May Showers Bring Late Flowers...

It's a heck-of-a-Spring here, with cool temps (Hooleys, it's safe to come back) and rainy forecasts, though not much actual water falling from the sky. The extra-long Springtime (eg "normal") has been a nice start for the garden: roots can get established before they blister in the heat. Unfortunately, the pastures are a mess -- the grass is dominant and its roots have really dug in, but they are protecting the weed roots.

Another positive effect of the rainy Spring is the redworms. I've come across "nests" of them digging in the new vineyard area. Of course, snails are out in record numbers as well. Fortunately, they are not a big threat since they are easy to remove.

Between what's growing and what's planted, we now have:
1- artichokes
2- lettuces and sorrell
3- dill, basil, other herbs
4- chard and collards and broccoli (ok, just a few)
5- sunflowers
6- watermelon
7- corn
8- eggplant
9- okra
10- golden raspberries

and all the fruit trees.... The nectarine, in only its second year, has DOZENS of stone fruit already! And the pomegranite has put out twenty or more blossoms. The figs have had fruit for a month now, about the same time the almonds put out their first nuts.

The horses are a bit confused with the weather. One day they have flies over thier mouths and nostrils and eyes; the next day they can be soaking wet and cold. The weather is confusing for all of us -- the dogs inside or outside; the goats miserable or content to roam; do we cover or uncover the hay?

More to come soon. Lana will be here this summer and I have a feeling she'll want to contribute a blog or two!