Years ago, while visiting dear friends in California, I fell in love with the wild poppies that were strewn across the hills. We’ve grown them now and again over the years. I guess as we were coming out of the COVID fog we yearned for bright and cheerful signs of life. These beauties fit the bill. They are especially lovely when they dance in the wind up here on the ridge.
Like much of the world, we are having some weird weather this summer. Hot, hot, hot and dry…and now days- on-end of clouds and some much needed rain. The Black-eyed Susans are having a bumper year, and the Queen Anne’s Lace is coming on strong out in the meadow. Our potato patch is thriving, but the root veggies are slow to get going. I wonder what’s growing where you are?
This is the third year our madder (above) has been growing in the dye garden, its roots maturing for a fall harvest. Which reminds me…time to dig into exactly how to use them for color! I’m pretty excited to have a new dye adventure.
My usual source for indigo seedlings had a rough spring, and so this will be my first year in a while without indigo growing in my garden. I am giving woad a try instead. I ordered seeds from Tierney Barden over in New York State. Another learning opportunity!
One of my favorite things about summer is being able to go out into the gardens and pick fresh herbs. This mint needed a quick swish in a bowl of water to dislodge the dirt spattered up from the recent rains. I sometimes keep a glass jar filled with a bouquet of fresh mint on the kitchen counter to add to salads, grain dishes and beverages. How about you? How do you use fresh herbs?
I used some of the mint to make a batch of Amy Chaplin’s rhubarb rose infusion. The color reminds me of the peonies blooming just a few weeks ago.
here’s a little teaser for my next post, a fun opportunity that tickled my imagination.
The lightning bugs come out each night to play and Cora and Wilma sit on the windowsill to watch as the breezes move the curtains. The porch is lined with pots of blooms and the houseplants are enjoying their annual outdoor time. We repotted the Meyer lemon and the fig is growing taller each week.
Sometimes we hear the whizzing of bikes along the road, their riders changing gears as they navigate the changes in elevation up here. Tractors are busy with cutting, tedding and baling hay.
The bluebirds and swallows continue to delight. As I did my morning walking meditation, tea in hand, a murder of crows were out in the balsams. I don’t know what disturbed them, but they were up in arms about something!
Here are a few links you may enjoy
I love it when our kids share music finds with me. Hannah introduced me to Angelique Kidjo. I can’t believe I am so late to the party. Angelique has been making gorgeous award-winning music for years.
My friend Anne Butera has a lovely blog post today over at My Giant Strawberry (especially if you enjoy embroidery).
I found another kindred spirit via the internet! Check out the exquisite work at sarita.arte. Birch goodness.
I’ll be back here sooner rather than later. Sending you a bit of calm and peace and comfort from our bit of earth here in Vermont.
xo