Another Weeks Passes in the Barn Garden

So here it is, a week or so since my corny garden post. Some things are growing nicely...

Tomato plants in a bread box I bought for $2.00 are settling in nicely.

Zinnias showing tiny first sprouts so the seeds will one day be flowers.

Lantana is lush and covered with with bright blooms.

Morning Glory vines starting their fence climb in preparation for flowering.

Sunflowers gaining at least a foot every week.

But then there are the ornamental poppies I planted (below). Two weeks have

passed and zippo signs of life. The package says "seeds will sprout in 8-10 days". Right

climate, right soil and sun, but no growth so far. I will give these containers

another few days to show some action, then go to plan B.

Stay tuned for Plan B in the garden by the barn.



Hopeful Gardening Around the Barn

Is there a more optimistic thing to do than planting a garden from seed? If the birds don't carry away the seeds, the dog will dig up the plants. Too much or too little water. Too much or too little sun. Soil too tired. Too many weeds or bugs or mysterious plant diseases. Even so, this is my hopeful garden and every morning there is some happy surprise waiting. New growth or a bloom or a seedling just peeking up out of the dirt. My hope has already been rewarded.

This lovely profusion of sight and smell is thanks to my neighbor.

His honeysuckle and confederate jasmine (below)

sneak over the fence every year.

Confederate jasmine has a sweet, citrusy smell that doesn't overwhelm.

Here's an updated photo of my $1.00 birdcage trellis.

These are part of the four oclock's I planted from seed. I hope to post another photo of them soon climbing up a trellis. We used to pick four o'clocks in the lane behind our house and string the flowers to make "lei's". If you put them in the freezer they would last longer.

This hydrangea bush is a miracle of nature. The stunning blooms look as if the flowers were misted with blue watercolor paint. It totally dies back in the winter and by April it's green and full and blooming.

This shade from my pecan tree will be greatly appreciated very soon. Sitting under it makes it possible to stay in the yard outside without being drenched in sweat - and it isn't

even summer yet.

These are my hope garden beds as in, I hope they'll grow! The plate border

was an idea from the Salvage Sisters' shop outside of Jacksonville, FL. The above

bed is all morning glories.

These are my giant black-eyed Susan's from seed. I promise to send more

photos along as these plants climb the fence.

You got to love the lily. It is hardy, totally idiot-proof and requires no care.

A very independent plant indeed!