July in the Garden

July in Virginia has been quite hot and humid.  Every year I am amazed to see how quickly plants grow when the temperature rises.  In a very short time the small annuals that were planted in pots fill their spaces with foliage and flowers.

 Now that they are reaching their full potential, a daily dose of water is needed.  It's also time to give them a little fertilizer.  I fill all of my pots and my beds with rich compost, but a nice dose of fertilizer gives them some nutrients to continue to thrive the rest of the summer. 

"What dreadful hot weather we have!  It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance."  Jane Austen

I must admit to succumbing to air conditioning.  Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for it, but sometimes it feels like winter when I don't go outside.  I do believe I am spoiled.  

Last week we received two inches of wonderful rain.  I don't do a lot of supplemental watering in my garden unless rain doesn't fall.  Most gardens need one inch of water each week.  We have county water that has been treated.  I find that rain is a more welcome refreshment to my plants than county treated water.  Of course it's not up to me when the rain falls, so we do get out the sprinklers when needed.

Our grape tomatoes are finding a home on our salads and for quick snacks.

  There is nothing quite like a tomato that ripens in the summer sun!  I have also planted four volunteer tomato plants that came up in the compost.  I'm not sure what type they will be, but I can't resist giving them a chance.

Remember the trailing vinca Grayden planted in the brick planter?  I'm so happy that it is thriving and spilling over the brick wall. 

 My favorite impatiens can no longer live in my garden due to downy mildew that returns year after year.  I have made notes about the trailing vinca in my gardening journal and will probably use it again in this planter.

The mint gives a nice flavor to iced tea.

 Basil is enjoyed on caprese salads and in other recipes.

  My old rosemary is looking a little old this year.  Perhaps I should plant another.  The oregano is also starting to bloom, so I should dry some for winter meals.

  Herbs are so easy to grow, I do hope you give them a try.  There really is nothing better to use to enhance your cooking than fresh herbs.  Don't you agree, Peter Rabbit?

We continue to see bunnies, frogs and a lot of different birds in our garden. Today as Grayden was grilling our dinner we spotted the tiniest of frogs.

For the last couple of years we have had a very friendly squirrel scampering along the brick ledge of our Florida room.  I found today that Sammy Squirrel is indeed Samantha.  She's quite curious and enjoys peeking in on our activities. 

Even though we live in a suburban area it's always nice to see all of the small animals that live and thrive in our garden.