Black Petunias And A Little More

The Black Petunias are still blooming after a little cutting back of the spent flowers . They must like the location and the soil because they have bloomed continually since I planted them the middle of May.  They almost look like velvet .  It has been a long time since I have been this enthused about a plant. The first two photos were taken today.

And, this next photo was taken in May 2018.

The Yellow Calibrachoa (Million Bells) make a nice accompaniment and contrast with the Black flowers .  I did not realize that Calibrachoas are related to Petunias.  Thus the same growing  requisite which explains why they enjoy living next to each other .  Calibrachoa (any color or mixed)  have been a favorite of mine, especially in a hanging basket !

And, this is the "Little More".     Look - Look - Look .

 The Figs are starting to ripen!

 And, there are a lot.

And, a lot of them are up very high.

The weather is changing and the garden is beginning to respond to the changes of nature .  There are still so many things I want/need to do in the garden before the gardening season is past .  But, I have to acknowledge that I am feeling ready to be finished with the garden until next Spring when I will probably be excited to return to nature's surprises.

I am so grateful and very delighted to have wonderful weather temperatures and blue sky's without smoke.

Hope all of you are Safe and Sound.

Mary

Seems Like It Happened Overnight

THE FIGS ARE TURNING PURPLE !

AND ,  THE TREE IS LOADED!

This year it looks like I will have enough to make a few jars of Fig Jam.   How nice that will be.

I've been noticing fig recipes lately from bloggers that sound really good.  I especially like the appetizers with feta cheese and honey.  There are so many ways to be creative with this interesting and tasty fruit.  Last year I prepared a Chicken recipe with figs and I plan to repeat it again this year.

This exceptionally large fig leaf with fascinating sun shadows captured my attention.  And, of course some infant figs tagging along.

Fig Trivia - The fig is a false fruit or multiple fruit, in which the flowers and seeds grow together to form a single mass.    It is a fruit without a visible flower - not like a tomato.


Also, very surprising to me ,  I have some nice looking Tomatoes that I anticipate being very tasty when they fully ripen!

Looking healthy , so far.   No sign of annoying Hornworm Tomato Caterpillars. The plants are in a raised bed and that may help.  At least it helps to inspect them daily since they are elevated. 

I have been quite surprised that the tomatoes are growing so nicely since the raised bed is a lot more shady than years past because of all the trees growing so tall.  Years ago,  I was able to grow huge amounts of tomatoes when there was more sun exposure.   At the time I had a large piece of trellis leaning against the redwood planter and my Cavalier Doggie , Lily would climb up the trellis to eat the Cherry Tomatoes that were planted especially for her ! ! !    OH, how I miss Lily - as much as I did the first day without her.   And, I sure miss My Special Man.

I am enjoying  the more comfortable weather .  Hope your weather in  your neck of the woods is pleasing you .

Mary