The Optimism of Gardeners

It seems a given that in whatever year or whatever location I have gardened there are disappointments.

Our first crop of green beans succummbed to some sort of beetle--and to the spell of dry hot weather just as the beans "set."  I'm miffed--because green beans are historically one of the foods I like to put up in quantity.

However, the second planting of beans looks to fare better--in spite of nameless creatures who are nibbling the tips of the plants.

I picked this mess of beans today, enough for two meals.

And--I'm going to sow another row or two for a fall crop.  If it will but rain, I think there's just time for another bean harvest.

The muskmelons have outdone themselves--all in a rush.

We have them for breakfast, we lug in more, the refridgerator holds a shelf full.

J. bought started plants enough for two hills, I put in seed for several more.

In the heat of July they have become a single harvest. The earliest ones were only a week ahead of those "from seed."

The zinnias don't mind heat and drought. I sowed several varieties which are blossoming in a mad jumble of color.

I found this clump of asclepias [butterfly weed] growing along the horse pasture fence. I've seen a brilliant yellow "sport" growing here and there on the roadsides.

Butterflies aren't a cooperative subject--darting and fluttering.  Its catch them as you can.

It often seems I don't accomplish much in a day. For a gardener or a nature lover there is always some eye-catching bird, beetle or flower which must be captured with the camera. 

Then we get out the bird book or the battered wildflower guide and poof--another hour has gone.

A candy-striped zinnia.

The sunflowers continue to lure bees, bugs and butterflies even as their petals show wear and tear.

Who would think of going outside without "speaking" to a dear old horse!

Pebbles has always shown a busy-body interest in our doings around the dooryard.

She plods along the fence line or eyes us from the shade by the barn, always hoping for a hand-out.

This small lizard was taking its ease in an empty cat litter pan which I put out to "air" on the sunny side of the garage.

J. has seen several scuttling off when he enters the garage or the lean-to shed.