I’ve had that song (see blog title) in my head all week. It’s from the old Broadway musical Carousel. It had some good Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes but a terrible storyline and unsympathetic characters. It just goes to show that you shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

I worked in the garden several mornings this week because of good weather, my schedule permitted it, and I physically felt good enough to stay with it. Thanks be to God! I try to complete most of my serious gardening by July 4^th, so I only have another month to finish some major tasks.

The bed on the south side of the house has some new annuals and perennials, along with returning plants that have made this their home for years. The top photo shows one end of the bed.

Can you see the dog-shaped planter? I love this little bit of whimsy, among other things, in that same flower bed.

I still have a few daylilies blooming, but they’re fading fast. I’ve added a couple more Stella d’oros (the little yellow ones) since they’re supposed to be repeat bloomers.

My mother gave me three Crinums about thirty years ago. These giant bulbs are old southern favorites. Unfortunately, I have only one left due to my mismanagement and neglect. I’m trying to take better care of it now, especially since they sell for up to $30.00 per bulb. The one you see above is known as Milk and Wine Lily.

I’m trying some coneflowers in new places and have added this yellow Lemon Cream to the regular purple ones. I know they’re supposed to be easy to grow, but I’ve had trouble getting them to thrive. My yard has more shade than sun now, so space for these is limited.

Lastly, my knockout rose is getting a second wind after its first flush of blooms from April died back. Behind the rose bush, you see the gardenia is still blooming, and blue hydrangeas are really showing out.

June is coming in like gangbusters, whatever that means. The heat and humidity are rising quickly, and the rainy season seems to be slowing down. Every week is different, and the garden is constantly evolving, with or without my help.

Things change fast, even overnight. My daily morning walk around the yard always reveals good and unsatisfactory surprises. Of course, I’ll continue to water, pull weeds, deadhead spent blooms, and learn to co-exist with the abundance of garter snakes. But you can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Shalom, Dottie