Although our garden isn’t exactly bountiful yet, there is promise there.

Still unsure of our yard’s growing zones, we planted herbs, veggies, and flowers is pots around the house this year. Like all new projects, there’s been a learning curve. Some plants have gone gangbusters while others are a bit slower on the uptake (or need more/different nurturing).

Our planting schedule was a little late this year, which might have proven smart given the amount of rain and cold that Spring brought. All of the plants were bought as transplants verses starting them from seed, and we tried not to go bonkers; limiting plants to the containers we purchased (4 large containers plus miscellaneous pots here 'n there). This kind of reserve is not my of my strengths.

We purchased two tomato plants, (unknown varieties), four cucumber plants, two each of 'Pickling' and 'Burpless Bush Hybrid' (hoping for some pickles in the future), plus a zucchini, a Crookneck (yellow) squash, an eggplant, and a chili pepper. Additionally, there are some petunias and cilantro tucked into these pots, which have since been overrun or dried out. (Cilantro, I have since surmised, is trickier than you expect.)

In a stacked set of pots (a nifty item purchased at the Home & Garden show), I have a mix of herbs and flowers. There are lots of petunias, just because they typically do well here, and a mix of fun/funky flowers. Since I planted them, my chives, oregano, and chamomile have bit the dust and the basil doesn’t look that far behind. (Can I tell you how horribly jealous I am of my alley-way, diagonal neighbor and their lush and beautiful basil, tomatoes, eggplant, and more?! Half whisky barrels full of garden treats that taunt me each and every day.)

A handful of mismatched and cracked pots, which were found in the various flower beds around the house, have been procured to hold the overflow flowers and herbs that I bought. The catnip, sage, and mint are growing profusely, and the Origami Columbine flowers have been a nice surprise.

Another planter that we assumed from the previous owners is our diving platform. Or more precisely, the mounted diving board base. (Yes, we have no diving board.) This contained the remnants of vegetable matter when we moved in, and we discussed removing “the tooth” (as Matt likes to call it). In the end, I just planted some lavender, red cockscomb, and Aptenia (I think), and called it a day. Theses three plants love it in this spot, and I’ve even noticed a rogue petunia sneaking into the mix. (Returning from last year?)

My pride and joy, however, is the large container of scented geraniums that I’ve managed to keep alive and growing the last few years. These have been ignored, ant-riddled, and moved from our previous residence, and yet they reward me with large, vibrant leaves and a plethora of blossoms in pinks and reds.

Perhaps I should just stick to the geraniums and tick the rest off as a whim, eh?

# # #