in the garden.

 Summer usually speaks of green grass, rising temperatures, humidity, swimming, sweet lemonade sipped on shady porches, tanned shoulders and freckled faces. It breathes of sticky nights, relaxing, lazy days, dirt between toes, and grass stained jeans. I always wish I could drag out the days of summer, and cherish each one; like a cherished letter, or slip of paper is put carefully away, to be taken out and looked at later. Summer is full of scents; the sharp, sweet smell peppermint growing in the herb garden, wet dirt, laundry soap from freshly washed sheets, homemade treats in the kitchen, and heat. (Yes, the smell of heat. It has a very unique scent.)

I can't remember ever having a garden the whole 13 years we've lived in Arizona. The heat, the dry weather and the business of life made it impossible, but this year we've planted 2 raised beds of squash (squash is the only thing that grows abundantly around here. free squash, anyone?), tomatoes, cucumber, jalapenos, and basil. Drip systems are a must around here, and they make the watering job so much easier. It isn't elaborate, large or bountiful (yet), but it is nice to have green food growing in the garden.

What's growing in your garden?

H a p p y  S u m m e r!

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p.s. It's nice to be home after being away for 6 weeks. A whole gob bunch of pictures coming soon, y'all. ;)