It’s May, three weeks after planting, and I don’t think my plants are as big as they should be. Yet, my radishes, chard, and lettuce are growing just fine. Hmm…cool weather crops doing well, hot weather crops just hanging in there. Factor in that our nights have been in the low 50s on a regular basis this week (with the other night reaching a low of 47!), and I think the mystery is solved. More normal, warmer weather is on the way, so I should have more to share with you soon. Meanwhile, enjoy!
WHAT’S NEW:
While watering yesterday, I discovered my first cayenne pepper. Yeah!
My first cayenne pepper
The blue-eyed grass are blooming, finally. They usually appear in mid-April. I love seeing them among the clover in my yard.
Blue-eyed grass flowering
One of my white astilbe finally has flower buds.
White astilbe flower buds
IN THE GARDEN:
My pink astilbe started budding a couple weeks ago. One of them is actually beginning to flower. They’re going to be so pretty!
Pink astilbe starting to flower
One of my elderberry trees is just getting its first flower. However, my other one is covered in blooms.
Elderberry in bloom
My Burpee Butterbush squash (like butternut) has been flowering, but the flowers aren’t deep yellow as they should be. They look almost bleached. I found two of them like this. Anyone else ever see white squash flowers?
Butterbush (butternut) squash flower
During the week, my Garden Wilson found two baby praying mantis in one of my empty pots. He got the best picture he could and sent it to me to share with you. I can’t wait to see them grown up…and eating pests.
Baby praying mantis inside a pot
He also found a toad sitting next to my watermelon plants. I love toads, too…for the same reason!
Toad in my garden
What’s happening in your garden this week?
Sanctuary Gardener 