GARDEN JOURNAL CHALLENGE~~~JUNE 2023

Happy June~~~ Gardeners of the globe.

All of past years rose bushes are growing foliage like crazy except for two red roses that have been with me for years, they were transplanted last year into the new bed. They had no trouble blooming last year but this year the old root had to be pulled out, they had given up over the winter and just laid dormant, or at least that's what I thought. Unfortunately, they weren't dormant, they were dead. Rest in peace ladies, you shared your beauty for many years, thanks for the memories.

@thebigsweed replaced the old root roses with two lovely yellow ones that are already loaded with buds.

The weather forecast for the next 5-6 days is calling for sunny and unusually hot afternoons, so I will have to stay vigilant with keeping the flowers and herbs well hydrated or in the case of potted herbs, keep them under the deck overhang to avoid burning the young plants.

SWEET PEAS.

It's amazing how quickly peas grow once germination has occurred.

In just one month's time, they went from this...

To this...

Now that the vines are long enough to get them started on the jute trellis we put up before planting, these babies should really get going as they climb their way to the top.

Looking forward to throwing those little green pearls into my mouth, YUM!

Next up, the lettuce.

Seems I picked a good spot in the garden for growing the lettuce this year, it is thriving and I have sampled the tiny leaves already, just delicious. I will plant another round of seeds next week to ensure we have the salad makings for most of the summer.

I have planted some annuals once again, I enjoy the continuous color they provide. But the nicest ones I have this year are the volunteers that were seeded by nature without me lifting a finger.

The chives and garlic have exploded, I am thrilled, I ran out of last years garlic a month or two ago and I had to stoop to store bought garlic which in all honesty, tastes bland to me, I guess I am just a spoiled garlic girl, I want my homegrown!

Other herbs I have been growing this year include dill, rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano and cilantro. They are just getting started, give them a month and we should see some significant growth. I have already pinched off some of the basil and rosemary, oh so good.

Although roses are my favorite flower to grow, sunflowers are right behind them, especially this wild sunflower my cousin gave me a piece of several years ago. The only thing this wild beauty requires after the essentials, sun, and rain, is to be pruned back hard in the late fall. I cut it right down to the ground level, let it rest for the winter then rake back the dead leaves and watch it grow into a six-foot-high plant with brilliant yellow flowers, it's just gorgeous.

The hive garden challenge is always an interesting adventure as we share the gardens of the world. I think it's so important to learn to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and trees. We all need to do our part to keep our planet thriving.

A special thanks to our friend @riverflows for keeping this wonderful community growing and flowing. It keeps us all inspired to plant and grow regardless of how big or small our gardens are. Remember to teach your children the value of growing, respect for nature, and the cycle of life.

Rock on #hivegarden community and happy growing y'all.