Catching up, part 1

The big project is finished. Hurrah!

I'm on vacation. Double hurrah!!

I awoke super early this morning. To the sound of rain beating against the window. Washing away my plans to prep the community plot for warm weather crops. {Sigh}

The sun tried really hard today, I could tell. But it couldn't break through the clouds.

So I stayed dry on my covered balcony, rearranged the pots (it's a jungle out there), and planned where to place the tomatoes, peppers, beets, carrots and beans in the 12 empty squares in my community garden plot.

And rather than mope any more about the weather, I'll consider it a reason to pay more attention to this blog, and finish one of three catch-up posts.

A few balcony garden highlights from mid-April through late May

Earth Dog on Earth Day (April 22nd)

Lewisia cotyledon forma alba, late April

Viola 'Lemon Royale' has been blooming since mid-March.

The purple bracts of Lavandula stoechas 'Anouk' stretch toward blue sky and sunshine in mid-May.

Sidewalks of my neighbourhood...

...their spring-time borders...

 ...and canopies...

...reasons to look forward to after-work walks with my Westie, especially in the sunshine but even in the grey and drizzle.

Why a quick visit to the garden is impossible:

Too many distractions!

Violas at my feet

Zinnias at eye level

Sunflowers overhead

A week of flowers

Sunday evening. Admitting to myself (and you) I can't keep up with gardening, blossom appreciation, Piper care, the bare minimum of housework AND blogging. (Not to mention my Monday to Friday, "9 to 5" work as a dietitian.)

So I hope you'll excuse me for publishing photographs without much commentary. But given the topic, a picture is much better than 1,000 words.

Early April on the balcony

Narcissus 'Tete-a-tete'

Lewisia cotyledon forma alba

Left to right:

Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' (Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple)
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' (Black Mondo Grass) - peeking out from beneath the maple
Heuchera 'Obsidian' & Violas, 'SorbetTM Lemon Chiffon' & 'SorbetTM Babyface Purple'