summer lovin'

making a fairy fort

I've been taking some pictures over the summer and so happy to finally make this summer post. The garden has ignored the dour tendencies of 2020 and has been gorgeous all summer, although a bit weedy. I had to sit with my foot elevated for half of June and ALL of July and the weeds ran rampant since I am the official weeder. Now that I'm back on my feet I'm back to weeding and deadheading duty and so happy to do it. Carter has been helping me make pretty floral arrangements. I bought the glass tulipiere many years ago and unfortunately cannot find a link for you as it looks like they are unavailable. It's makes the prettiest arrangements that even a child can do! We go outside and pick exactly 25 flowers because it has 25 vials. 

The zinnias have been the stars of the summer flower garden. My favorites are the Queen Lime Zinnias: Queen Lime Red, Queen Lime Blush and the new Queen Lime Orange. I adore their vintage quilt colors. The bright zinnias are Fruit Bowl and Exquisite. I buy all my seeds from Burpee and start them in my greenhouse in late winter/ early spring. Our tomato harvest was decent, not great, but I was able to make a few batches of roasted tomato sauce. We've had fresh tomatoes everyday and had our favorite summer treat, BLTs a few times a week. The garden is winding down, pooping out really. Our California garden works so hard in spring and summer, that when fall approaches, it's completely exhausted. 

So many of you have inquired about the fire situation. Thank you so much for your concern. We are indeed surrounded by fires; the San Jose fires to the south, the Santa Cruz fires to the west and also more fires to the north that are closer to Napa. We had an insane lightening storm last weekend and the whole state seemed to catch on fire. The air quality varies. We had a very smoky day, then two clear days, and today it's moderate. Carter and his mommy, daddy and their dogs have been here since Wednesday and don't think it will be anytime soon before they can go back home. They are not in danger of fire, but their air quality is intolerable. I can't bear to think of the destruction and heartache this is causing and so grateful for the thousands of fire fighters from our own state, surrounding states, even Canada and Australia. 

Take care, Kristen

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