A thing of beauty, a job forever!

Late May Garden update ~~~~~~~~

We've tried to put the garden straight since returning from Sicily - not easy 

when feeling so rough with Europe's 'bug from hell' which came home with us,

 and weather which although lovely for a couple of days, has now turned cool 

with several continuous rainy days saturating the ground and giving a new growth

 spurt to weeds! Fortunately, two days of tornado activity stayed away from our 
area - we are sad for the North Carolinians who lost their homes in rural
 areas - thankfully there were no deaths or severe injuries.

A swing by the garden center for mulch, potting soil, and packets of herb seeds,

 morning glories and moonflowers to plant in those waiting pots, also brought

 sighs over all the lovely pots of plants, perennials and annuals now in bloom,

 all calling out "choose me" of course!

How could I resist the foxglove, one of my favorites even though it doesn't 

like our hot/humid climate here and will usually only last one summer season.

I've kept it mostly on the porch under cover as the heavy rains came down,

trying to save the flower spires to enjoy on sunny, drier days coming soon.

The hydrangeas have hardly a bloom due to the severe freeze we had in early
 spring killing the new buds - I doubt we'll see those lovely blues this year, or many 

figs on our two trees as they were also hit hard. The jasmines were damaged 
but with a hard prune they have returned and are raucously climbing, blooming
 and perfuming the front porch now.

I took down the nesting boxes as all babies have gone, and I've hung my 

hummingbird feeder early this year in hopes the tiny beauties will

 return as usual. For some reason I feel ahead of myself regarding the 

outdoors for this summer season. Probably due to being away in the non-stop

sunshine and heat of Italy. . . . . . I feel I've had, and enjoyed, my summer already.

I like this feeling though, knowing I still have a good three months ahead where 

I can work around the cottage and garden, relax in the gazebo, perhaps plan some

 outdoor get-togethers with family, friends and neighbors. . . . . . . and maybe take a

 few overnights out of town to enjoy the North Carolina countryside and the

 summer bounty of its farms and markets. 

What are your summertime plans?