black-eyed susans

We did not intend our entire backyard to become densely packed with Black-Eyed Susans...

but I really do not mind; and as long as I keep the pathway clear, David doesn't seem to mind either.

The entire back part of our garden is glowing right now with these happy, golden blooms!

around

red hot chili pepper

lily

I was able to get about four garbage bags full of free composted manure; I checked craiglist and found several ads. The farm was just a little ways out of the city and when I got there, the horse trainer even filled up my bags for me! The annual beds looked like they needed a little extra boost this year, so I shoveled some manure around the plants. Tomatoes are on the left and then going clockwise: cucumber plants, corn, beans, cabbage, sage, melon, peppers and okra.

corn!

I found a little grasshopper hiding in the black-eyed susans

peppers

chard

sunflower

and since it is way too hot to be out in the garden all day, I've been knitting up a short sleeve cotton sweater. The pattern is called Bottoms Up by Alice of Slipped Stitch and it is free on Ravelry.