Two weeks ago I collected seed from a musk mallow (Malva alcea) I noticed growing in a crack in the pavement, soaked them overnight, and scattered them in a pot. There are dozens sending out true leaves already and it’s very exciting - there are these tiny emerald sweat bees (Agapostemon) that really seem to adore the flowers of this plant and I would love to grow greater numbers to better support them.

The recent rains after several months with little precipitation has driven a new flush of growth and some wonderful blooms in the gardens as well, and I really appreciate the look of the Queen Anne’s Lace, Monarda, Echinacea, and Clethea together

What’s growing on with you all?

  • xylem@beehaw.orgEnglish
    4·
    3 months ago

    Those wildflowers look divine, my goal for next year is to have a patch like that!

    Here’s what I’ve got -

    Sunflowers!

    Tomatoes have been doing great, especially the cherry variety I’m growing

    The vineborers got half my pumpkins but I’ve harvested a few good ones, as well as a healthy crop of butternut squash

    Bonus brood of wild turkeys from my living room window, there have been quite a few families with cute little fluff balls in the yard recently

    • David From SpaceAEnglish
      3·
      3 months ago

      Turkeys!!!

      I feel you on the pumpkins, I think I’m only getting two this year. My other two squash varieties are doing great, but there’s just two green pumpkins on the vine…and a bunch more sad ones :(

      • xylem@beehaw.orgEnglish
        3·
        3 months ago

        What other squash varieties are you growing? I have the pumpkins and butternut this year but I’m interested in trying some more next year.

        • David From SpaceAEnglish
          3·
          3 months ago

          I’m doing Kabocha and Blue Hubbard~ The hubbard squash was supposed to be a trap crop in the less controlled wildlife garden, but gourd fortune smiled on me and no pests showed up; the vine has gone nuts with 6 viable (large!) fruits on it. It’s my second year trying to grow squash, so 2 outta 3 ain’t bad!

    • LallyLuckFarm@beehaw.orgOPM
      2·
      3 months ago

      I know your wildflower space is going to be a banger - hollaatchaboi this fall when you’re picking plants, if you like.

      All your produce is looking great! It’s awesome to see and I genuinely appreciate you sharing it with us all

  • David From SpaceA
    3·
    3 months ago

    Those are some lovely blooms! Bee pics plz.

    Our tomatoes are finally blushing!

    The peppers are all peppering, including this CHAMP Shishito matching the pepper size of the others! You grow on now! (All the other Shishito plants are normal size)

    I’ve got a decent number of Kabocha squash growing, exciting!

    And a number of Hubbard squash hanging around getting big!

    For some reason, most of our sunflowers didn’t come up this year. Only a few did, and they all seem to be facing away from the sun??

    I’ve been trying to grow marigolds for Día de los Muertos as we always seem to get to the holiday week and have to scramble to find them. It’s going well!