While I yearn for the harvest baskets of August and September, there is a lot to love about a new May garden. Join us for conversation, photos and garden chat. All are welcome!
Fungi with Hyphae
Hyphae is a wonderful discovery in a garden. Hyphae, the white threads of fungi, are proof of decomposition and mycorrhiza. Mycorrhiza is the relationship between fungus and plant matter. ‘Tis a good thing. This was photographed Friday, May 2nd, as I prepped my snacking tomato bed.
If these photos had a sound effect, you would hear a squeal.
Herb Spiral May 1st
Herb Spiral is beginning to show off. I planted dusty miller along the front walk and continued it along the herb spiral for unity. I do have some herbs planted. The usual. Basils (about 5 varieties), oregano, thyme, sage. And Valarian for funsies. Gave some chives away at work today. Love having something to gift this early in the season.
South Tulip Row
I have a confession about tulips. I do not like them as cut flowers. No scent, seem to die fast, don’t like the look in a vase… So, instead of enjoying some, I threw some in a couple of jars and gifted them to people who would enjoy these flowers. I adore the look of tulips along the fenceline. Just once they are cut, they cease being my thing.
Hazelnut tree lol
Yet another beautiful concept, thinking you killed something and then spring says you didn’t. This was a small hazelnut tree I ran over with the trimmer this past fall. Darn thing just stayed annoyingly stunted so I completely overlooked it while doing yard work. I figured I killed it, but decided I’d pull it up come spring, when the roots die and pull up easy.
Annoying though. This extra hazelnut I am not sad to lose is alive, but I lost six rose bushes over the winter. Roses are expensive, I collected a couple a year over the past 7-8 years. Now I lost almost half of what I had. Anyway. It’s always something, isn’t it.
Daffodils
Another confession. I do not like daffies. This one is admittedly pretty, with the pale yellow and apricot tones, so I guess I like one variety. I almost pulled this up. Glad I left it.
This is some excellent soil!
My soil this spring is perfection. Almost the entire garden is heavy with worms. Still seeing some spots with heavier clay than I like, but those are the spots I have amended the least. Most of the growing areas have benefitted from years of careful attention from the gardener. Soil snacks, compost, aged manure, leaves and grass clipping have done wonders for my soil health.
We like naked (after 5PM) in these parts, but NOT our soil. Whether you use wood chips, hay and grass clipping clean of herbicide, leaves, compost, tarp even, Mother Earth wants a modesty towel to protect the microbiome of the soil.
Drippin Honey Pear Blossoms
The second pear tree did not bloom this year (it’s a baby) so these flowers will product no fruit without that pollinator. Yet these blossoms put on a nice show. Before they open, they are a lovely peach color, as shown above.
Peony
The peony I transplanted in November came through just fine! It was a gift from a neighbor who was moving. This plant was originally at his Grandmother’s house, and she died many years ago. So it is an old plant. Can’t wait to see the blooms!
Crispy Chickpeas with Beef — from NYT Cooking.
Made this last week, it is SO GOOD. I’ve eaten this dish before, but this is the first time I’ve made it myself. This recipe will make your kitchen smell good, and fill a belly. Highly recommend!
Crispy Chickpea and Beef
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