Friday morning

A big storm with high wind was predicted for last night so took the trouble to bring in all the hanging plants and move the rest so they wouldn't get damaged. The storm did come but was all thunder, lightening with a little rain. So this morning, I had to take everything out again.

With the exception of some annuals for color in the front, all the planting is done. Still pulling the Coreopsis out -- from that one plant we bought last year, and didn't deadhead, hundreds came up. We pulled many while they were small and gave them away, pulled more and put them in other areas, but yesterday the ones we let grow were threatening to take over the roses as well as the tomato plants. We don't get a lot of sun in the back, here in town, so have to make the most of what we do have.

The storm did cool it down some, which will help the new plants. I was able to find Borage at the Farmer's Market this year. Have two plants in and hope they like it here and will reseed. I make an herb punch that take two handfuls of Borage leaves and haven't been able to have it for a couple of years as I couldn't find it here.

I'm trying to get as many perennials in as I can so they will grow and fill in; tucking bulbs in around the base of some. With so much shade here it's hard to find things that will give color. The astilbes are finally blooming but not near as tall as I'd hoped they'd be.

My new plant this year is Corkscrew Rush, wiry, twisted, grasslike foliage. One of the few plants that like wet feet, I'm watching it closely, but may have to dig it up and pot it. Ihad hoped the Jewel of Opar I planted last year, and loved, would reseed - as it should have. Nothing showing yet but I'm still hoping it's our crazy weather slowing them down.

So, how is your garden growing? Send me some pictures of your garden and I'll post them.