In the Garden - An Update

Our summer has been a real mixture of rain and sunshine and as a result, our yard and garden are happy. Well they seem to be happy anyway. What do we know really?! Everything is growing and so far we've enjoyed strawberries, raspberries, cherries, asparagus, rhubarb, chives and basil. On their way are tons of tomatoes and potatoes, what looks to be squash of some sort, garlic, onions, zucchini, peppers, carrots and hopefully a pumpkin or two. A lot of what is popping up is volunteer but seems hearty and healthy. We have two apple trees that I've been told we should have pruned last fall as they have hardly any apples on them - live and learn! Our two plum trees are thriving and are covered in fruit. The persimmons tree which gave us over 30 last year seems to be doing well and will probably produce the same amount this year. We are The Frost's and the Giant Peach as the tree in the yard holds just one single lovely peach for the four of us to share. We have yet to pick it. I'm waiting for it to get a little more ripe but we are all excited to have a taste. The banana trees are sporting lovely 'little shop of horrors' type flowers and several bananas. I recently ran into Anne (one half of the previous owners of the house) at the grocery store and she stopped to chat for a minute. She asked how we liked the place and I told her how we loved it but felt intimidated by the yard and all that is growing. She said her husband spent hours in the garden daily!!! No kidding. I wish we had the time and the knowledge he obviously did. We have lots to learn, lots to keep up with and fortunately for us, lots to eat. I WILL figure this all out as there is truly nothing better than eating food you have cared for and grown yourself. 

Linking up with Annie again. My photos seem embarrassing compared to her amazing pics. Go check out her beautiful blog here. 

Cherries, Berries and Other Finds in our Backyard

There is so much to find strolling around our new backyard. As I have said before, we had no idea what to expect when we moved in last September. There are so many cherries and berries including some wild salmon berry, huckleberry and maybe a few too many blackberry bushes. The flowers continue to surprise me bringing cheer and pops of colour all over the yard. We have yet to see the bear that made a few appearances last fall but I'm sure he or she will around eventually.  Birds, slugs and the odd snake come by to say hello as do too many weeds. I don't know how the previous owners managed them or how anyone does really. What I do know is how grateful I feel for all of it. What a treat it is to walk outside your front door and find all this joy, annoying weeds and all! 

Joining in again with beautiful Annie at Fable & Folk. She's an amazing photographer. Go see her stuff here. 

How Does Your Garden Grow - Filled with Tulips and Surprises Aplenty!

When we moved in last September, I felt a little intimidated by the size of the yard (we have 1/3 of an acre) and by all the plants and trees and garden (photo below-yikes!). As we headed into winter, we had no idea what to expect but knew we had some work ahead of us. We had never had a garden before nor did we have a big yard that was all ours to look after. This home and yard is pretty big and there is no longer a landlady around telling us to leave it alone as it was hers. What a joyous surprise Spring has been with a large amounts of colourful tulips popping up all over the front and back yard. I myself planted around 30 bulbs in early October but no where near what is currently blooming. The previous owners loved the house and yard and must've planted tulips for years as we are really reaping the benefits! 

There are loads more plants and several blooming bushes we have no clue about. My Dad recently discovered a ton of asparagus (amongst the remains of the previous owners garden) which we've been happily eating. Last night while wondering the back yard I found a lovely little plot of Lily of the Valley which thrilled me beyond words. I know there are a few rose bushes and two Rhodo's that should bloom soon but the colour will be a surprise. It's all very interesting and fun and crazy. I hope to plant some food that we can enjoy later this year. Buying our first home and decorating it has been tons of fun. I have a feeling that gardening will be just as exciting once we figure out and get rid of all the weeds!

Linking up here today. Please go check out other great gardens from around the globe! I look forward to posting more updates about how our garden is coming along as the year progresses,