I’m thrilled to finally start harvesting annuals in the cut flower garden. There’s snapdragons every day, the larkspur are in full bloom, I picked some sunflowers, and impatiently waiting for more to blossom.

There are always lessons to learn; I’m already thinking ahead to next year and jotting down notes to self. I didn’t start anywhere near enough sunflowers and I wish I had grown some yarrow.

Speaking of sunflowers- something has been munching on the Italian White and I figured bugs were to blame. Looking out the window this morning I saw two finches feasting on the seeds. Who can be mad at that?

That little sunflower is White Lite and so far she’s my favorite.

Feverfew is another plant I already wish I have more of. I never grew it before, and I love it! The lush leaves and cute button flowers are terrific fillers. The Iceland poppies are budding up and I can’t wait to use the Frosted Explosion grass in a bouquet.

Zinnias are giving me some concern. They are yellow and spindly, and on-line research yielded no help. I’m sending a soil sample off to be tested at the CT Ag Experiment Station today. Luckily seeds can be started until the third week of July so I’ll plant more seedlings in another part of the garden. Fingers crossed I can save them.

That cute kitten is my secret weapon against future rabbit invasions. Her name is Cinder. She is quite feisty and smart! I bring her out to the gardens when I’m working and she likes exploring, as well as terrorizing all the bugs she finds.

I’ll leave you with a photo of one of this week’s bouquets. Here’s to a spectacular summer, friends!