Remembering This Summer

Even thought in theory there are still 14 days of summer left, here in Michigan it already feels like fall. The temperature is only around high 70s and fall plants such as Mums are starting to bloom. Most plans are acting as if it is fall already. We had a cold spring and a cool summer, only a handful of days the temperature reached around 90 degrees. The raspberries ripened a month later than they should have and the blackberries are still trying to ripen. The only good thing that came out of this cool summer was an abundance of cabbage and the reduced population of Japanese Beetles, so I am thankful for that.
So, farewell all my summer plants, until we meet again next spring.

Mix Flowers and Vegetables in The Garden

I have been going to garden walks in Troy and other cities around Troy for at least 10 years, and every year, it amazes me how many garden are dedicated to only one thing. And I almost never see a garden with vegetables. Yellow arrow points to the watercress, and red arrow points to water mints

When I started my garden, I knew right away that it was going to be a mix of flowers and vegetables. The reason, I love both and I was not going to give up either one. I have to admit, that my front garden is more manicured and contains flowers only. However the backyard is a completely different story. In my backyard, you see beautiful roses mixed with garlic and behind them tall cages of heirloom tomatoes.