Buckle up, as I get caught up on GardenComm’s Garden Blogger’s Challenge for the month of May.
When I last posted for this challenge of prompts, I stopped on May 11.
Goodness that was a while ago! We have some catching up to do, so buckle up and let’s see what the challenge questions are and where they’ll take us.
For May 12, the prompt is to spotlight a public garden you’ve visited. Hmmm… stay local or go further afield? Shall I pick a well-publicized garden, like the Lurie Garden in Chicago, which I’ve visited several times, once in May, once in July, once in August? Or choose a small garden like the Elizabeth Lawrence garden in Charlotte, North Carolina, which I’ve visited twice? I’ll suggest both!
For May 13, the prompt is “How climate change has altered your garden or your gardening habits?” I’m going to leave this question to the experts to sort out the data, discussion, and discourses on this topic.
Let’s move on to May 14th, and what herbs I grow. Did I mention I bought nine varieties of thyme this spring? I think I put that in my weekly newsletter. If I didn’t, I will, and if that little tease doesn’t make you want to subscribe to get that little look into my gardening week every Sunday evening, what will? Anyway, on the herbs, I also grew some clary sage from seed and hope it blooms this year. Time will tell. And of course, I have mint in a container.
On May 15th, we were supposed to share a photo of a bouquet of flowers grown in our garden. Well, that day was Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day around here, so I posted about my blooms on that day. Check out that post for more details!
For May 16th, I don’t think we have time for the entire answer to “what are you direct-sowing from seed this season?” Or maybe we do? Mostly, I’m direct sowing in the vegetable garden: green beans, scarlet runner beans, various squashes, cucumbers, okra, corn, zinnia, and I’ve already direct sown seeds for lettuces, peas, and radishes, which I’ve also been harvesting.
Hug a Bug on May 17th and answer the question of what beneficial insects you welcome to your garden. Short answer is any and all.
For May 18 I was supposed to write about my favorite plant for sharing. Well, if you came to my garden to get a passalong plant, I have several I might offer, including Lily of the Valley, hardy ground orchids, and violets. But there are some I wouldn’t allow you to take no matter how much you begged because I know they aren’t plants for everyone.
May 19th was World Plant a Vegetable Garden Day and the prompt is what vegetables am I growing this year. See above about direct sowing and add peppers and tomatoes to that list.
On May 20th, I picked strawberries, not realizing May is National Strawberry Month and that’s the prompt, to share tips on growing strawberries. The biggest tip I have is to plant strawberries in long, narrow beds because they tend to fruit on the outside of the row. You’re welcome.
Now, back to flowers, the prompt for May 21 for this Garden Blogger’s Challenge is to answer the question “What is my favorite flower color?” Why must we have favorites? I suppose if I had to choose, I’d choose the color of violets.
Finally, we are caught up to today, May 22nd. “When not in the garden, I am…” Oh, a fill in the blank! When not in my garden, I am reading! And when I am in my garden for any length of time, I’m probably listening to an audiobook!
Now we are caught up on this Garden Blogger’s Challenge! I hope you’ve enjoyed this little look into my gardening life! If you have any questions you’d like to add or need me to clarify anything, leave a comment or email me!
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