Apparently they didn’t get the memo. In answer to the oft repeated question about dealing with rabbits, squirrels, etc. I frequently say, that I plant a lot and then they get some and I get some and everybody’s happy. They were getting more than their share and the garden now looks like a show room for the chicken wire industry. The final indignation. Yesterday I was tired enough that I sat in the reclining deck chair and dozed off for a few moments. I was awakened by a strange sensation. A chipmunk was gnawing on the shiny gold ring on my finger. Does he know a pawn broker in the area? He ran a few feet away when I sat up to see what was happening. After I finish writing Dallying, I’m going out to buy a couple of traps so that I can begin the relocation process for my furry (former) friends. In among the forest of weeds, that are the result of my limited time in the garden, there are some exciting things happening. The Asparagus is being allowed to grow its beautiful fern like foliage that regenerates the root for next year but we are still harvesting a little bit. The first crisp Kohl Rabi made its way into a stir fry this week along with some Pak Choi. A welcome change in flavour and texture from the Asparagus. Many of the nearly dead Roses have surged forth from their base and are starting to bloom. A miracle of toughness and survival.




As of this morning, the cold frame is almost empty and that means that most of the garden is planted. A few late seeded items have to now get their chance to find soil and moisture. The Parsnips and Rutabagas will be sown next week. At the bottom of the garden there is some amazing growth. The few Parsnips that did not get dug up last fall or this spring are proving that they are true biennials. Massive flower stalks are soaring 1.5 M (5') above the soil carrying large umbels of bright yellow flowers. I need the space but they are so impressive that I cannot bring myself to dig them out. They stayed standing throughout the wicked wind and rain that passed through here earlier this week. Many other things did not. Peonies that are strong enough to stand on their own most of the time are laying battered and beaten on the ground. Even that has an upside. I just go out and cut them and they fill the house with their colour and fragrance. Peonies make great cut flowers and will last indoors for a week or two. The last of the Iris are still blooming and some of them are now indoors as well, having decided to lay down on the job after the storm. Flavours, fragrances and fabulous colours fill the house to remind us of the many rewards of spending a few hours in the garden.

Now it’s time to answer a few of my reader’s questions. Don’t forget to check the front page of the Website for frequent short ideas for current gardening activities.