July 1, 2013

A new month has begun. How did that happen?

Yesterday I went to Fulton UMC for a joint service with other churches in our Rural Retreat charge. We have a new minister so one service was held for all churches to meet him. He seemed very nice though didn't really get to talk to him personally. The service was very nice and then we had a covered dish lunch which was nice. I've met a number of the members of some of these other churches, so was nice to see them again. Food was very good as always.

"snowball"

When I got home, I went out to deadhead peonies and roses and then ended up doing major pruning on some lilacs and the "snowball" tree.

Two lilac- pruned

Today, watched a little Wimbledon on TV and then went out to do "a little" weeding which was much needed. Took longer than expected (of course) and was pretty muddy since it rained last night. However, Both gardens look pretty good. Also separated chives, pruned rosemary again and planted some new parsley seeds. Had plans to plant more seeds, but then it started to rain hard, so came in the house.



Herb garden at top; tomatoes, peppers, squash and cukes on bottom part

Cabbage. beans, limas - weeded

My neighbor has given me yellow squash and today a zucchini - we planted at same time and my squash is just beginning to show promise on one plant (flowers and a squash forming; and nothing on the other) and my zucchini is doing next to nothing.. leaves only. No fair! But have enjoyed her squash and lettuce (she planted mixed greens and they are yummy. I have planted some of them, but did that late. My Simpson Elite Lettuce (don't you love the name?) is doing well but it's nice to have some variety to include with it.

The rhododendrons are a little late this year, just now starting to bloom but they sure are pretty. And another kind of lily from what I reported before - Easter-ish looking to me, roses, sweet pea, and various other pretty weeds are blooming here and there... Also the blue hydrangeas are peeking out and the magnolia is starting to bloom.


Lily

rhododendron in bloom



rhododendron about to bloom



Magnolia

Blue Hydrangea