Monthly Archives: June 2009

Consider a Drought-Tolerant Garden

Posted on June 28, 2009 by

There are many plants that will grow in Pacific Northwest Garden zone 8 that are fairly drought tolerant when they are established plants.  Some are native plants, while others are not, but all produce lovely flowers in season and add … Continue reading →

Posted in Bulbs, companion plantings, drought tolerant plants, Feeding, Hummingbird plants, Hummingbirds, northwest native plants, Plant Combinations, Plants, Spring-Blooming bulbs, Summer-flowering plants | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Happy Summer Solstice!

Posted on June 21, 2009 by

I hope you get to spend some time today out in your favorite garden, enjoying the plants on this first day of summer!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

Chitting Curcurbit Seeds For Better Germination

Posted on June 18, 2009 by

I have had pretty good luck growing pumpkin and winter squash, and terrible luck the last couple of years growing cucumbers.  I want some cukes this year, so I decided to try some techniques that Steve Solomon advises in his … Continue reading →

Posted in Cucumbers, Pumpkin, start seeds, Vegetable gardening, weather | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Planting Tomatoes

Posted on June 7, 2009 by

The weather is being cooperative here in Garden zone 8, and thus I am beginning to get the tomato plants into their respective beds.  This is how I do it: I weed the bed and redig it I then add … Continue reading →

Posted in compost tea, Garden Fertilizer, Tomatoes, Vegetable gardening | Tagged | 2 Comments

First Swallowtail of the Summer!

Posted on June 4, 2009 by

I saw a beautiful Swallowtail butterfly flitting through the roses yesterday. Nice to have them back again.  I’m also seeing a lot of dragonflies in the garden as well.

Posted in butterfly, Dragonfly, Insects | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Working At The Farmers’ Market Today

Posted on June 3, 2009 by

If you are fortunate enough to have a farmers’ market where you live, I encourage you to go and check it out!  It offers you a great way to purchase some of your food from local growers, and it helps … Continue reading →

Posted in farmers' market, Master Gardener | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Delphinium Summer

Posted on June 2, 2009 by

The delphiniums are in full bloom right now.  They are particularly striking when paired with the roses, with the cool blues and purples of the delphiniums contrasting nicely with the full, plump pinks, reds  and yellows of the roses. All … Continue reading →

Posted in Delphiniums, Feeding, Hummingbird plants, Hummingbirds, Perennials, Plants, seed choices, start seeds, Summer-flowering plants | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Roses Supreme

Posted on June 2, 2009 by

The roses are in full bloom right now.  I have a particularly nice combination on the front stoop of the house.  There are columns that are completely covered with a wonderful Old Garden rambling rose named ‘Phylis Bide.’  This rose … Continue reading →

Posted in Abutilon--Flowering Maple, Clematis, companion plantings, Old Garden Roses, Plant Combinations, Shrubs, Summer-flowering plants, Vines | Tagged , , | Leave a comment