Cleaned Up, Trimmed Up, Greened Up

When it wasn't too hot, and when we weren't vacationing out of town, we have put in quite a few hours in the last few weeks sprucing up our garden, really quite unusual for us in the usually lazy month of August.

As a result, we are ready for a lazy month of September.

We have weeded, trimmed off all the spent and browning perennials, deadheaded, and lastly, freshly edged the lawn. The result is that it all looks pretty good for having gone through a scorching summer. 

We'll take you out the patio door, around the yard, down the path to the deck, and around to the front. 

The moles have been busy, since we have a watered yard, the only one around. Where the moles tunnel, the raccoons come at night and dig, but because we have kept up a steady treatment of the lawn, the grubs have not returned, so the raccoons are not rolling up weakened sod looking for them. We don't like to use chemicals, but we like having a decent looking lawn. 

Another no, no. Tom is setting mole traps. Once in a while he is successful. Don't ask, don't tell. 

 

Seeds on the Japanese maple are maturing.

Chickadees will be eating the sunflower seeds. 

 

Son Jake gave me the Buddha for Christmas. Tom gave me the stones. Truth and Patience, what we try to hang on to in these troubled times, a little reminder to find peace within. 

Two primroses are emerging for a fall blooming.

Fall blooming cyclamen are popping up. 

Hops are ripening on the golden hop vine. 

The tomato wall is producing lots of fruit. 

And here we are, back where we started. 

September is upon us. School is starting soon, unless yours is one of the many school districts in this state that may be facing teacher strikes. 

Sunflowers are smiling down on me. 

Ready or not, we welcome September.