The Howell Blessings

Our summer flowers are the social butterflies of our neighborhood. They are putting on their finest attire and making their appearances everywhere. Below are two of our little socialites that refuse to be wall flowers. They are out front catching everyone's eye as they pass by. Our deep pink Roses are Knock Outs! These simple beauties are triplets from the Daisy family. I couldn't resist taking these pretty posies pictures just after they had showered. They didn't need any make-up, their natural beauty shines through. Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1844

Growing season is in full bloom! I love planting a garden and reaping the harvest it produces. Last year we planted fruits and vegetables in the garden at the edge of our property near the woods. This plot backs up to a landscaped garden of our neighbors. While I enjoyed having a plot of land all ready for planting, there were many issues that arose in the location of last year's garden. There wasn't enough sun to produce some of the vegetables and fruits, and due to it's proximity to the woods, it seemed the deer thought we had planted the garden just for them! They even ate my jalapeno' pepper plants, peppers and all!! So, this year, I decided to rely on knowledge gained during our years of land deprivation and planted a deck garden. So far we haven't had any deer brave enough to walk up the steps to our deck and help themselves. Grant it, I can't plant near the variety or amount of vegetables we did last year, but I dare say, we will end up with more harvest ...