See Herb Garden, Part 1 for the start of this project to turn the previous owner’s leftover topsoil aka Karl’s dirt pile into an Herb Garden…

The pile has been weeded and some garden weed and feed applied. I smoothed it out mostly in the shape I think I want and have been putting a few rocks in the vicinity in preparation for making a rock border and maybe a few here and there in the “garden” for “interest”.

Last weekend I went to the nursery, clutching my “Swan Bucks” (nursery coupons) only to find that they do not have any herbs left. Same story 2 other places. Sooooo… decided that I would let the snow do what it will to my shape and start looking for seeds and plants in the Spring. The garden catalogs always have ideas for “planned” gardens and although I don’t necessarily want that, I decided I probably need some help in what looks good as far as mixing the height of things. And I might add some perennials that make pretty cut flowers for the house – there are a few that the deer don’t like – at least the nursery says so…I haven’t consulted the deer…

Although not a casualty to the deer, one of my hanging baskets gave up the ghost last week. The blue lobelia went first – I’m thinking too much sun as I know it likes shade. The lobelia died in both baskets, but everything (mountain bells) died in the smaller. I finally put the thing out of its misery, moved the remaining basket to a hanger on the garage and got 2 baskets of petunias from the end of the year 50% off sale. Hopefully, all will hang in until the snow flies… It was impatiens that did so well last year.

A little weather note … 2 months ago yesterday, it snowed about 4 inches here. We had our longest, little “heat wave” this past week of 3 days that barely hit 90. This morning it is 44 and maybe will make it out of the 70’s… with another mini-heat wave of 3 days due this weekend. After this weekend we are past the mid-point of August and although September and even October can have beautiful warm (upper 70’s) days – the days are getting noticeably shorter, the light is changing – we are headed towards Fall! I love this time, love Fall – this morning’s cool, crispness is a wonderful signal that it is not far off!