What a Difference a Year Makes!

In comparison to our rotten spring last year, we have had so far a warm, dry spring this year, which means few fewer slugs.  And as long as I keep watering, the garden also keeps coming along.  Here are the iris that I planted 2 springs ago from rhizome sections I dug out of the front garden in our previous rental house.  Last year they didn't bloom at all.  This year, there are 35 flower buds . . .

The peonies that my freind Gaby sent me last fall are blooming.



Here a view around the terrace--Golden Celebration rose, lemon lilies, salvia, chamomile and in the back, Madame Hardy rose just starting to bloom (yes, it needs pruning, but I'll wait till after it flowers).



 Madame Hardy, Mary Rose, Louise Odier, and in the back, allium.



The plants in the greenhouse are growing well, as well.  Here's the tomato & dill jungle.



Beaver Dam peppers

 

Antalya Dan pepper

Rioting cucumbers

The outdoor vegetable garden--peas, broad beans, tomatoes, zucchini, salad, leek, carrots, green onions, turnips, radishes, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, more peas, beets, beans, strawberries, corn, more beans, and . . . RHUBARB!



And on a different topic: The kids got haircuts last week.



Blue eyes

Lilia, as usual, didn't want to let me take a picture . . .