Sunshine and good weather have arrived along with two more weeks of stay at home here in NH. After 78 days, staying at home is starting to feel kind of routine. It’s not normal because nothing is normal, but it doesn’t feel quite as strange.
My #1 goal has been to get a haircut. Since I accomplished that this past weekend, the calendar is back to zero.
We’ve been outside most mornings. Beds have been weeded, chips have been shoveled, trimming has been done, flowers and veggies planted. Vegetables include lettuce, carrots, beans, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, and corn.
We’re still using our stock tanks and a couple of raised beds for veggies. I also saw this interesting blog post about using window wells for container gardening which I thought was a hoot. Again, this is why I love blogs because I learn something all the time.
The blueberries, raspberries and blackberries all have flowers. I still have a to-do-list for the week, but things are looking pretty good.
My flowers are starting to come into their own including Clematis, Allium, Jack in the Pulpit and Irises. I had way more to include, but it got ridiculous even for me.
Are you gardening this year? Veggies? Flowers? Raised beds or in the ground?
Stay well and be safe this week.
If you’re wondering if I finished this post on May 31st before the June 1st deadline for the new WordPress Editor change, you would be right. 🙂
NewEnglandGardenAndThread 
That’s interesting using those stock tanks. Is this you first year trying it? I’m intereested in how well it does.
LikeLiked by 3 people
We’ve had them for several years now, maybe four or five. We have found them to work well. The asparagus even overwintered in one which I had my doubts about. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll share this with my wife.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re still at home, too. I’d like to get a haircut, but nowhere seems to be open even though they’re allowed to be. We’re gardening in the sense of pots of herbs + repositioning some bushes and perennials to make the front of the house look pretty. No big projects, just little ones to spiff up the place. Happy June!
LikeLiked by 3 people
It was an ordeal to get the haircut so I’m glad I don’t have to worry about it for another few weeks. Sounds like you’re gardening your style and that’s good. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks so nice, Judy. Kudos for getting out and doing the work. We have some veggies, in containers (don’t ask). I hope you have a nice couple of weeks, and a nice summer.
Take care and stay well.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I saw a great container garden that included a wood surround for five gallon buckets. It was really quite attractive and workable. You could use up some of that extra wood so you won’t have to move it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are trying the buckets. Right now, they are in two old log racks (they fit nicely). If it works and my wife likes them, I might build something a little nicer next year. Some of the wood, at the bottom of that wall) is actually cedar, so…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden is really looking good. You will have a good harvest of veggies this year. I only planted some herbs, grape tomatoes and jalapeños. I experimented with the new editor yesterday. It may be a while before my next post😄
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love grape tomatoes so I hope you get a good crop. I am so not looking forward to this switch in editors. Why now? It’s not like we haven’t had to deal with total turmoil in our lives. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden is enviable Judy. My neighbor dropped off 2 tomato plants Friday, one grape and one German Johnson. I hope they survive. I spent some time with the new WP editor and had even set up some reusable text blocks, decided I can do this. Then when I started trying to compose my IAVOM post it couldn’t load the blocks, then it crashed. I reverted back to classic editor for now.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hope your tomatoes do well, and we all survive the new editor or can find the menu to revert back. 🙂
LikeLike
Boy, do I agree with your comment above: we have enough to deal with! I cringe whenever “new” enters my limited world of technology.
Your garden looks stunning already! Congratulations! Me, I’m stuck waiting for the contractor who was supposed to make repairs in the back last fall. I can’t start anything in the sunny back yard until he does his thing. So, between that and the problems with nursery inventory this year, I have dug into my patience pills and gardener’s ingenuity to see how to turn a too-shady front yard into a kitchen garden. Keeping a cannon ready for rabbits. I lost my Rapunzel look last week and my morale shot up a thousand points!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That contractor needs to move along here. 🙂 I need the link to those patience pills because I could really use some. My husband will attest to that. 🙂 I’m sitting here smiling envisioning that rabbit cannon. I still have a critter digging under the barn. I fill up the hole, he digs it out. I put fencing in the hole, he digs along side of it. I fill it with rock, he tunnels right through. I’m thinking I need a camera out there to see what this critter is. 🙂 Getting a haircut is definitely a morale booster.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You need a cannon too. Except it would probably blow up the barn. Some of these critters, I think, have a very twisted sense of humor. I bet yours chuckles every time he finds one of your new defenses. Yes, pass the patience pills!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, your plants and containers look fabulous. I think what strikes me the most about container gardening is how neat everything always looks. Plus, it’s a bit easier on the back once they’re in place.
Your flowers are just beautiful. I haven’t seen “Jack-in-the-pulpit” for years.
Looks like a good weather week coming up so enjoy getting dirt under your nails! At least you don’t have to wear a mask around your plants! …………yet!!
🐾Ginger 🐾
LikeLiked by 2 people
Container gardening is definitely easier on the back, and please don’t even say ‘mask’ around plants or someone will hear you and decide it sounds like a viable idea. 🙂
LikeLike
I tried the new editor a while back and it was a disaster. I had a lot of trouble with photos. Love container gardening. We have deer and groundhogs so many years ago I bought a “dog pen.” It’s 10’x10′ with a people door. It was served me well although at this point I don’t garden much. It’s way too big for my 4 tomato plants. I keep my herbs near the kitchen (or I don’t use them! So lazy!) I’d love to grow a little lettuce but I’d also like that nearer the kitchen. Maybe I should try it in a pot. Wonder if the groundhogs would find it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love your idea of using a dog pen – genius! Lettuce would grow in a pot/container, but if it sits directly on the ground the groundhog might find it. Maybe a plant stand or a vertical container. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dog pen is the only thing that worked. I tried netting and chicken wire. Both were cumbersome and the groundhogs figured it out. The little bugger climbed in my tall pot (about 24″ high) and ate my parsley. Now I have chicken wire around it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Last year I successfully trapped a groundhog with a Havahart trap using some juicy cataloupe as bait. He then relocated. This year I’m dealing with someone I haven’t seen and I am not being successful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We live so close to a nature preserve that trapping and rehoming wouldn’t make a dent. There are a bunch more waiting in the wings! I have to do it the hard way with dog pens and chicken wire! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your property looks so appealing. It has the same peaceful allure that the public gardens you often feature do. Will you promise a second view of this same spot once everything has blossomed?
Our gardening consists of completed planting of flower boxes with impatiens and the expiration of clusters of tulips. For Father’s Day, I’m determined to find a patio tomato plant for my husband. Our deck gets zapped with sun for long hours every day, so hoping one of those might do well there! I’ll let you know!
Still no hair cut for me, but it occurred to me that if I don’t go anywhere what difference does it make? lol
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I’ll do a follow up photo. A patio tomato will work in a container or even a five gallon bucket with holes drilled. You are right about the haircut. I couldn’t stand looking at it every day when I attempted to blow it dry. It looked like I had a gray helmet over my head. It is funny when I go out I never even consider makeup or good clothes, I just decide which mask I want to wear. LOL
LikeLike
Looks like you are experiencing great weather. Good for you, you deserve it. So do the gardens!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hope you are too!
LikeLike
The berry bushes have flowers!! That’s wonderful! I love berries. I bought two new pots for the back patio and they finally arrived now, I need to figure out what to plant in them that will survive me and lack of attention to them. I’ll have to hand water them or find a way other than a drip system to water them.
I’ve seen this water bottle system at a few restaurants and shops that looks like it would do the trick. You fill up a bottle with water stick it in the plant’s container et, voila! The plant gets watered when it needs it I suppose.
Of course, all this means I must don the mask and gloves and go to the nursery. I’ve been putting it off since the pots arrived!
I’m also putting off going to the salon while I have to wear a mask. I’m going to wait until only the stylist has to wear them. I don’t want hair all over and inside the mask. My curly hair looking bushy and in need of a good pruning, but…I’ll wait.
Enjoy your nice weather and time in the garden! 🌺🌞
LikeLiked by 3 people
The stylists here have to wear masks but so do customers. They also spray down the chair and counter and wait 15 minutes for it to air dry. Quite a process. Besides bottles for containers they sell crystals that you add to soil that absorbs more water and keeps you from watering so often. Miracle Grow, Lowes, HD all sell their own brand. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome I’ll look for that too when I go to the nursery! Thank you! 😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Everything looks great at your place. I especially like the iris. What a great color combo. As for haircuts…I’ve been buzzing my husbands hair with his electric shaver. Doesn’t look too bad. I’ve been trimming my own hair. Not too bad either. Don’t know when we’ll go back.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I applaud your ability to cut your hair. I definitely thought about it, but I chickened out. 🙂 I had to make an appointment, call when I got there 15 minutes before, sit in my car until they called back, she wore a mask, I wore a mask, and I watched them spray down the seat and counter after a person left. Quite an ordeal, but I really needed a haircut. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like the salon was doing exactly the right thing. I am still not confident about going it. In Maine, the curve has not flattened yet, but it is heading in that direction. As for my hair…it is straight and the cut is simple. Makes it easier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your are a busy lady. I’m not doing much. I did weed a little garden I have in the back of the condo. Planted some begonias there for summer color. Staked up my grandpas peonies and hooked up the hose. I’m ready for summer.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Peonies and begonias are two of my favorites. I have my peonies staked and my begonias planted in containers. Glad to hear from you and hope summer is a good one for you and hubby.
LikeLike
Two more weeks? Wow…
We are pretty much open here except for large gatherings. Hair salons are open but are figuring out how to do hair with less clients in the salon. I have a feeling our new normal is normal. I still will not go into a restaurant… but will dine outside if there are not many people.
As for gardening… I will be gardening as soon as I get to Pennsylvania! Soon! They are slowly opening there.
I am enjoying seeing all your pretty spring flowers! And a great looking veggie garden you have there.
Wordpress had 3 editors. I am not 100% sure but, they still have a form of Classic Editor… they got rid of their original editor if that makes you feel better. I don’t know which one you were using. But Classic is still with us and now the new Block Editor. I’m pretty sure.
And guess what I did some tweaking and you showed up in my Reader! ☺️
Happy week to you!
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re going to PA – now, that is good news for you and family. Travel safely when you go and enjoy the visits and the cooler temps. 🙂 I’ll be looking for something that looks familiar because after the last couple of months, I’m not looking to adapt to anything new. I need a break from adapting. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden looks beautiful! We have three blueberry bushes that are producing like crazy right now. Our squirrel problem seems to have gone away (at least for now) so maybe we’ll actually get to eat them all. We just put a few veggies in our new and improved raised beds (tomatoes, zucchini, and a couple of types of peppers) so we are many weeks away from our first harvest.
I tried the new editor for my last post and it worked pretty well. My next post will include multiple photos so we’ll see how I do. My understanding it that you’ll be able to use the former editor at least until 2022. I’m not sure where they’ve hidden that option, but it’s supposed to be somewhere… Good luck!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sounds like you have good berry and veggie options growing at your house and that is always a good thing. I guess I’m mentally drained with all that is going on and not looking forward to learning new technology for two blogs. But, I guess I need to suck it up and keep moving. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re still under a state of emergency until June 9th. It’s a wait-and-see after that.
In the meantime, I stay at home – needing a haircut – and getting down and dirty with my garden beds. The new problem I discovered is that gardening supplies are the new “flour-and-yeast”. There isn’t a vegetable or herb plant to be found, and all the annuals have been picked over with only the pathetic remaining. Even worse, I was told that there will be no restocking. In the past, nurseries were getting new stock every week until mid-June 😕
So what’s a newbie to do? Improvise! I’ve been working with what I can find … but I wish I could say my blueberry bushes are “producing like crazy”. They aren’t. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I need to move them somewhere else.
LikeLiked by 5 people
You are so right about gardening supplies. I had so few choices of plants that I potted up a couple of containers with perennials. I’ll put them back in the garden in the fall. In one area all I could find was one shade of begonias, so that’s what I’m using. Blueberry bushes – now, there’s a topic. I’ve moved mine trying to find the perfect spot. They’re staying right where they are, and I give them two shots of Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier twice in the spring. They use to produce abundantly but very definitely didn’t like being moved. I’m waiting for them to decide I’m worthy of berries. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden looks just like mine. (Uproarious laughter follows after a stunned silence.) Of course we’re in a climate about 180 degrees from yours. I’m babying my tomato plants, which I guess I should have planted in the fall when the temperatures are like summer elsewhere. So far they seem to be thriving, although from what I read, perhaps I won’t get many because of the heat. We shall see. I did at least pick varieties that said they stood up well to heat. 🙂
My parsley seems to be making dried parsley on the stalk, so maybe it and the tarragon (tarra-gone now) would do better in pots on the back patio where they’ll only bake in the mornings. Oregano is thriving, but after all, it’s Greek oregano, so it should be used to this sort of thing. I think the artichoke plant, after appearing completely dead, is going to make it and again, it’s a thistle so how could it possible be killed…unless because I actually WANT it to grow.
When it cools down a bit, I’m going to transplant my French lavender plant into what passes for soil here and see how it does there. Other than that, the native plants are doing just fine, thank you. I, as a newbie desert gardener, am living and learning. Mulch is first and foremost on my list for my next trip to Lowe’s and a sansevieria for indoors.
janet
LikeLiked by 4 people
I cannot even imagine gardening in your heat. I didn’t garden in the Midwest because of heat and wind. One time the heat was really bad, and I got out a beach umbrella to shade my plants. I’m picturing your tomato plants with their own umbrellas. 🙂 Snake plant should be a lovely addition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weather has been great for gardening, but the lack of significant rain isn’t good for the garden, alas. Since I take care of a couple of gardens, which look great, my own is lagging behind. I need to plant out my annuals, plant seed of both flowers and a few veggies. I hope to get that done before the weekend. “The cobbler’s children have no shoes!” 😉
LikeLiked by 4 people
True, but I bet those other gardens look really great. We are hoping for some rain tonight because it is dry here too. We’ve been watering every day. Hope you get your plants in this weekend.
LikeLike
Thanks for your faith in me, Judy. 🙂
It is raining a bit right now. We need a good soaking rain, an inch or two would be welcome.
I’m putting in a couple hours at the end of the work day (even if I’d rather be laying down with my feet up!). I’m making progress. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden and flowers are looking lovely, summer must be a busy time in New Hampshire. We have had a sunny start to winter so I have no complaints! Good luck with the hair cut and colouring!
LikeLiked by 3 people
The hair cut was quick, in and out, because of the virus. I stopped coloring quite a few years back and embrace the gray. 🙂 Glad you have sun and hope you get some rain to go with it so your rain barrels are full.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have had rain, and it wonderful (not full rain barrels yet)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your beautiful flowers and wide open yard (we live on a hillside, so there is little flat space anywhere). My veggie garden has been doing very well, tiny as it is. Had lots of asparagus this year. Harvesting lettuce, arugula, baby kale, rhubarb and green onions. I planted tomatoes, peppers, spaghetti squash and herbs.
My classic editor has been showing up as usual the past couple days, so maybe we aren’t being forced to switch right now.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sounds like your garden is off to a great start. I visited a friend yesterday with mask on, and she gardens on a steep hillside near a river with lots of wildlife. I can appreciate the challenge. Flat is kind of boring but definitely easier. I’ll be hoping either the classic editor hangs around or I can find the classic block others have talked about. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It turns out that the editor I use was introduced a few years ago and is not the classic or the block. That is the one being retired, so I will have to choose between those two. I’ll probably just go ahead and learn the block.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No gardening happening here. Don’t even want to go outside unless it is to get into the pool. I am happy to admire yours from afar though. You can never post too many flower photographs. These are beautiful.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m guessing it’s getting a little warm in your part of the country, and I know I didn’t garden when we lived in warmer temps. The pool sounds like a good reason to go out though. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on the hair cut, that’s always a big relief. Here hairdressers were considered essential so I didn’t have your problem. Your garden will look beautiful this summer after all the extra TLC. Ours is all winter vegetables, but we’ve also been planting lots of spring annuals. Some of the pansies are already blooming.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hairdressers are essential, just ask a woman who went three months without one. 🙂 Sounds like your gardening efforts are going well, and I love pansies and their colorful little faces.
LikeLike
Yes, everyone here was pleased they were allowed to stay open within restriction requirements of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our vegetable garden is not going well so far. It started late, and the spot it is in is not as good as I seemed before we built it. The zucchini are producing well, but I could have done better with the rest of it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Each year is a gardening experiment isn’t it? I planted string beans in two areas of the same raised bed. One area is up and growing well, and not one came up in the other area. Hmm. I don’t have a clue so I replanted and hope something comes up. I love zucchini but always have insect issues so I decided it was easier to buy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Insects? I suppose that happens. I do not like them much, but they are too reliable and too productive to not grow them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were correct: I got a haircut before you. 🙂 Beautiful flowers! – Marty
LikeLiked by 3 people
Who knew a haircut would be such a monumental event. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve started my garden twice. Groundhogs are eating plants as fast as i could plant them. I’m not giving up though I always love to read how people over come.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Groundhog was bad enough with the ‘s’ on the end. 🙂 I still can’t figure out what the critter is digging under the barn. I really do need a game camera for a few days because you can’t put up a good defense unless you know who your opponent is, right. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, I tried to put out traps, no luck. I have shot two huge females just this week. We have three huge holes under the barn, right next to the foundations main poles. They can do a lot of damage for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m normally a live and let live type of person, but when it comes to structural damage or him versus me with regard to health, I’m for using whatever is necessary to take care of the problem. Here’s hoping we both get our man. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah groundhogs! We used to wait u til the babies were grown and off on their own, then we’d trap the parents and move them to wilder areas in town. If they just left the dahlias alone, they might have been allowed to stay.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I didn’t know they liked dahlias which is going to be another big problem because I have so many planted. Here’s hoping I can figure it out and relocate him or her. 🙂
LikeLike
Well Judy, the good news is your garden is really flourishing from the attention you’ve been able to give it in these troubled times. And as for me, I too made sure my post was ready before the clock struck midnight on the old, beloved editor! And I have a long-awaited haircut next week. Hoping the protests and demonstrations don’t foil my plan as I have to go into town for it. I know some things are much more important but then again, you should see my hair!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
The week before I finally got it cut even a baseball cap couldn’t hide it. Hope things are smooth sailing for you to see your stylist. You will feel like a new woman! I don’t want to say this too loud, but the classic editor still seems to be available. Yes!
LikeLike
yes I noticed they’re also offering a way to keep it ever after it’s been replaced via WP Admin. Hurrah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your garden is look good, I am hoping for a better harvest of tomatoes this year!
Michael
LikeLiked by 3 people
Me too. Hope we both are flush with them. 🙂
LikeLike
June is here and all appears to be well. Sometimes staying home isn’t a bad thing…it forces us to do the things we might put off otherwise. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ve never had cleaner closets or fewer weeds. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person