Volunteers Part II

Here are some of the fruits of the volunteers in my perennial garden.

Butternut squash. I hope this one grows. The first one was eaten by slugs.

Unknown squash - possibly an acorn?

Another unknown squash.

Tomatoes, variety unknown. The plant is perfectly healthy.

What Emily thought was a cucumber looks like it may be a cantaloupe.

This one is not a volunteer. I bought these pepper plants at the farmers' market, but neglected to remember the kind. I know it is supposed to be hot. Haven't picked any yet to try.

Wildflowers on My Walk

John Wilkes Booth

I just finished reading "Manhunt - The Twelve-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson. What a nasty character Booth was. He thought he would be famous, not infamous.

Dan and I had an opportunity a couple of weekends ago to visit the Surratt Tavern in Southern Maryland and have tour by a very well-informed guide. From there we headed to Dr. Mudd's house which is still owned by descendants but open for tours. We arrived too late to tour, but were able to speak to a Civil War re-enactor who was there with a Boy Scout troop.

If you're interested in Civil War history, I recommend this book to you as well as visits to those sites.

What's Happening in the Garden on July 31st

Take a walk with me around the yard. Just outside the front door the black-eyed susans are in their full glory. The three butterfly bushes are starting to attract the insects but it always surprises me how few butterflies there are at first.


The hydrangea keeps opening new blooms in this front bed.





The sunflower is hanging its blossom head with the weight of the seeds. I frightened off some goldfinches when I opened the door. You can see where they are already feasting on the seeds.

Russian sage with trimmed lavender to the left.

Newly weeded swale to the pond.

Joe Pye weed.

Perennial beds

A lovely begonia in the hanging basket.