Progress At A Snail's Pace

It's been a while since I have posted an update, and there are two reasons: First, nothing much seemed to be changing except the size of the mulch pile that continues to dwindle. Second, I have been out of town and unable to see any progress. We have had good rain, but nothing the past few days, and it has become hot; today it was 90. The gnats are so horrible that Paul and I can get only two or three wagon loads of mulch spread before the little beasts drive us inside. When I planned the front beds, I envisioned crowds of various plants all in bloom. So, I clumped things together hoping that over time, they would spread out and fill in the bare spots. Sadly, the beds look like pitiful rows of plants struggling to survive. At least there are a few blooms, and they give me hope. The photos below tell the rest of the story. They are in no particular order. Blogger doesn't make it easy to arrange photos so I'll leave them as they are.

This doesn't look so bad, does it? I cannot take credit as a previous owner planted the daylilies in this photo and the three pictures below. They are in the side and back yard.




A couple of things to note about my shade bed. First, it has been mulched, and second the calla lilies are growing like gangbusters. Also, the astilbes are getting big and are blooming. One is dark pink and the other is lighter pink.

This photo and the next show the front beds, which are a bit embarrassing at this point. There are bare spots and some of the plants are shriveling. However, the good news is that some of the plants are taking off. There are a few blooms here and there.

The upside down tomatoes are doing well. A few blossoms hint of fruit to come.

My favorite herb is basil. I could eat it every day and when tomatoes are in season, I go through a lot of basil in a short time. So, I bought a gallon plant and put it on the deck. It is doing well, as is the basil in the standing herb garden.

Drat. I just deleted a photo. It shows moon flower plants that have just erupted from seed. They are one of my favorite plants but have never had luck growing them, save one time. I can get the dang things to sprout, but then they die. Keep your fingers crossed.

I am pleased as punch by my herb garden. It looks just like I envisioned it when I ordered the kit. Now that everything is healthy and thriving, it's time to begin harvesting.