Dear Husband took off for the lake this morning, and I pulled myself together, had a cup of tea, answered a bit of mail, and then headed for the herb garden. So many things have required my attention elsewhere, that the herb garden is the last to be planted. I’m fully a month late getting the herbs into the ground.

I had to weed two beds first, and since one of them was infested with crabgrass, it took me a while to go after the roots. You know there’s not a chance that I got them all, but I made a respectible start. I planted three lemon scented geraniums that looked a little shakey. I may try to pick up a healthier plant to replace one that is just a little twig with microscopic leaves.
I planted lemon grass, lemon verbena, and I plan to add some lemon marigolds for color. I also planted a Scotch spearmint in a furnace flue that is sunk into the garden. Mint is terribly invasive, so this will bear watching.
Late last week I planted three kinds of basil (red rubin, sweet, and Mammoth, I think). Today I added curled parsley, prostrate rosemary, and summer savory. The dill is coming along nicely.
I put in two “Twickle Purple” lavenders, hoping they will have enough room, and a new plant, Hyssop, which I have never grown. I need to do more research on it. I also have a costmary plant to try, but that will go out in a garden along the edge of the property.
The clematis is in bloom, vining up the white arbor. It’s a purple “jackmanii” variety, and right in front of it is a yellow yarrow….either Celebration or Moonbeam, I think. THe perennial plants, oregano, sage, chives, thyme, and lemon balm are all doing well. Actually, I had to rip out some feverfew that was shading three lavenders. I may need to pull out a bit more.
So….the garden is underway at last. We have possible thundershowers in the forecasts through Wednesday, so the plants should have a few days to settle in before full sun comes back to heat things up.
Now, I’m mostly into maintenence mode.