Hot & Steamy

It's been hazy, hot and humid for the past few days with no rain, although the forecast shows some relief coming our way.  The hanging planters and pots have to be watered twice a day and the flower and vegetable gardens once a day.  The stock is blooming now and fills the air with its wonderful spicy sweet scent.  We've seen our first monarch in the garden laying eggs on the milkweed and have also been visited by black swallowtails, tiger swallowtails, red admirals and a gulf fritillary. 

I've covered the strawberries planted in the VegTrug with netting, since they're beginning to ripen and  I have to try to outwit the robins and chipmunks.  The tomato plants are about 2-1/2 feet tall with blossoms.  

Associate Gardener weeding and cultivating veggies

Strawberries in VegTrug protected by netting

Monarch Egg on Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa)

Monarch Egg on Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca) 

The zinnias that I started from seed under lights in the house are now blooming.  I put a patch in the vegetable garden to attract bees and butterflies.

Patch of Zinnias

Last year I started Lychnis seeds in the house. After planting outdoors, they developed into beautiful plants, but never flowered.  This year we have flowers and they should seed down and provide new plants next year.  I love their bright magenta blooms on the silvery green foliage.

Lychnis - Abbotswood Rose Hybrid