Let’s talk tomatoes...

The tomatoes are finally arriving! Those little ‘chocolate’ tomatoes of Carol’s are just as cute as their name. I have harvested approximately five little gems from my own tomato plants so far—just about enough for half of a salad. Not much of a farmer. The chard is more than ready to eat but it looks so pretty in its elaborate container that I haven’t indulged yet. A small eggplant has been growing steadily but the other vegetables that my husband and I planted are still smallish—I think that it is because we planted them in the same area where our old oak used to be. Even after its demise, I still feel its presence...

Also, I promised to post the photo of the woman who had the first tomato (that I knew of) this season! 

Share and share alike

Chocolate cherry tomatoes...precious tasty fruits of the summer. I am not only the one that thinks so, the neighborhood woodchuck definitely agrees. I once had a cluster of five near ripe cherry tomatoes, and then there were two. My heart fell when I saw the woodchuck had greedily feasted on three of my five tomatoes. I do have to admit, he has good taste. The remaining two small plump tomatoes were mouth-watering, meaty and delicious. I guess I can learn to share (as if I have a choice).

Wowsa! Now that is a Window Box!

I had to return to the scene of this beautiful shade garden window box to snap a photo. I was just walking my chihuahua, Magic, when this window box caught my eye. As you can see it is brimming with bright lush foliage in every shape and color. Mind you there are a few flowers but the real showstoppers are the leaves...undeniably! Kudos to the homeowner/gardener that put this container garden together for all of us to enjoy!

Grassy inspiration

I just love how grasses blow in the breeze. This is a lame attempt at showing these plants at what they do best—moving! I was recently in Door County and they are blooming everywhere now—along country roads and edges of cow pastures. A few daisies thrown into the mix doesn’t hurt either. They make beautiful moving gardens. Does anyone know the names of these grasses?

—Susan 

Super Hero arrives from the skies!

Pretty unbelievable about the Praying Mantis coming from above. All gardeners respect Mother Nature and the power of the Universe but this is a pretty direct answer to Carol’s problem with the aphids. She has been talking about it and taking pictures of the aphids for a few days now. Amazing. He even waited for her to take a picture!

Pretty cute little guy.

I hope he dined well. 

—Susan

Praying for a Cure

Help is on its way! Last night I spied a small praying mantis walking gingerly across my kitchen ceiling. Without hesitation, I snatched a piece of paper and offered it as a new route for the tiny insect. Lucky for me, the mantis must have liked the new choice because it immediately walked on to the page. If you have read any of our past blogs you would know the sad fate of my ornamental rhubarb...aphids! You can probably guess where I was heading with my new passenger. I had been praying for a cure since I first saw those pesky aphids multiplying on the underside of the lush enormous leaves of my prized rhubarb. Little did I know it would come from my kitchen ceiling in the form of a uniquely shaped insect, the praying mantis! I love it when my prayers are answered!