Should my nails match my flowers? Yes! Go Ginza, 310, by Essie.

I’ve planted 200 zinnia seedlings along the edge of the flower border. Last year I went with the classic lollipop brights that zinnias are famous for, but breeding has come a long way, and over the years I’ve enjoyed experimenting with newer varieties—so this season I’m returning to that. My 2026 palette leans softer: muted pinks and dusty roses, peaches, bright and dusty limes, pale golds, and shades of linen. I can’t wait for the show.

Off like a rocket!

I'd give Biscuit a C- in squirrel chasing. He is slightly lazy in that respect. Squirrels in this neighborhood destroy fruit trees and other crops and are considered pests. Here he is rounding a corner after I shamed him into chasing a squirrel up a tree. In this picture he looks like he's trying to impress me rather than do any real critter chasing.

The vegetable garden is looking great. We even have a blueberry sized tomato! I'll make a post on the vegetable garden soon.

I had to replace several of my herb perennials for the crime of being too woody and too leggy. I have a new green sage and a pretty tricolor sage, a new oregano and a new thyme.

I am bringing a spring green cream soup to my dinner group party tonight as a first course and will top each serving with an edible blossom and sprigs of fresh dill. For the soup I just cooked one chopped fennel bulb with the fronds, a handful of asparagus, one sliced leek, and three chopped bok choy in 5 cups chicken stock. When it was throughly cooked through, I added several handfuls of spinach, stirred to wilt, then used my stick blender to cream. Lastly I added 2 cups half and half and 1 cup milk, and salt and pepper to taste. We will be ten tonight and I figure there is enough for everyone to have 1 1/4 C soup--perfectly adequate for first course, plus pretty and yummy!

The Climbing Eden is at its peak this week. As the buds begin to open they have light pink petals edged with darker pink. As they continue to unfurl, they darken.

Underneath the olive tree, another flower snow storm. I'm gearing myself up for an olive mess this summer. Ugh.

Everything in the greenhouse is mostly planted out. I held a few plants back for backups in case some of the transplanted ones don't make it.

I have a "make next" file and this is what's in it right now. I've got other projects on my needles at this time, but I mainly use this folder for patterns that I love and don't want to forget to make.

Another fun rainy day craft is slime. We had hours of fun with our favorite slime recipe.

My chief inspector has to approve of all blooms.

It's fail proof!

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