Springtime in Texas

Spring has sprung... 

I have been putting in a vegetable garden out back. I had one many moons ago, but the past several years just haven't had the desire, energy, or help to get it going again. 

garden area before working in it

after working and some plants

This year I decided I wanted one, so I did most of the prep work myself. Digging up the dirt, turning it, pulling grass out, breaking up clumps, etc.

Michael, Raylen and Jessie helping

. My dear sweet hubby came out and helped me some, which was awesome, and my two middle children gave me some of their (precious computer) time to help a bit as well.  

My beautiful granddaughter wants to help also, so we let her help spread the organic humus and topsoil around before we planted stuff.. :) 

 

 After getting some of my plants in, my darling Daryl went and got me a load of mulch to spread around.  And when I say "load", it's not like a truck load, or even a pickup load full... it was 'the back end of my van with a tarp down on the carpet' kind of load... (smile) 

garlic and onions

squash

It's going well so far, my youngest child helped me plant potatos and garlic one day a few weeks ago. We now have tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, lettuces, sage and lavender growing. As well as a bunch of squash with seeds from my friend Sheila, and zuchini, and bird house gourds.  I have planted other seeds, (Cucumber and Luffa) but so far nothing has sprouted from them, 

lettuce

potato plants and butterfly

I have a bunch of seedlings I planted that are about ready to be put out in the garden as well.. more tomatos, spinach, basil, rosemary, and cilantro. I can't wait for things to start growing and producing! 

Yesterday while sitting out back, a beautiful Giant Swallowtail butterfly visited my garden! 

We also have a beautiful apple tree in our back yard. Last year there were literally HUNDREDS of little green apples on it..   We got none. The birds and squirrels apparently had quite the apple feast though.  This year my hunny is going to get a net to put on the tree, maybe we will actually get some fruit from it finally.  I love the beautiful apple blossoms though.. lately they have been my favorite photography subject!