My first orchid cactus bloom

I bought an orchid cactus last fall and waited anxiously all winter for spring to arrive and the first blooms, since I was told by the lady who I bought it from that it blooms in the spring. But there were no buds this spring although the plant was thriving. Then about a week ago, the first bud appeared. And finally today the first bloom opened! And it's a beauty and well worth the wait. I don't know if there will be more buds this late in the season but I'm happy there was at least this one!

This year's garden

Gardening is one of the most rewarding pleasures I've found in this life. The beauty of flowers never ceases to enthrall me. Here are some of my favorite photos from this year's garden.

It's been raining so much here in New Jersey both during the month of May and now again during the month of June. April showers may bring May flowers but this much rain is a bit worrisome for gardeners. Bulbs can rot and the flowers are not lasting as long from all the wetness. And the forecast for the next ten days is more of the same. We drastically need some sunny days to dry things out a bit. I have a few of my potted plants sitting under the picnic table to keep them out of the worst of the rain. And it's much too cold for this time of year. Here's looking forward to some warmer, sunnier weather soon!












P.S. I just learned that Matt, the CEO of 1000 Markets, has posted this gardening post on the Community page of 1000 Markets. Quite an honor, that is! Thank you, Matt! Check it out - will probably only be there for a day or two.

1000 Markets Community Page

My garden

One of my favorite pleasures in life is gardening. It's so rewarding and I have a real passion for digging in the dirt. All winter long I wait for that moment when the ground is warm enough to start planting. I'd like to share a few of the photos of my garden, though it's been very hard to pick just a few photos.

When I first bought my house back in 1974, one of the few flowers that were already planted on the side of the house were Oriental poppies. They've been one of my favorites ever since. Here's a poppy with a Gerbera daisy.

I don't like to buy annuals because I hate to see them die off in the winter. But I couldn't resist this Mandevilla last year. And luckily I was able to winter it in the crawlspace. It survived the winter beautifully so I'll do the same with it this winter.











Cone flowers have spread like crazy in my yard and I have quite a large section of them now. Here's a little bee enjoying them. I let the flowers dry and in the fall, the seeds attract gold finches. They have quite a feast on them!












These day lilies are such a delight. While the blooms only last a day, they are such beauties. And this year the blooms just keep coming and coming, more each day. Such a pretty sight.













I love an English garden look with scattered flowers everywhere. Such a peaceful place to sit and relax. If I can ever find time to do that!