Midsummer Blick

I don't suppose that many people get excited about looking at other people's yards. But this blog is for me, too. I spend such a significant amount of time doing yardwork that it is fun for me to chronicle what is taking place there. Besides, I do get excited when the zinias I've planted from seed are 30 inches tall and begin to bloom. I get excited when my Annabelle hydrangeas are as big around as basketballs. I get excited when birds build nests in my birdhouses. Last year our blue spruce was getting so big it scraped the car when we backed out of the driveway. So we cut the bottom branches off and created a woodland shade bed. I get excited when I see how it has filled in and flourished. Sometimes I go across the street to visit my neighbor just so I can enjoy the view of our yard from their house. Our yard looks great from across the street. I get excited when people stop their cars and call out how much they enjoy watching our yard as it changes throughout the spring and summer. I get excited when I learn something new about gardening. For instance, I heard on the radio how to get rid of Japanese beetles. DO NOT put out those beetle traps. That just attracts more beetles. Early in the season when you see the first ones on your flowers, fill a number 10 can with water containing dish detergent. Hold the can underneath the flower. Gently tap the flower until the beetle drops into the water. Good-bye beetles! It really worked for me. Since the beetles are attracted to each other, when you get the early ones they quit coming. I get excited when I hear it is going to rain. I get excited when the breeze rings our windchimes. I get excited when I see birds splashing around in the birdbath outside my kitchen windows. Believe it or not, I also get excited when I hear it is going to freeze.