J26

This is good point to let you know that all the rain and snow melt that hits the roof of our house is funneled from the downspouts to the small pond, so the pond gets a fresh water source and when it gets filled it overflows to the orchard to water the trees and feed the trees from the fish waste nutrients. All the snow and rain off our garage is directed to one of our groupings of 4 Giant Sequoias planted behind the garage. All leaves that drop from the trees whether they are ours or our neighbors are mulched into the lawn or garden beds, If it comes into our property, it stays. As an organic and a green family it is a easy way of creating some great fruit. One of the great things I did when we bought our house is that each year at Christmas we bought a Balled and Bur lapped Evergreen Tree, brought it in for a week decorated it and then planted on Christmas Day. We did this ever year and landscaped our quarter acre and also created a wind break for winter keep our house warmer, made our yard aesthetically appealing and to save energy. The Last couple of years we harvested Red Cedar trees from our yard that have sprouted in our yard because the neighbor has Red Cedar that floats seeds through out the yard and I let some of them grow in areas with no impact to use as our Christmas trees when they got to Christmas Tree size. Very nice trees and the smell is great. Red Cedar trees are also stop off trees for Monarch Butterflies.

I encourage you to feed your local birds and the migrating birds in the spring as they will eat bugs that are coming out in the spring to feed their young as they nest or stop off to their ultimate nesting area. This will help in keeping insect populations to a more manageable level without using pesticides. We planted a couple of types of Milkweed to help the Monarchs and since the first year each year we get Monarchs stopping off . Please plant Milkweed, you will be richly rewarded. Red Cedar trees are also stop off trees.

Ponds attract Firefly's (Lightning Bugs) which need our help which are great for the garden!!!

Please note we are 1 mile from the Wisconsin Border and mile and half from Lake Michigan lake front. But this is not always bad, as in Summer we often have more even summer temps and more precipitation do to the lake effect. Our temps may be 10 to 20 degrees different than 10 miles Inland benefiting us Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. This also means that we (Northern suburbs) may be as much as 4 weeks later for spring to arrive than the southern suburbs of Chicago and also their growing season.

In Dec we planted the 2 Giant Sequoias that showed up the day after 13 inch snow storm. We have now about 12 Giant Sequoias trees around our property to see if we can grow them well with our climate change and the influence of Lake Michigan which is a Mile and half away. All the snow and rain off our garage is directed to one of our groupings of 4 Giant Sequoias planted behind the garage. We have also planted ( last spring) 2 Peach tree varieties that being taken out production as commerce product, so we will keep them alive in our back yard. We are extending our fun in we planted more Flowers and Plants to continue our Front yard theme of Goth Barbie (Black & Pink). Seed Catalogers are another focus of fun.

It is once again extreme Jan start it was real warm early week 49 degrees an now a more colder day yet not Jan cold. I did some more leaf mulching (lawn mower) of wind blown leaves in the yard. The Giant Sequoias seem to be doing good as the ground temp is still above freezing & with lake Michigan a mile and half away temperatures moderate with 2 significant micro climates . The temperatures are warmer in winter, but we also get lake effect snow in amounts that Chicago proper doesn't get. We have planted the Giant Sequoias in 4 locations on our property and bought them from 5 different sources and sizes including the grower in Lower Michigan where in Lower Michigan there are Giant Sequoias of significant size thriving. There are Giant Sequoias growing in most states as the results from kids and adults since the 1950's buying the trees in California and bringing them home to plant in their respective states planting them in their yards. There is a web site that keeps notes of places where Giant Sequoias are growing in USA (often with photos or videos of the tree). If this winter weather continues I will be planting cold weather vegees in the green house in late February.

Well We finally have Jan. weather, this last week high was 30 degrees. We got about maybe inch and half of snow but it is hard to tell as the 30 mile a hour winds has blown it into corners the property. Did nothing outside as winter is here. We have offered seven free Fruit trees and free help to persons of Flock an upstate New York You Tube channels they are having trouble on their land Flock- Establishing an Orchard -Bad Decisions We have not heard from them yet. we will let you know if we hear from them. The Seed and Tree catalog keep coming in. My favorite Tree catalog is Forest Farm Nursery It is going to be Jan weather for the next 10 days.

Well Winter is here the high for today is 9 degrees and the last Fri high was 2 degrees as a high so we have the winter we have been missing for 10 years 2015 is back. That year we lost all the fruit buds on our trees except a Kieffer Pear because the week of temperature highs of minus degrees for almost 8 days. So far most nights have been in minus but not quit as low at nights as in 2015. It is going to be crap shoot if we have fruit buds surviving this winter. On a good note we do have snow cover, 6 inches for in ground things as the Sequoias, Newly planted Peach Trees, Newly planted Magnolia, and Chicago Fig trees. We have experienced this kind of weather pretty regular (lowest 1984-1985 26 and 27 below) of my many years of planting and growing in this area a mile from Wisconsin border and Mile and half from Lake Michigan. Not much you can do except wait the winter out with seed catalogues and watching You Tube videos on your favorite subject. Also have not heard from Flock yet Flock- Establishing an Orchard -Bad Decisions.

The temperature is still below 32 degrees but we may have a day this week above 32 degrees. A few more inches of snow which is good to keep the blanket over the ground to keep a warmer ground temp. A few Sunny days too. Now this spring we will use the Fibonacci Spiral circle to plant around the 2 Peach trees that I planted last spring. The Peach trees where also planted in a Syntropic pattern which is a name as for many gardeners have used often used for years where when they have real restrictive space, putting many single count of many types variety of plants in a single area (often are gardeners who have an obsession to getting one each plant and planting in a space that is deemed already over planted). The planting works because the plants each have different requirements (sun,water and nutrients, often include nitrogen fixers) as opposed mono culture that depletes the resources quickly. If The Flock Flock- Establishing an Orchard -Bad Decisions. contacts us, I will suggest planting in a Fibonacci Spiral circle as design direction once they have thriving fruit trees growing.

It finally got above 32 degrees after a couple of weeks. We got snow today about inch and half. Next week a thaw is coming. I ordered some seeds to start in the greenhouse, probably late Feb.. I ordered a Shagbark Hickory to go with the one I have growing because you need at least two for pollination. The Giant Sequoias seem not effected by the cold. There is still enough snow on the ground for a warming blanket.The seed catalogues keep rolling in. The Pond pump is still going even though it is frozen over, it looks like snow globe with water circulating. I planted a spruce and pine at the head of my parents grave site about 15 years ago and now they are almost 20 feet tall. Maybe my Bat boxes will attract Bats this year as they have weathered more. I am hoping the real cold is over as fruit buds are still at risk. No sign of nesting birds yet but any day now.

Well the weather once again has switched again, 4 days at 45 degrees, snow almost gone with another 6 days coming above normal.The Giant Sequoias look pretty good, with a couple with some browning on them. Won't find out about fruit buds till late March. Got a bunch of seeds I ordered in the mail. Once again I ordered a couple things to try new. Still more to order and be delivered. I will pick a warm day to plant Lettuce, Cauliflower, Spinach and Peas. I heard from Flock- Establishing an Orchard -Bad Decisions. and they said that had enough fruit trees at this time and said they plan all the plantings as they are needed and said sending them, the 7 trees when they didn't know when they could plant would put the trees at risk. Sounds good to me, they where nice as I hope they will give some of my suggestions of growing fruit trees a try, every person learns differently. I thought it odd that they were turning down $400.00 in premium quality Fruit trees, because of scheduling. Maybe it was that I pointed out inconsistencies in their growing of their fruit trees. I did tell them if you think Deer was a big problem with munching, wait till the Birds fly over and Squirrels climb over the fence or do their tree ballet to your fruit. I told them you can never have enough fruit trees as the birds and squirrels will descend on their Buffet as word gets out over night. Squirrels can clear a tree, nut or fruit in a day. Well, Back to my mission, It is Beautiful day I have cleaned up the Greenhouse, It is a sunny day so the greenhouse will warm up and the planting pots are ready. I will plant Peas, Lettuce, Spinach and Cauliflower Tomorrow. The pond filter is still going, a good sign the weather has not been a brutal winter so far.

The week started out in the fifties as I planted in the Greenhouse Peas, Cauliflower, Spinach and Lettuce. In the Re commissioned Kiddie Pool I planted Peas, Lettuce, Spinach and Radish as these cold weather veggees will start growing as soon as conditions become right. Much of my learning after my father as a kid was from a gardener neighbor who (he always had the earliest veggees) taught me, first day earliest in Feb.. ground is workable plant the cold weather seeds (doesn't matter if it gets cold again the seeds will germinate at their time when favorable conditions begin). These seeds will act the same as like volunteers in your garden, the seeds from the year before left or dropped on the ground for what ever reason and start growing in the favorable conditions as new growing season arrives. So the seeds I planted in the the Kiddie pool will start growing as conditions become favorable. As this winter continues its roller coaster ride, this late part of the week is in the high in upper twenties and continues for next 10 days. So, it is back to the Seed catalogues and start some seeds as I bought some seed starting mix to start some flowers & veggees in trays. A few more of the Giant Sequoias have some browning on them, sometimes bad but not always. No snow cover for this latest cold drop back in to winter. No real sign of birds nesting yet.

We had a couple of warm days and I planted Carrots in the Kiddie pool with the Peas, Radish, Lettuce and Spinach. Also planted in the green house 2 flowers, Hollyhocks and Zinnias. We had a few snowflakes today to end one of the driest Februarys on record. We have a Raptor (Hawk or Falcon) nesting in our Dawn Redwood tree so the presence of morning singing birds is gone along with the Squirrels. I watered the greenhouse, nothing breaking ground yet. I have decided to avoid the area of our nesting bird, which is good too, concentrate on the back yard. The Giant Sequoias look like they need rain, more browning on some. I ordered a Watering can as I get older getting out the hose every time has become more of a hassle. Had to prune a Volunteer Apple tree that was in line of my wife's new car as it is a SUV. Warmer weather is predicted. More seed catalogues to peruse.

Planted Amarath, Scabaflora and Alisum in trays in the Greenhouse. Got another Kiddie Pool since last year it was such a success. Planted in it Onion, Radish, Parsnips and Beets. After the Cold weather vegees are done I will plant Tomato, Pumpkin and Peppers in the 2 Kiddie Pools. It is going to be warmer week so the Spring Flowers should begin later this week. Last week was the normal extremes for March. About 5 Giant Sequoias have completely turned brown, but doesn't mean they have died. The plants in Greenhouse have not broken ground. We got a good rain and more coming. Grass is starting to turn green. The Hawk has been sitting on its nest constantly in the Dawn Redwood tree and all the wildlife has been absent as probably not wanting to become dinner. Bought some bulbs Mirablis, Kniphofia and Eryngium to plant in April go around the second Barrel in the front yard.

It has been a March week and as March's here anything can happen, and has, here 60 mile a hour winds tornados 150 miles south of us in Illinois and Indiana. Here thunderstorms and this evening Snow storm with Blizzard conditions, welcome to spring. Well that prediction of flowers popping up this weekend just not happening. This past week just another week of winter with nothing happening. The Kiddie pools are getting the rain they need to germinate the seeds. This week in the greenhouse only Spinach was breaking ground. The Giant Sequoias have some more browning on them but what damage seems to have ended, we will see if any died by June.

Another week with extremes, real windy all week. Snow melted by Wed. Planted Gladiolas and raked the front yard mulched leaves with lawn mower back into lawn. The Tulips and Daffodils are up. In the Greenhouse 4 trays are breaking through. Spinach growing. The Giant Sequoias about half browning on them. The Magnolias buds are getting bigger. Did some cleanup of the yard. A hawk fledgling was hopping from tree to tree, so far one. Just another cold week in March.

The temps a normal week with early week cold in thirties and weekend in sixties. As our tradition I plant a variety of Purple Pansies (Wife's favorite color Purple) around the yard acquired from a local nursery. Some of the trays have come alive in the greenhouse and Spinach is up. The Kiddie pools have no sign of life except Squirrels digging in them. Planted Dahlias in 2 pots in the entrance of Greenhouse. Found a Redbud to replace our Pansy Redbud that died, a Black Pearl Redbud. Planted It with Black Lilies bulbs around it. Where I live, it is Monarch city which many people plant for Monarchs. It now wants to become also a Zinnia City, giving away seeds to all residents who want help to establish their goal. I, who likes a good challenge bought a big seed variety of Zinnias and will plant shortly in the greenhouse. Because the flower is native to Southwest and Mexico and I am in zone 5a, I will plant outside when the ground temps get warmer. Did some pruning of trees. The Giant Sequoias, some went completely brown, wait and see if they come back. The Tulips, Daffodils and Muscari are up. The sound of birds and Squirrels digging up things have come back as the baby Hawk fledgling is on the move. It is the year of the Pine cones dropping and Spruce cones. Some sign of life in Rock/Rain garden with Hostas.

It is Spring, we got allot of rain, normal spring temperatures. The 2 Apricot trees are blooming. Radish and Spinach are up in the Kiddie Pools. I planted some Black Radish (Spicy) in the Kiddie pools. Spinach and 2 Flowers are up in the Green House. We have a variety of Flowers up in the Barrel gardens and Rock/Rain garden. The 2 Magnolia blossoms are getting bigger. The Black Per al Redbud has a few flowers even though it is only 4 ft. tall. Some Grape Hyacinth, Glory of the Snow, Snowflake and Daffodils are blooming. Did some cleaning of the 3 raised beds. Rake and mulched leaves in front yard. Planted seeds of Zinnias and Milkweed in Rock/Rain garden. Did some more tree trimming. Planted Mirablis, Kniphofia and Eryngium around a Barrel garden and Black Pearl Redbud. I went to plant a couple of more Flowers on my parents grave site and found a big rock on top of the built in flower pot (plant flowers in it, mom loved flowers) on my parents head stone. Apparently they don't have a sense a humor at the cemetery as I had planted a Black Lily, Black Tulip and Blue Hosta in their gravestone flower pot. Not deterred I planted another Black Lily and Black Tulip in their grave stone flower pot. The Robin's built a nest in one of the Cedar trees. The Giant Sequoias seem to be recovering, but some still all brown.

Another normal weather week ext reams with rain. We have Frogs in the pond so maybe we will get Tadpoles. Normally Frogs just show up when it is hot and dry. Planted some Peony's. Also planted another Hickey nut tree as we have had trouble with places selling them that have damaged Tap roots, which often don't grow when Tap root is compromised. This one had a bunch of stringy roots but no real live tap root. We will have to wait and see. The Kiddie pools have come alive with Radish, Lettuce, Beets and Spinach. The Green House has also come alive with 4 different flowers and Spinach and Lettuce. The Barrel gardens have come alive, Daffodils, Muscari and Grape Hyacinths blooming. The Rock/Rain garden has come alive. Some of the Giant Sequoias are greening others not, wait and see. The Pear trees look like the next to bloom. We have 2 new Robin's nests in our back yard area to go along with the one in the front yard, now that the Hawk family has left the yard. The key for all the nests is the pond as it brings in huge array of wildlife. I went to the cemetery to plant more Lilies (Black) in my parents grave stone planter. Bought 6 Tomato plants at the local nursery (something new Type). Planted them in the 2 containers on the south side of the house as every year. We get early Tomatoes and I get a new seed type to grow the next year. The rest of Tomato plants will grown by me in the green house. I am planting Tomato and Pepper seeds this week. Mulched more leaves coming in from the neighbors and did some more tree trimming. As I get older I don't always remember all the Flowers and Plants I planted, I really don't mind as my wife enjoys the surprise as well as me.

It is Spring and Flowers are blooming. That would be good but the Black Tulips purchased through Walmart so far crappy record. The bulbs were source by 3 sellers (2 reg. bulbs 1 parrot) on Walmart.com. 3 delivers. So far none of them are "Black". The vast majority of them are bright red and the vast majority are in bloom. Some are a Reddish Purple and a few Yellow. Not my idea of Goth/ Barbie (Black/Pink) Spring. So far I got refund on one set, Almost all are Bright Red, Its like 2 of the sellers use the same source. Waiting on second seller for a refund, its pretty hard for them to want to decline a refund when the customer doesn't get what they ordered and then show the country the results of their order on video. The Third delivery is Black Parrot tulips and I don't see of these yet but they sometimes take a little longer because as they were carrying a virus when in history discovered, now just a mutation that is cultivated makes them Parrot. Next week we will do a video on all of this and our main show of our 2 Magnolias will be in bloom and maybe our Crabapple trees too. I do videos on the show, not the process, there is just so many ways to show how to dig a hole and plant a seed, words convey, more is less. My greenhouse is full of new plants and the 2 Kidde pools have just about everything up. The garden is too wet to plant yet as we have had 6 inches plus of rain this month which has made everything grow well. The Pear & Peach trees are blooming. Giant Sequoias seem to be responding to the rain. Did some more tree trimming. Planted in cups a bunch Flowers from seed. Also planted by seed (saved) tomatoes. Also planted by seed (saved) Peppers in the Greenhouse. Barrel Gardens have woken up, as is the Rock/Rain garden. Also my mission our city contest making it a Zinnia city I'm planting Zinnias by seed everywhere. Next week making and posting of the videos, eye candy for the heart.

I am doing a Goth/ Barbie (Black/ Pink) front yard garden. Ordered Black Tulips (3 separate orders) for Last fall from Walmart website and planted them.

All three of the Black Tulips including Black Parrot orders that were delivered last fall and planted coming from Walmart's Website.This spring the Tulips were any other color (Red, Yellow, Purple, Multi- Colored) except what I ordered which was Black,not one Black in any of the 3 orders. Most first order were Red. The second was of Red mostly,plus Purple &Yellow. The third (Parrot Black) was basically shipped Fancy multi colored ( Yellow Red Stripes Tulips with again no Black. Now odds that all 3 Orders have no Black is showing something to us consumers is that ordering fromWalmart with a specific color or type that doesn't show up to us visually till the new growing season has no guarantee to be that color or type. This is where the Supplies have full rein because Walmart doesn't guarantees any of its orders after 4-6 weeks. So the suppliers can send literally anything that doesn't show its color or type till next Spring knowing that Walmart will not give refunds on 5-6 months ago purchases costing them nothing. So the suppliers can Dump anything into that order of yours and you can't do anything about it. It took me allot to just get 2 of the refunds and third they said no and after a long time after I said I was posting this warning on my gardening website a 15 dollar credit on next purchase. It looks like the dumping of unwanted items is happening on small orders (and where you don't get to see the actual Color and/or type for 4 or 5 months) where you have little chance of getting a refund from Walmart. This works because it is small orders and won't raise many eyebrows and Walmart makes it hard enough Jumping through Hoops just to get a regular order refund let alone an order from 4-5 months ago. The thought is that Walmart is not smart enough to know that their suppliers are dumping on the orders where the true Color and/or Type is not verified till the next growing season where Walmart doesn't have to issue refunds.. Yet I could be wrong, Walmart may be aware as they do track their complaints but possibly are doing nothing about it because it is money in the bank and its their refund policy. Below are the Tulips I received from the 3 Orders from 3 different suppliers on Walmart's website. All Tulips were supposed to be Black tulips. as you can see

April 26th

The Back yard is in bloom, Pear, Cherry, Peach, Apple and Redbud trees all in bloom.The front yard the Magnolias & Crabapples are in bloom. The Kiddie pools are full of growth, Radish, Carrots, Lettuce and Peas. The greenhouse has a variety of flowers and Tomato plants rowing well. The Rock / Rain is bursting in growth. The Giant Sequoias most seem to be recovering from the winter.Did a little more tree trimming. Planted a bunch of saved Tomato seeds in recycled cups. Planted a bunch of flower seeds also in recycled cups. Mowed the lawn first time this year.The Barrel gardens coming to life. The Tomato plants in Containers (south facing, micro climate) of house gallery put some growth on them as the two I put in the Kiddie pools as indicator when to put more Tomato plants in the Kiddie pools. As usual the variety of new things planted coming up is fun to watch. Planted Zinnia seeds all over as our town wants to be a Official Zinnia town as we are a Monarch town. I am happy to support their goal. I spotted Radish in the Kiddie pools. The Trillium are up. Two of the new Peonies are up. The new Black Pearl Redbud is leafing out. The Japanese Bloodgood Maple has leafed out. Gladiolas breaking ground. Most of Lilies and Irises have broken ground. Most of the Evergreens have started to grow. The huge amount of rain has got everything to start growing with somewhat warmer temps. Horseradish and Rhubarb growing well.

This my favorite part of the year as some things are maturing others are getting a foothold a and expressing themselves and best to see new things planted come to life. We will have Radish by the end of the week from the Kiddie pool raised beds. Everything in the Kiddie pools growing very well. I rototilled A third of the garden as it is just dry enough with all the rain we had in April. Planted some more Tomato and Pepper seeds saved from last year. In the greenhouse I have about 30 Tomato plants already 3 inches tall. Planted some in containers in greenhouse as these plants that will be used to extend production of Tomatoes in the fall as temps drop. Planting out some of the flowers (from seed from greenhouse).The ground Temps too cold for planting corn. Some of the Peonies ar coming up. Apple trees in Bloom. Tulips almost done. The Goth/Barbie spring is a bust with no black Tulips. Hopefully the next progression of plants to be Goth/ Barbie should be better. The Rock/Rain garden is in high gear as new plants show their face. The Barrel gardens are doing well. Most of the Giant Sequoias coming back to life. One of the 2 Peach I planted is leafing out. No sign of life on Chicory nut tree I planted. The Black Pearl Redbud I planted is leafing out. I am planting Zinnia seeds all over the yard as our town wants to become a Zinnia city as like it is Monarch city. A bird planted a Apple tree and this year it has blooms so maybe if they stay on tree we will find what type it is, never the less it will be pretty spring tree in bloom. The Milkweed is breaking ground. Planted Nasturtium seeds around the yard. Crabapples & Magnolias in full bloom. Lilies are 4 inch tall already. The Irises also about 4 inches tall.

Picked a couple of Radish from the Kiddie Pool. The tomato plants in green house are doing good. Transplanted a couple in each container in green house for extended season in the fall as temps drop .Tulips are done .A variety of Flowers ready to bloom. I will plant in the garden this week coming as the soil is warming. The tomato plants in containers on south side of house already 10 inches tall. Milkweed popping up all around. Hostas in Rock/Rain garden big now. Peonies, Lilies and Irises growing faster now, Giant Sequoias seem to be coming back. Did some tree trimming. We have Carrots coming up in the Kiddie pool. On new Peach tree is alive the other nothing yet. No sign of life on new Hickory Nut tree. The Raspberries growing well. The Black Pearl Redbud is leafing out. In a couple of weeks we will see what kind of Fruit we get this year as they start forming.

We have Radish & Spinach for our meals. The Carrots seemed to germinate faster and easier in the Kiddie pool, now we will see if they grow a long Carrot. I am seeing some life in the new Hickey & Peach trees. I planted in the garden Pumpkin, Cucumber, Watermelon and Sunflowers. The Tomato plants doing well in the greenhouse, Planted all the containers in greenhouse with Tomato plants now the rest will go out in garden & Kiddie pools when the ground warms up more so they have a running start. The containers on south side of the house Tomato plants foot tall, so micro climate is good to take advantage of. I keep plant Zinnia seeds where ever to be a good town member to support them to become a Zinnia town. This should be interesting to see mid Summer. The Rain/Rock garden and Barrel gardens are growing fast. A few of the Parrot Black Tulips and other colored (i t would be nice if they were to be Pink) Parrot stuck in with the Black Parrot have popped up as these type of Tulips are typical much later coming up and blooming. Most of the Giant Sequoias are coming back. We got a little rain, need much more. All fruit trees done blooming. We have a varsity of lettuce growing in greenhouse. Planted the Menardia all over the front yard. A flower I don't know volunteer (Orange) blew in, I like it, I'll save the seeds. The Evergreen trees bursting in growth. The Black Per al Redbud is leafing out. We have Lettuce in the greenhouse.

Planted Tomato plants (from seed, 8 inches) in all the containers in the greenhouse. Also planted 9 tomato in the Kiddie Pool where I harvested all the Spinach and Radish, just a circle of Carrots growing. Planted seeds of Pumpkin, Cucumber, Watermelon, Beans, Peas and Sunflowers in the garden. We got a little rain, need much more. The Rock/Rain garden doing great. The 2 Barrel gardens doing great. The Black Pearl Redbud doing great. We did have some of Parrot Black Tulips (Later Bloomer) Bloom but the whole concept Goth/ Barbie Black Tulips all over front yard and Magnolia Blooming pink was a less than good. All fruit trees done blooming, now we wait. Raspberries & Goose Berries are blooming. Still waiting on a New Peach and Hickey for signs of life. The Frog is advertising for a mate. Milkweed is popping up in new places. Have a bunch of Smaller Tomato plants to plant in other Kiddie Pool, Garden and any other spot to grow about 40 more Tomato plants started by seed. The Tomato plants in containers (South side of house) already have flowers on them. I have flowers in greenhouse started by seed to plant out. I have (Fun Part) Flowers coming up all over front yard (Can't exactly remember type or where). Plus I am supporting our Town on Zinnia quest by dispersing Zinnia seeds all over the front yard. Should be interesting. Irises, Peonies and Lilies will be the next group to bloom. Evergreens a good growth with big April rains.

Transplanted Tomato plants (from seed) into Kiddie pools. Got about 45 (from saved seed) more to transplant when they get a little bigger. The second phase of flowers blooming are Lilies, Peonies and Iris is. I planted more Zinnias for the city to become a Zinnia city. Flowers on Tomato plants in containers on south side of house (micro climate). Things in garden breaking ground finally, no rain for 10 days. Raspberries & Gooseberries doing well. Still waiting on a Peach tree (not looking good). The Hickey Nut tree did come to life I planted. The Black Pearl Redbud doing great. The Rock/Rain garden and Barrel gardens doing great flowering soon. I have all kinds of greenhouse Flower seed starts to plant out over the next couple of weeks. Waiting on Carrots and more Radish in Kiddie pools. Corn only thing left to plant as ground warms up. Did some more tree trimming. Gladiolas& Dailies coming up. Milkweed is 3 ft. tall already and Joe Pyre weed about a foot tall. 4 of 5 spruce seedlings I got free from Arbor day donation are growing. Some of the Giant Sequoias still not looking good. Couple more weeks to see how much fruit on the trees.

We got some rain but I had watered the garden twice as we had no real rain in May. The Peach tree officially did not start growing I planted last spring, could be almost anything as it did grow last year. The other Peach tree I planted last year is thriving. The Hickory Nut tree I planted this spring is now growing, good sign. I transplanted more Tomato plants in the Kiddie pools. Carrots doing well in Kiddie pool. This week I will start transplanting from the greenhouse the 40 plus Tomato plants to the garden and around the yard. The Black Pearl Redbud is doing real well. I will Continue to plant by seed Zinnias around the front yard to support our town to become a Zinnia town. The Rock/Rain and Barrel gardens doing well. In the vegee garden Bean & Pumpkin coming up. With cool May and no rain a slow start in the vegee garden. Also I have a variety of Flowers started by seed to plant into the ground, this will take me a couple of weeks. We have Apples on 2 of the of the 3 Apple trees. We also have Pears on all 3 Pear trees so far. Did some more tree trimming. The Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed doing very well. We have a resident Frog (at least one) croaking every evening in our pond. Irises started to bloom. Wild Rose bush (White) is blooming in the Rock/Rain garden. My Oak tree a squirrel planted is a foot tall. Looks like a good year for Raspberries.

/Planted some more Tomato plants in the garden and planted some more Flowers started by seed. We have Walnuts again this year. In the garden a few things popping up (ground still not warm) few Beans, Pumpkins& Sunflowers.We got a couple good rains, need more.The Lilies will be next to bloom. Still planting Zinnias around the front yard. The grass in front& back yards have clover in it for nitrogen fixing and for all the Bees.The Mulberries started to ripen. In a couple of days I will lay a Sheet on the ground under the Mulberry tree to catch the Berries for making pie. Did some more tree trimming. The Milkweed & Joe Pye Weed just doing great. Need to plant the rest of Tomato plants & Flowers started by seed. Giant Sequoias, most look to survive. The Peach is dead, it might been the 10-15 below for a couple days last Winter as it did grow last year. The other Peach tree planted last year seems to be doing good. Raspberries doing good. Pond Frog sings in evening. Both Kiddie ponds have about 9 Tomato plants each plus Carrots, some Radish and Sunflowers.

It has been raining all day,we need all of it. The Tiger Lilies have started to bloom, it is always nice them be so bold. Planted some more of my seed grown Tomato plants in the garden. The Carrots in the Kiddie pool are impressive in plant above ground but below got to wait for a while yet. Had the gutters cleaned out so the rain can flow to the plants needed. The Whisky barrel I use to collect rain was full, it will be help not having to drag out the hose ever time to water. The Black Pansies I planted by seed are now blooming. Some more Zinnias are showing up, I kin da just sprinkled seed around the front yard. Did a little more tree trimming. Barrel gardens just about ready to bloom as is the Rock/Rain garden. The Tomato plants in Kiddie pool doing well. Had to start toeing up Tomato plants in the green house and the Tomato plants in containers on south side of the house. The Hostas under the The 2 Red Cedar trees are are getting bigger. The garden itself is lagging behind as we have had a cool Spring. The Sequoias that survived seem to be bouncing back. Got to plant out some more from seed Tomato plants and Flowers from the green house. The Milkweed has started to bloom. The Joe Pye Weed and Milkweeds doing great. The Raspberries and Gooseberries doing well. I spotted some Peaches but not very many as the cold wet winter spring was hard on Peaches. The new Hickey nut doing well. The Black Pearl Redbud doing great.

Planted another 15 Tomato plants starts in the Garden and repotted 10 Tomato starts into 4 inch pots (all recycled) to grow in the greenhouse. All tomato plants will be surprise of what kind, I have idea on label when saved but not any real expectation it will be the same which makes it fun. I also potted up 4 inch pots with Pepper plants (Hardener & Sweet Banana Peppers) which I only grow in greenhouse because of the success of them in greenhouse. Tiger & White Lilies Black Eyed Susan's are blooming. Everything in Flowers is just about to bloom.We do have some Peaches and and many Cherries. Going to start picking Raspberries this coming weekend. My bird planted Apple tree has Apples on hopefully they stay full term to see what type of Apple. My squirrels planted Oak tree doing great. The Hickey nut & Black Peril Red Bud I planted this spring doing good. Trim some trees. The Walnuts were discovered by Squirrels. Planted some more seed grown flowers including Black Pansies. Bought some Pink Violas in hanging baskets to with Black Lilies. Mulberries ripening enough to put a sheet under the tree to catch enough for pies. The Giant Sequoias that survived rebounded and doing well. Five out 17 died which was expected. It is supposed to be hot so the garden may pick up as Beans and Tomato plants doing anything. The Kiddie pools just doing great. Can't recommend enough if you have a Kiddie Pool in garage rafters get it down and plant something in it.

The Black Lilies are blooming as well are Black Pansies. I put Pink Violas in hanging baskets and hung ovr the Black Lilies. Also put hanging baskets of Black Pansies over Black Lilies. Put some more Tomato plants in garden from greenhouse and potted up Tomato plants in big pots to stay in greenhouse to expend the season. Bought a few Pepper plants and potted them and kept in the greenhouse as that is only place I grow Peppers as they grow better than being in the garden. Some of the Zinnias are blooming as are the Daffodil. As the norm a few flowers blooming that I planted not sure what they are, bright red little flower. Possible even Squirrel brought it in the spot. Walnuts are starting to fall, most the tree is shedding small ones. Going to picking Raspberries and collecting Mulberries. The Carrots in the Kiddie pool are getting bigger. We Tomatoes on the South side containers and ones in Kiddie pool and greenhouse. The garden is still slow, the ground really just started to warm up after this week of 90 degree temps. Lilies are in their zenith. We got a good soaking after the heat. So total of 5 Giant Sequoias out of 20. Cold seems to be only cause. We do have some Saturn Peaches. The year of the Apple this year. Milkweed growing so well a few were blown over being top heavy with flowers. Joe Pye Weed doing well. My Oak Tree ( planted by Squirrel) growing well. The New Hickey Nut is growing well as is Black Pearl Red Bud. Cherries getting Ripe. Hostas in Rock/Rain starting to bloom.All the Lettuce I Radish bolted with 90 degree weather.The Beans and now finally Tomato plants in garden doing well . No much else in garden growing except Horseradish, as the ground stayed cold until late June.

Planted more Tomato plants in garden and potted in the greenhouse. Planted some more flowers grown in the greenhouse. The Black Lilies are blooming and look great with Pink Violas with Black Pansies. Daffodils are starting to bloom. The Rock/Rain garden is blooming Hostas and Purple Coneflower. Did some tree trimming. The Zinnias are starting to bloom. We have Tomato's on the plants. We have Apples, Cherries, Pears, Mulberries, Gooseberries, Crabapples and Raspberries. I have to pick Raspberries and Gooseberries. The Kiddie pools are working really well..

Well hot is only thing to call it, no rain so watering every third day. Got our first ripe Tomatoes. The Kiddie pools doing real well. Flowers doing big bloom Lilies, Zinnias, Petunias, Hostas, Black Eyed Susan's,Violas, Pinks, Pansies, Gladiolas and a few not sure what or how they arrived. Still getting Mulberries, the Raspberries that were not ready to pick dried up. Gooseberries are ready. The Walnuts are dropping and Squirrels are stealing them even not ready. It is the the year of the Apple. We have Pears, Cherries and a few Peaches and Crabapples. No Apricots at all. Everything needs watering. 10 days of 90 and above with no rain. Tomato, Peppers and Beans doing well. Carrots in Kiddie pools doing well too. Hickory Nut an Black Pearl Redbud doing well. The Milkweed is blooming and the Joe Pye Weed doing well. Had to fill the pond as it was real low do to heat and wind evaporating it fast. With no rain the frogs needed a little buffer from the pond drying out. The Giant Sequoias I just water every third day.

We are getting some Tomatoes and pull up some Carrots, they are those bite size right now, let them grow more. Picked some Gooseberries. The Tomato plants are growing fast with this heat. 15 days 90's with no rain, I am watering every three days. The Summer Flowers in bloom. Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed doing well. The Zinnias blooming and helping attract Monarchs. Pears are getting big. Apples are doing well. Beans doing well. The Tomato and Pepper plants in greenhouse doing well. The Rock/Rain is in full bloom of summer flowers. The Giant Sequoias getting watered every 2 days. The year of the Apple. The nuts pretty much taken by Squirrels. It is just too hot to do anything outside until almost dusk. We had few Peaches but most of the buds died in the cold wet spring. A couple of flowers can't identify but that's OK fun of gardening, maybe I planted them or birds brought them in. Had to fill the pond, it got pretty low.

We have Carrots and allot for the Kiddie pool. This is how you grow Carrots as you can control the moisture for 10 days, real easy. We are getting 3-5 inch Carrots one inch in diameter. There are a few bite size ones but my wife loves them. As I pull up the Carrots I plant Tomato & Pepper plants I have left to plant. The Tomato plants in the garden have flowers on them and few Tomatoes We are getting reg supply of Tomato's so a Salad every day. The Apples are dropping to shed the small ones. We have Bartlett and Kieffer Pears. We have been getting Rain regularly, so no watering. Summer flowers Are in bloom, Zinnias now taking off. Sunflowers are blooming,we have Sparrow nesting in garage nest. Milkweed and Joe Pye weed doing good. We have all of the greenhouse full of Tomato & Peppers plants to extend the season. Did some tree trimming. Pond has a couple of Frogs. Sequoias are doing well with this rain. With this rain had to mow the lawn twice so far, normally August grass stops growing until fall rains. The rain extended the Mulberries. The Black Pansies & Violas Are still alive and well, usually faded by this time.

Well it keeps on raining so I have to mow the lawn weekly when normally once in a month. We didn't get mentioned in Zinnia town contest, my Zinnias didn't do well too much rain & never tried growing them in mass so I really didn't get a good handle on them. Next year should be better at the out come, but it was fun to try something new, and I should do better next year. My Zinnias are now coming into their own now 2 weeks late, but OK I'm learning more as I am planting in masses as opposed to sprinkling seeds in a flower garden with other flowers. The Carrots are being harvested 4-5 inches, good taste. The Kiddie pool is best way to grow Carrots as you can control the essential moisture for the first 10 days of planting Carrot seed. This is the only way in the future to grow Carrots. We are getting a slow down on Tomatoes as it is too wet. Eating Grapes off the Vine. Apples falling yet, shedding the worm filled. Pears, some shedding of Bartlett. Giant Sequoias love this rain. The Rock garden switched to a rain garden as the summer flowers kin da slowed down to almost, not flowering at all. The greenhouse Tomatoes & Peppers doing well. The Sunflowers in the Kiddie Pools doing great. We have Beans forming in garden and Kiddie pools. The Milkweed forming pods and Joe Pye Weed slowed down with this Rain. The new Hickory Nut & Peach tree doing well. The Rose of Sharon blooming.