Ode to the pollinators

 As this garden blog reaches its 1 year anniversary, I am aware of the silent but beautiful and all important inhabitants - the flowers.










Without these flowers, the pollinators would be less compelled to visit, and thus make possible, the harvest that we otherwise take for granted.

I confess that before Sara, I considered flowers a waste of precious garden space. "We can't eat them - they just do nothing but look pretty!" 

Oh how wrong I was!

In and around the vegetable garden and fruit orchard - plus surrounding the house, we are graced with magnificent flowers.


Most were carefully planted and tended by our predecessors on this land.

Thank you to Dean and Nancy Lettenstrom (and for the bird bath).

Ode to the pollinators!

The hummingbirds that flock to our 5 feeders each spring are less evident as the flowers bloom.  I was irritated at their desire for the flowers instead of the sugar water I provide for them UNTIL...out of real limes, I tried lime juice in my gin and tonic.  Ah ah!! Now I understand their preference for the real thing!








The cherry tree planted as a memorial from my step-father (grandma Carson had amazing cheery trees - and pies) looks like it will produce fruit for the first time this year.  THANKS to the pollinators!










As my own sabbatical nears the end, I am trying to be more intentional (again - like the beginning) to take time to stop and smell the flowers


Reading in the hammock in the gazebo

Even spending the month of July sleeping in the tent in the back yard.



It all seems to say "summer - enjoy it!" and right in my own back yard!







Meanwhile, across the road in Nammah's garden, WE reap the benefits of THEIR labor!