Rain

We received 1.5 inches of rain overnight.

The parsley was well washed.

I have fallen in love with roses.
I am doing my research.

I would love to grow roses in all the flowerbeds.

My friend sent me borage seeds.
I found a spot to sow them in the herb garden.
Now I wait for sprouts.
The rains watered them in nicely.

I also had some borage seeds.
These are annuals in my garden.
I will enjoy the borage while I find just the right rose for the herb garden. Next year shall be my year of the rose.
I am already making plans.

Lavender Hyssop

A few years ago my doctor suggested I grow my own medicine.
I was very ill. My husband said he would help me.
 We put in a bed of Echinacea, Purple Cone Flower.
I have never been able to bring myself to dig the roots.
Yet the process of caring for my "medicine" has made me well.

 I grow lots of herbs for teas.

I have added more Hyssop to the back peonies' bed.
I never seem to have enough for winter use.

It looks so pretty with my orange Asiatic Lilies.

My herb cabinet is filling up with dried leaves and flowers.

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.