Herbs

The Gardenia is blooming.

It is one of my favorite flowers.

I wear the blooms in my hair.

I am planting annual herbs  in the Wind Spinner bed.
I hope to bring the patchouli in this winter.

We have been eating garden salads for supper.

I will replant the lettuces under the peonies.
I could have lettuce for another month this way.

The Kale is setting seed.
I will save and sow.

It is the year of lavender for my gardens.
This plant looks pretty in the Wind Spinner bed.
I hope to propagate.

We have mums in bloom.
It is a crazy spring!

Lavender and Summer Azures

A male Summer Azure

and a female Summer Azure were nectaring
on clover when I went to harvest the lavender.

This is the earliest I have ever harvested lavender.

Summer Azures and Lavender on May 7th.

This is an amazing May.

The Chinese Lilac

The Chinese Lilac is in bloom.
Its scent fills the gardens.

I spotted a Red Spotted Purple,

the first one of the season for me.

While I was held in trace
 from the Lilacs perfume
a pair of Monarchs came in.

The season is in full swing.

The Monarchs have arrived.

The garden lettuces are ready to cut.
It is time to plant tomatoes and basil.

The Monarchs have returned.

Lavender Granita

I am gathering lavender recipes.

I am smitten with all things lavender.

I think these ices will be yummy!

Butterflies in the kale

The Painted Ladies

enjoyed the kale.

I will save seed for replanting.

A couple of Red Admirals joined in.

Lots of little Honey Bees were pollinating too.
Kale is a super food!

The chamomile was busy too.

I am drying for winter tea.

Chamomile and carrots

The chamomile is blooming.

I will harvest tomorrow morning

after the dew is dry.

I bought 10 pounds of carrots.

I don't know what I was thinking.

I have requested a few cookbooks books from the library.

I think I will make carrot cupcakes and cooked carrots.
It might take us a few weeks to eat 10 pounds!

Sweet Bay

I have fallen in love with the Sweet Bay Tree.

With temperatures up into the 90's today it feels like southern California. I think the Sweet Bay can grow outside until winter. When I bring her in she will be the kitchen tree.

I choose a card this morning.

I laughed. I did need grounding.
I did need a tree.

and planted with hope.

I shall watch and keep records of the Medlar.

The Kitchen garden is doing wonderfully.

Last year's kale is blooming.
We will save the seed for next year's planting.

The chamomile will bloom any minute.
By next week I will be drying for winter teas.

We are planting as fast as we can, watering as we go.
We are praying for rain.
We are praying for the return of April.