Even though the spring weather turned into summer weather weeks earlier than normal, the garden is growing well.  The two strawberry beds have finished producing for the year.  To ensure another great crop next year, all the foliage is cut off...



...carefully so not to damage the crown.  Then, the soil is rejuvenated with peat and compost, and a special fertilizer is added.



The tomato cages that were assembled last year from the leftover fencing has been a beneficial addition, keeping the rambling vines orderly.



This year, we decided to use a drip irrigation system.  It will cut down on water use and get the water to the root zone on individual plantings.



For mass plantings like the strawberry beds, we're using soaker hoses.  The best part is you can put everything on a timer!

Blooms are plentiful with the hope for a huge harvest!



But these tomatoes will need lots of water to reach their juicy potential.



Peppers, too, need consistent amounts of water to produce perfect, thick skinned fruit.

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Butterflies are on the way!  Just starting to bloom, this butterfly bush in the perennial bed appears to dwarf the house.

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