Back from work and vacation in London. We had a great time. No garden tours. But after 16 days away, I have to say my garden is in full form. A lust, green enclave. Amazing how much happens in a short time.

The peonies have had and lost their first major bloom. The clematis is loaded with flowers, cornus venus – with all five blooms – has grown another foot. The boxwoods are almost ready for pruning; all of the grape vines are showing fruit.

In the veg bed, pulled the first radishes. Ken put them in the salad at lunch. Everything is largely up. First tomatoes are formed as are some peppers, herbs are doing great, blueberries are in fruit and the haskberry fruit were all gone except three. Tried one, lovely. A bit tart, but likely a bit immature.

Built the raised bed today on the rear of 14. Giving it a good watering and will plant tomorrow. That is an interesting challenge. Since it is in view of the patio it has to be spectacular. And I have to get the heights right, plant things that aren’t already planted, except of course more tomatoes!