A few photos here of the current state of the garden. Perhaps it should be called Pear Tree Hill. We have so many this year that we have to give them away... Also pictured here are zinnias and petunias.

The Helvola water lilly (miniature) has bloomed in the small tub. This plant has come back every year since 1991! Hard to believe but the plant even survived after being dragged out onto the hot sidewalk by a bird ( might have been a 4 legged varmit too). It winters inside and is very resistant to problems. Both water gardens are aerated with small electric pumps and tubing that creates mini-fountains. This is a natural way to keep mosquitos at bay.

Nothing is better than picking your salad a few minutes before preparing and eating it. Here is a sample of some of what I got out of the box last week. (July 4th tomatoes, parsley, lettuce, big leaf basil garlic chives and chives).

Summer has heated up with record temperatures so far. Plants like tomatoes and peppers really thrive in the heat as long as there is sufficient rainfall/watering. The greens and flowers are not so thrilled. Below is a shot of the 4th of July Tomatoes (from Burpee). They are compact and ripen quickly. They are pretty tasty too - we've enjoyed them with the basil as a topping for pasta.

Here is a view of the garden that includes the tub garden with water lillies surrounded by zinnias and some pansies.

As if to say Welcome Summer, this lilly was the first in the tub garden. Trapdoor snails and anachris complete the tub along with a small umbrella palm (watch out they really spread!!) and another water lilly. Might find a few guppies to add in here too.

The pear tree that produces such wonderful fruit. We've got a lot of fruit developing this year. The apricot did not fare as well -- it was hit by frost at the wrong time.

Here is a parting shot of one of my favorite flowers...the wonderful, humble daisy. Just love seeing them bending in the breeze...

photos: C. Nissen