For many years, I set a goal of finishing most of my Spring/Summer gardening by July 4^th. After that date, the weather becomes too intense to complete much work. Between the heat and the mosquitos, I try to stay indoors until late autumn brings more pleasant conditions.

I got a late start on spring work this year and am way behind on what I originally planned to do. So, I’m adjusting my goals to do less and finish a bit later than usual. If I’ve learned anything in my 71 years, it’s “be flexible.”

1. MORNING SHADY SPOT

I’ll start here in our walk-around today. Over the years, this area has gone through many changes, but it’s still my favorite place to sit in the morning when weather permits.

This corner is dominated by shade-loving impatience, but at the sunny end, I have two pepper plants and a cherry tomato.

2. DRIVEWAY STRIP

I use hot colors for the end of our driveway – yellow, orange, and red.

The Red Cascade rose in the center, flanked by lantana, stays year after year, but I usually have to add a plant or two to fill in the dead spots.

3. DECK BEDS

Since we had our deck rebuilt last year, I have neglected the little beds around the perimeter.

I’ve now recovered the end space as my herb garden, with a few flowers for good measure.

As much as I love white flowers, I wanted to see lots of color this year.

These boxes by the deck steps certainly fulfill that desire.

4. EASTSIDE AROUND THE OAK

This area has lots of summer white, with two white hydrangeas and an althea. The photina brings white blossoms in spring, and a white camellia will show off in winter.

5. SOUTH SIDE OF THE HOUSE

Perhaps this bed is too full, but there are lots of little surprises throughout. Dianthus has become the unifying theme across the front.

The bed is made up of roses, daylilies, Mexican heather, caladiums, four-o-clocks, hardy begonias, and varieties of foliage. Pinks and reds dominate here.

6. SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE YARD

Off the back patio, Hidden ginger encircles a white Natchez crepe myrtle.

The variegated tropical foliage is pretty throughout the hot summer, but finding the hidden flowers is a delight.

So, I’ve chosen not to show you the areas I have yet to work on. They will stay hidden for now. I may get around to them, and I may not!

Most folks tend to do that, putting their best foot forward in public and hiding the messy areas of their lives. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. We don’t want to see your dirty laundry. But it is important that we don’t fool ourselves or, worse, think we can fool God. He sees it all anyway.

It’s best to face our darkest corners, let Him into all the hidden areas, and give it all to Him. He can forgive our sin, heal our wounds, and clean up our messes. That gives us freedom and confidence that we’re not just presenting our fake selves when we show the positive areas.

We all have stuff to work on. It’s a lifetime project – and just like my garden, never completed.