Since I celebrated Spring, I best wish all a Happy  Summer.

 Solstice was at 5:45 this morning, I am informed. I was awake then, sipping that first great sip of coffee.

Yesterday, I got serious about  my summer gardening.I had planted a few hardy perennials the week before- a bleeding heart in the semi-shaded front corner, by the rose bushes I hope get enough sun, but survived the winter just fine. A Hosta in the back under the trees. If it thrives, I'll add a few more. flowers died there last year -two shady. Two Delphinia in the north side back garden, where someone's impatiens have run wild. Took an hour just to clear the space.

I started with two tomato plants and four tiny basil plants, bought at the local Country Market. Since they are sold by local farmers, I figure they should grow nicely. Last year, I got a decent crop, late in the season, more on the Roma plant I put east of the big tree than the heirloom ones. I've tried basil before, but it always died on me. I'm told it grows nicely beside tomatoes though. This year, I reran the Roma in the same spot, with a different heirloom variety to the east. By buying good sized plants, hopefully, I'll get a crop, even without great light.

Then I planted my sunflower seeds. As you might guess, they are sort of a trademark. At the former house, we got great crops of giants, growing up the fence, peeking at people using the sidewalk. Here, not so much. Had one little plant grow last season, barely three feet high.  But midsized B requested that I try again, in spite of the prolonged frosty spring. We'll see how they do.

After that, annuals. Went to the garden center planning on two flats, bought three - pansies (my favourite); petunias, marigolds, a few exotic daisies. Did three pots, the front gardens. Only used about one flat. Too many left for the back, where the shade and sun mix tends to promote either stunted growth or fried blooms. Might have to locate a few extra pots. Monday night's project.

But I'm tremendously pleased by the explosion of colours, and  enjoyed the hot hard work in 27 celsius (that's about 80 Fahrenheit, y'all) sun. I made sure to admire them all this morning as I headed out for my quiet time at work... I love gardening as much for the appreciation of the beauty as the satisfaction of the labour. Or is it the other way around?

 UPDATE:No rain Monday evening, so planted the rest of the annuals. A couple dozen round the birdbath, a dozen under the cedar, a couple dozen around the tomatoes, the rest of the daisies along the patio,  a dozen more in  the front. Now, we'll see what thrives.

  How does YOUR garden grow?