Today I spent a bit of time doing a little work in the garden, though I barely put a dent in the work that needs to be done out there. This cute little crow garden decoration stands in a pot of zinnias, which are in a sorry looking end-of-season state. But they keep blooming, and I don't have the heart to pull them yet. The grass has grown up around the baskets of flowers, and the patty pan squash from the neighboring squash pit is filling in the vertical space around the flowers.
Speaking of the squash pit, here it is in all it's glory. The cabbage loopers really did a number on the leaves. Amazingly enough, the plants are still putting on new squash, and new leaves are coming in too! The sunflowers that once stood tall with sunny yellow faces now lean in various directions, preparing their seeds for fall. Soon I'll snip their long stems and set their seeds out for the birds.
This is the zucchini plant that I was able to best "save" when the cabbage looper outbreak occured. You can see damage to the leaves near the top of the photo, but for the most part this plant pulled through nicely. And, as you can see by the big yellow zucchini at the center of the photo, it's still putting on fruit!
I pulled a few plants that were really struggling and planted some new seeds in their place. In two containers I planted peas, some yellow wax beans in another, and slicing cucumbers in another. I pulled all the corn stalks today, and turned the soil. I need to add some compost to the area, and eventually I'll plant some onions. And maybe more peas. *grin*
It was pretty hot here today -- upper 90s -- and I just couldn't do as much as I would have liked, due to the heat and humidity. But thankfully we're supposed to get some rain and cooler temps this week (gotta love it when huricanes make it to central Texas!), so in the evenings I can get a few more things done in the garden. I've got some spent cucumber plants to pull, and some way-past-prime tomato plants that need to come out, too!
You must have a ton of energy! Like Bonnie said, I'm tired just thinking about it. I live in summer he** also, near Houston. I spend the summers going from the air conditioned car that barely cools off by the time I reach my destination to an air conditioned store (most don't cool enough for my comfort) and I SWEAT. Then back to the car and head for the air conditioned house!
You are amazing. Talented in so many ways. I find that a bit selfish, for you being so good at so many things! LOL
Posted by: Carolyn Sue Groves | September 07, 2010 at 03:29 PM
Hey! This last picture of the zucchini patch would make a sadistically evil 1000 piece puzzle for those days when fun is out of the question. Good idea?.......Probably not. Nice crow! one needs two for a Heckle and Jeckle pair tho...Love, Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | September 07, 2010 at 11:39 AM
Now that is a cute crow....I want one! LOL
Posted by: Carla | September 07, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Hermine? What kind of name is that? I think they just don't know how to spell "Hermione." Latest hurricane is a typo! Hope you get cooled off and enough rain, just not too much!
Posted by: kathynruss | September 07, 2010 at 05:50 AM
Here in IA my garden is about done. Still waiting for the brusselsprots. Pototoes need digging. Peas and beans are dried up. Tomatoes did not produce at all well, vine borer got the zuccs. There are a few acorn squash rippening and we got ONE tiny watermelon! Your garden did so much better. :)
Glad to see the cabbage lopers did not stop the zucchini! Have a terrific Tuesday, hugs...
Posted by: Carol Dee | September 07, 2010 at 05:01 AM
This summer has been too hot for man or beast ...but obviously not for those cabbage loopers! Honestly Anna, I don't know how you do what you do... your critters, garden , cooking and baking, illustrating,
design team work ... and I'm sure I've only touched on a few of the many things you do. I'm tired just thinking about all of it!
Posted by: bonnie weiss | September 07, 2010 at 04:05 AM