Feeling spring’s creep

After the crazy holidays, it feels like January should be a rest — but it never is and usually more crazy than December (at least for me — PAs and people trying to burn their vacation hours before they loose them in March). So when the yard starts waking up, it gives me a little boost and reminder that I am almost through the grind.

Primrose are blooming! So cute!

Primrose are blooming! So cute!

This bed seems to be the most lively. Especially excited to see the redwood getting so big.

This bed seems to be the most lively. Especially excited to see the redwood getting so big.

Beginning of February means the Super Bowl, but I like to call it “Plate of Tacos day”. For the first time in years, I didn’t have to work, but had to keep the tradition alive.

 This is home version of Plate of Tacos.

This is home version of Plate of Tacos — Shrimp with homemade Guac.

I finally bought a lemon tree. It's confussed about where we live and is blooming. Unfortunately, I wanted it smell crazy good but it doesn't/

I finally bought a lemon tree. It’s confused about where we live and is blooming. Unfortunately, I wanted it smell crazy good but it doesn’t/

4th of July Tomato Gauge

When I lived at the Rex Hamilton with brother Derek, we always had a 4th of July party. They were super fun and crazy, hanging out in the  yard with friends. An inadvertent consequence was I always managed to snap a photo of how the garden was doing. So it became something of a tradition to see where the tomatoes were on the Fourth.

4th of july garden

Things are chugging along but not as great as I hoped, considering new soil and all.

Tomatoes look kind of lame compared to former years — One year they were at the top of a 6-foot fence. The radishes bolted before they were really ready to eat. Same with the arugula. Peppers and squash are doing ok. Beets hardly came up. Peas are basically done. The only thing doing really well is the beans.

Behind the retaining wall

Things back here are going gang-busters! Tons of cosmos, callengula, mallow. Plus morning glory on my garden gate. So cute!