Gardener’s Diary

It’s been raining – actually, pouring – all morning, and in parts of the yard, there are 3 inches of standing water.
I know this because I went out a few minutes ago to feed with Miracle Grow and (to the hydrangeas), coffee grounds*.
Thank goodness for a hot shower and clean, dry clothes thereafter.
Although the yard is much improved, I definitely need more loam in a couple of spots on the right hand side.
Just hope my poor shed doesn’t get flooded.


The Barnstable County Harvest Fest takes place today and tomorrow, and I’m heartbroken that the weather is so foul.
Not to mention the second annual Falmouth Jazz Fest which started about 20 minutes ago – under a tent, to be sure, but still…
The other day, I finally turned on the heat after vacuuming out the furnace and filter as best I could. Even so, I’ve been waking up from the cold. Last night, after getting up around 2:30, I put on my bathrobe and slept until almost 8 – unheard of.
Maybe it’s the cold, but I’ve had cravings for fatty sweets, nothing in particular, just something that would mess up my cholesterol count.
I’m trying to stave off the impulse with a drawer full of good fruit and a fine Florida avocado, which I just sliced up.
Have been faithful about putting kitchen cuttings into the compost bin, including the avocado skin. Will be interesting to see if the stuff cooks over the winter.
*The other day, Emme asked why the hydrangeas have flowers of different colors. I told her about feeding coffee grounds to some of them, that the acidity helps the hydrangeas produce blue rather than pink or purple blossoms. She seemed horrified, said, “That’s just not right!” In any event, I am delighted with the Endless Summers that are still producing abundant flowers.