Everything seems to be thriving in the vegetable patch.  Today my husband very kindly worked in the rest of the compost and sowed the remaining vegetable seeds.  I think we can safely say now that the soil will be warm enough.  Meanwhile, the lettuces that we grew under glass are doing very well… we have even started to use some of the leaves in our salads. The tomato plants both inside the greenhouse and vegetable patch are looking very healthy. The cucumbers struggled a little when I first planted them out but are doing fine now. I have tried growing red peppers again but I have planted them in large pots rather than directly in the garden.

Most of the plants that I started from seed in the greenhouse have now been planted out leaving only our tubs of tomatoes and lettuce.  Each year I try starting a few different perennials from seed. One that I particularly have had success with is Salvia Farinacea which has vibrant, blue-violet flowers. It is long blooming and when planted on mass really brightens the border. Sadly though I have since discovered that this is a very tender perennial and does not survive our winters. I am looking forward to seeing how the dwarf hollyhocks will turn out which I started from seed last year and have done a new batch this year. I have also planted out the “cup and saucer” campanula (bell flower).  The potted freesias are doing well and I am anxiously awaiting for the blooms.  I didn’t have much success last year but after doing a little research I have changed the soil to a more sandy type and have tried not to over water them or over fertilize.  I am hoping this year I will get a few more blooms as I just love their fragrance.

After spending a day in the garden it is always good to have any area that you can sit in to reflect on the day. I love the view from my bench seat looking onto the rock garden and pond and watching the humming birds.