It has been a tough year in the Poltrack Garden. The temperatures soared early and in the heat I had no desire to pull weeds. I was able to pick some snap peas but they quickly dried out in the heat. Beans were a disaster and I’m not sure why. However there are some successes.

I planted a winter squash plant that I got from Amazing Flower Farm and it took over a hillside. Everywhere I look I see developing butternut squash. I’m researching recipes for my Instant Pot.

I lost most of my zucchini plants to critters but one survived which provides at least one fruit a week which is just right (sorry no photo).

I moved some pitcher plants from an area which had become too shaded into a tub located in the garden, They seem to be thriving and the sphagnum moss looks healthy.

We’ve had plenty of rain which helps the Hydrangea shrubs. This plant is one of the ones that was given to me as a gift after my retirement from HP.

Seeing my Rose of Sharon flower is a sure indication that Fall is coming.
Last year I was given a tropical Mandevilla which hadn’t bloomed. I kept it inside for the winter and kept it alive. It looked terrible and lost all of its leaves. After the frost I moved it outside and it surprised my with this bright red blossom.

For several years I’ve been ignoring my garlic scapes. These appear on the top of garlic stalks and contain a cluster of small garlic bulbs. I saw them as a novelty but then I found some recipes. I collected the bulbs and intend to plant them to create more plants.

Finally, the tomatoes are coming in very nicely. We have plenty of moisture so they haven’t split. Apparently squirrels and chipmunks have taken a few bites but we have plenty (sorry no photo…yet).