enough sunlight for this project.  Feel that I'm sort of learning again as I go.  I've lost the odd thing to pests.  Found a nice big cabbage lying on its side one a.m.  Couldn't find one big enough to replace it so I put in a rosemary - figure if I couldn't go with the same size and shape, I'd just put in something the same colour.  Obviously if this was a year I was on a tour, I'd be growing extras somewhere to plunk in.  Also, I've learned I've got to be more careful with the seed sowing if I want to maintain a regimented look - my pour from the seed package, swirl and cover method leaves a lot to be desired.  Now I place each seed.

Because everything is on show, where I might have used covers to protect from insects, I'm just let the bugs  share and watching carefully in case they start to take more than they should.

Will also have to work on my photo technique for veggies - a little more difficult to make them look ready for their close-up.  Took this photo in the early evening - the light is too yellow - should be taking advantage of the a.m. cooler blue light.

I've definitely got some work to do on these shots.  Kind of fun to think of the challenge ahead.

So last, but not least, here are a few bits and pieces around the garden.  All sorts of things starting to bloom - a surprise and delight every day awaits me.

Tanecetum macrophyllum

Hemerocallis

This tiny little daylily was sent to me years ago with just a number from the Daylily Association - it had been given a number, but no name at that point.  It's a really small, clear yellow, and a lovely little plant.

Last week at a District 7 Garden Writers Association luncheon we were given three roses to try.  These will be the first roses I've grown in my garden.  As you may be aware, here in Oakville, we are not permitted to use any pesticides or fungicides at all, so these three lovely roses truly will have to prove they are carefree and easy to grow.  This is Fiesta from Pallatine Roses  (www.palatineroses.com).  I really hope it does well, it looks so pretty at the moment.

Last, but not least is a watery Campanula shot.    Such great blossoms, and so many more to come in the days ahead.

This w/e my buddy Norma (we've known each other since we were 2 and 3 years old) are going to the Niagara Shaw Festival Garden Tour - hope to have lots of photos to share in the days ahead.