From the Vault

If the entertainment industry can do this during the summer, I may have to take a lesson from them. It’s re-run season; at least until we get beyond this hot weather and my mind can think about something more than just watering and staying on top of the spray programs. The Japanese Beetles are invading the grapes amongst other things. So out comes the ghost buster equipment to squelch them before the heat goes beyond 104 degrees! Yikes. I am already melting just thinking about it.

So despite that last year’s July was quite different from this one (we had record buckets of rain), this is a good time to revisit some quick suggestions for drought-tolerant plants for your perennial borders. http://blog.bilowzassociates.com/2009/07/drought-tolerant-plants.html. Today’s inspirational quote for today is by Sam Keen and seems quite fitting with our re-run theme. “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” Enjoy the lazy, hazy sunshine and like your plants, drink lots of fluids and don’t overdo it! Hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.

Image of the dog days of summer from the Internet.

The Salad in Insalata

Growing up, Insalata is what my mother and grandmother called our salad. And salads there will be on this holiday weekend. So why bring an ‘iffy potato salad’ or pack of greens with no pizzazz. Test the waters and add some spice and life to these ordinary dishes. There is no secret recipe here, just a few hints on making your dish a bit more creative. Dress up all your salads (pasta, potato or lettuce) with growies from your culinary garden or the local farmers markets. With the variety of greens and herbs available at this time of year, there is no excuse. Everyone has more to offer because things are a few weeks ahead of schedule. So get your taste buds off the couch and try something new! Erma Bombeck sums up our Fourth of July celebration best. “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” P.S. This will be the first year in our garden that we may actually have a ripe, full-fledged tomato (not a dinky cherry tomato) on the fourth of July! Yahoo. Now that is a reason to celebrate.


Image of Someone's Version of Potato Salad from the Internet

A Splash of Blue

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A dash of red, a splash of blue, add a dob of white and your table will exude…just a quick hint for finding colors in your garden that bring the festivities to your table. There is nothing like fresh flowers for decorating the deck or patio for the big Independence Day celebrations. Why buy those phony baloney red, white and blue carnations when, upon closer observation, you should find enough of the traditional splash in your own garden. Have fun and don’t forget to decorate it with our flag! Here are some quick red, white and blue cut flower suggestions: Lace Cap Hydrangea or Sea Holly, red Roses, and white Roses or an Iris. I still have some blooming in the garden. Post your 4th of July flower combinations.

To sum up today’s down and dirty blog, Yogi Berra reminds us that ““The only color I don't have is navy brown.” Maybe if we think long and hard, we might find a flower that fits that color description. And don’t forget, if you can breathe in sunshine, than inhale deeply today. It’s a ten out there. And should you be heading out of dodge, stay safe and enjoy the gardens wherever your trails may lead you.

All photos by Greg Bilowz