Now that fall officially has arrived we have seen some summer-like weather returning briefly. No complaints! Summer was just shortening up a bit too early in mid-September, so it seemed. But, nothing can be consistent; sprinkles invaded today, as I write. Much of the house yard looks more relaxed for the moisture we’ve had; the cherry profusion zinnias are looking boldly pink again. The sages ‘Pineapple’ and ‘Black & Blue’ are moving into full bloom, much to the delight of the hummingbirds.
Transitions- Sept 22 Equinox
Some actual ripe tomatoes have made their appearance, finally, having been discovered hiding under lush vegetation (now further cut back). Fourteen pounds of ripe tomatoes, and 20 pounds of thinned back greenies and blushers in the last week is a definite improvement!
Beginning the tomato bounty-finally!
Classic fall! Ripening tomatoes and mildewy squash leaves
A nice picking of 5 large clusters of ‘Lakemont’ green seedless grapes from my second-year-ling has been a delightful surprise, and very tasty. A good cultivar given the shiftier weather and less warmth needed to raise sugar content. Looking forward to more next year!
A small but beautiful harvest of Lakemont seedless grapes off my first-year plant
Our ‘friend Bambi’ just returned a little over a week ago, though now I think he’s deterred. Came with the change to cooler weather. A few nibbles on the bush beans was the only damage in the CG (thank you!), sparing the lettuce seedlings in the next row. After browsing all the leaves off my youngest columnar apple seedling, and half of the apricot, he continued more voracious sampling on a neighbor’s young apples, pears, and cherries. Some netting and tree-bark rub downs with Irish Spring soap seems to be doing a good repelling job.
The ripening corner
High Vibe Bounty 