Finally, we are getting some rain. Lot’s and lot’s of rain to be exact. And you know what? I think it’s pretty rad. Especially after 80+ degree weather for the last 3 months. This is Seattle people… we need rain to survive. To breath. To feel whole. To give us an excuse to drink copious amounts of hot beverages and wear Smartwool socks and go on nature walks and say words like asinine when we see people walking around with an umbrella.
Why would you need an umbrella? Rain to someone who has lived in the Pacific Northwest all their life is like someone else’s daily moisturizer {that they paid too much money for}. It softens our face and gives us our youthful glow. Okay, so maybe that’s stretching it. But seriously, put away the umbrella’s people and enjoy the rain. 
Tomatoes. It seemed like it took FOREVER for our tomatoes to ripen this summer.
But holy canolies people… we are enjoying a bumper crop this year. And loving it. 
Lemon, our Meyer Lemon Tree, is THRIVING and I am looking forward to a nice December/January harvest. I’m just a little on the fence with what I should do with her when the weather cools down later this fall. Do I bring her up on to our sheltered front porch… or bring her inside and place next to a sunny window?
Erin who lives in Sydney, B.C. keeps her in a greenhouse year round. {Erin if you are reading this I’d love a picture update of how your Lemon tree is doing this year}. So I’m thinking unless it’s freezing outside, Lemon might be okay on the porch. What do you think?
The potatoes… I spy a few leaves turning yellow. Maybe all the plants will die back soon so we the HH can harvest them. {The HH is Irish and he takes great pride in harvesting the potatoes every year. I suppose I would too if it was the only thing I did in the garden ALL.YEAR.LONG.}
The container gardens on the patio continue to overflow with tomatoes. It’s nuts. 
Collecting rain water.
Look at those beans grow! Next summer I’ll have to run some string along the gutter so the vines can grow an arch over the patio doors. 
And last but not least… Lucy.
I’ve been working on building up a couple of areas in the backyard with grass clippings and compost from my garden. The thing is… whatever I stick in there, Lucy digs it out and plays with it. Does your dog do this too? Are dead squash vines really THAT EXCITING?
She’s a total goofball, but I love her.
Have a great Sunday everyone,
~Mavis
This years garden is being sponsored by the awesome folks at Botanical Interests Seed Company. You can check out their website HERE, order their new 2015 Garden Seed Catalog, or see the seeds I’ll be growing in my garden this year HERE.
Up for a tour? Read about our behind the scenes tour of Botanical Interests Seed Company.
Susan says
Love it. Not sure about the Meijer lemon. I’ve heard sunny window. I think the growing archway is great idea. And Lucy so sweet. Thank you Mavis.
Deborah says
Miss Mavis, I don’t have a lemon tree, but want one, but I would bring the tree inside when fall starts, before first frost, or put it in a green house.
Tonya says
I was pulling out some overflow squash vines today and my dog immediately started to eat them! He doesn’t normally eat plants, so maybe there’s something in them that attracts dogs?
PattyB says
I grew up in SoCalif and my whole neighborhood used to be lemon, lime, and avocados. They like SoCalif and Florida so for winter, snow is no bueno. Bring them in and in front of a sunny window. Check the weather over night lows for SoCal and make your own judgement call. Your beans are beautiful! I think I will do that on my front porch next year. Don’t think my HOA even knows what they will be. hehe. As always, your projects inspire me.
Diane says
The Meyer lemon will go dormant at about 48 degrees, and may lose some or all of its leaves. I tried to leave mine out (here in Portland) the first winter I had it, and I even wrapped it in bubble wrap and burlap to help protect it. It lost ALL its leaves and it was a bear to get it back in shape the next spring. Now we haul it into the greenhouse when the nighttime temps get down into the 40s, and don’t bring it out again until spring is well underway. It’s in terrific shape! So my suggestion is indoors for winter, Mavis.
JC says
I’m totally with you on enjoying the rain. It’s pretty rainy up here in the North east too, and my fair skin wouldn’t have it any other way. I don’t have a lemon tree but my Aunt who does brings her’s in at the first sign of cold. Of course it’s regularly below zero in winter here, but I’d still be safe rather than sorry.
Deborah from FL says
Your patio tomatoes are absolutely amazing! So cool!!
And I really think the bean arch would look sooo cool. ; )