Carol from May Dreams Gardens (Zone 5), Mary Ann from Idaho Gardener (Zone 6) and I decided, this year, to exchange letters from our vegetable gardens.  We hope to give everyone  an idea of how gardens grow in three different USDA hardiness zones.  I garden in Zone 7a, although this spring, it feels more like 6b.  Brrr. Dear Carol and Mary Ann (and all of our other friends), Well, another week, and more rain.  We received another two inches combined from Thursday and Friday night thunderstorms.  Thunder and lightning rocked the house. I know this sounds like great news, but we've gotten a lot of rain, and my garden is soaked.  I must get the mulch down this week so that the weeds will be hampered a little bit while we're in Chicago and Branson, respectively. In spite of the damp and cold, the squash seeds and beans are up,...

Every so often, usually in early spring, I receive items to either review or use in articles.  A couple of months ago, Troy-Bilt asked me to review their new, 7lb, lithium, ion trimmer. First, I want to be clear that I will always tell you if I'm given something.  Also, know that I am always honest with you about my experiences with plants, composters, rain barrels, or whatever I'm sent.  One of the things I like about Troy-Bilt is their desire to hear the truth about their products.  They take this information and then work to improve their product line. First, what I really like about the trimmer: Because it uses a battery, it produces no emissions, and therefore doesn't hurt the atmosphere. The lithium ion battery is rechargeable which is wonderful.  I don't know how long the battery will last, but I'm sure replacements can be purchased through Troy-Bilt....

But it's not. They are the stars of the May beauty parade though with their big, beautiful blooms, and their as of now, mostly clean foliage.  Like all good Divas, who could blame them for wanting all of the spotlight for themselves. At the OHS meeting with Mike Shoup, a woman behind me said I should absolutely own 'Valentine.'  I think she was right.  I ordered one this year, and of the three new roses, I bought, 'Valentine' is doing the best.  You can see just the smallest amount of blackspot at the bottom of her leaves, but well, that's life. I think this is one of the prettiest parts of the garden.   The Heucheras and hostas were already there, but this year I added the black mondo grass to the mix.  I like the way the blooms of the Coral bells echo off of the black of the grass. ...

Carol from May Dreams Gardens (Zone 5), Mary Ann from Idaho Gardener (Zone 6) and I decided to create our own 1,000 mile garden project.  This gardening season, we’ll be exchanging letters with each other about our vegetable gardens, and we’re now in week ten.  We hope you’ll enjoy our travels around three different hardiness zones.  I garden in Zone 7a. Dear Carol and Mary Ann, Sorry I'm so late to the party, but it's been a busy week.  As you know, I had a rain chain giveaway, and it was also Mother's Day on Sunday.  It's a big, busy holiday for our family. Last week, I wrote about edible flowers, but this week's report concerns beans and salad days.  All of my green, purple and yellow beans are barely up and growing on their tripod.  Even the 'Lazy Housewife' decided to make an appearance.  We've had several wonderful salads...