This week in the garden - #60

This has been a sad and disappointing week on so many different levels, for the country and for those of us who love it. Thank goodness there is always solace in the garden.

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Walking through the vegetable garden today, I was happy to see my squash plants that were just emerging from the ground last Friday already have true leaves and a sturdy appearance. There are few vegetables I like better than squash and it looks like I may be able to indulge my appetite in a few weeks.

Likewise, the corn is looking very healthy and strong. It seems to have grown about four inches in the past week. (Perhaps I exaggerate a bit, but it is shooting on up there.)

My tomato plants have fruits the size of large plums already. If only I can keep the leaf-footed stinkbugs away from them...

I had hoped to get my cucumbers and green beans planted this week, but every time I planned to plant, we had another cold front blow through. The forecast is for temperatures as low as 39 degrees F. tomorrow night. So I guess I'll wait a couple more days.

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On Monday of this week, we took a day trip to Brenham to visit the Antique Rose Emporium, and, of course, I had to purchase a few plants while I was there. I got some 'Texas Gold' columbines for my shade garden, a firecracker plant (Russelia equietiformis), a pink coral vine, a Dutchman's pipe vine, an antique rose named 'Lafter,' and a tecoma called 'Orange Mahogany Esperanza.'

 Here's the tecoma. It's a color that I had not seen before. I have two large tecomas in my garden, but they are both the traditional yellow - 'Yellowbells,' as we call them. I got two of this new variety and I'll be interested to see how they perform. The spot where I've planted them probably has more shade than they would prefer, but I'm hoping they are adaptable enough to be happy there.

This is 'Lafter,' bowed down by raindrops after our rain yesterday. I like the mix of colors in the blossoms - yellow, orange, peach. Lovely rose.

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And speaking of roses, the David Austin rose 'Darcy Bussell' gave me its first bloom of the year this week. I do love the David Austin roses and I have several of them in my garden.

Another first this week was the 'Apple Blossom' amaryllis, blooming here next to the 'Red Lion' that I've shown you in previous posts. Don't those blossoms just whisper "spring"?

Here's hoping our next week will be a happier one, and, whatever happens, that our gardens will always be there for us when we need their comfort.