In the Garden

I missed having a garden last year and I was eager to get one planted this year. Alas, I was away at the optimum time to plant and got everything into the ground late. I didn't plant much on account of the fact that I knew I'd be away some this summer and I don't want DH to have to take care of the garden - he's got enough on his plate. He would gladly do it, but I told him it's my call. :)

I always have company in the garden who faithfully inspect the daily offerings:

refreshments included

and sit at the ready in case the plants get out of line:

as they keep me apprised of any garden shenanigans

The zucchini is producing abundantly, as zucchini is wont to do:

My squash plants were eaten by a sneaky nighttime marauder. :)

The cantaloupe

and watermelon

 are growing in wild abandon. I've got lots of green peppers and this purple pepper adds an unusual and fun color to our salads and recipes:

And the tomatoes are finally producing fruit

The jalapenos are HOT this year, but we love them and I incorporate them into a lot of recipes:

I've got to bring in more dirt and get onions and potatoes in the ground and once the sweltering heat of the summer dissipates, there will be a whole slew of lettuce for our munching pleasure. I love spending time out here. It seems to be a favorite gathering place:

The one critical ingredient that is missing this year is rain. We had an inch in early June and not a drop since then. That makes for a challenging year to garden, but gardening is a challenge in one way or another every year!