Oddly Cool Outside

I don't recall cool enough weather that I have had the heat on in May. It is overcast and in the fifties.


I have tried to take down the black canvas-covered clothesline that is on the fence. 

I don't use it. It is hard to pull out and is also right over my plants. 

Plus I hate it in the background of my photos.

Anyone around Tulsa who might want the clothesline is welcome to it. It has strong spokes that you pull out if you like to dry your laundry outdoors.

I even lightened up the above inside photo a bit, as it was so dark it was hard to even see. I think I'm ready for some sun! 

Although I love rain and storms, I think I may have had enough for awhile.

Poor Mr. Sun, which I have had for years, is showing signs of weariness from the very rainy weather. 

I loved the patina that was originally there, and hope that the late deluge of rain doesn't take away much more of it.

The sun is pretty big. I recall buying it at some country nursery for about $35 outside of Tyler. Doubt I'd ever find that good a deal again!

Lately I have been cooking a lot of potatoes. 

Potatoes are relatively cheap, and with the addition of carrots and onions, is quite tasty sliced up with herbs and cooked in my Breville oven. 

Last night I cooked a few chicken breasts with onions and barbecue sauce. But I was astonished that I had to pay over $10 for two chicken breasts, so I think I will be eating a lot more veggies. 

However that is at least two meals.

I don't know if the higher prices are due to the recent flooding or not.

My bottom galvanized containers look a bit empty. The pupsters have been eating the flowers. 

When I saw the other day that lantana is not something dogs should be eating, and then saw Charlie out there munching, I quickly moved it. 

 Lantana

I had ornamental grasses in those containers before. But they died over the winter. And the plants had gotten so big, it was really hard to dig them out. 

So I don't know what to put there. Probably more mints and herbs. 

I read somewhere that you should plant mint around cabbage and tomatoes, by the way. 

Lemon balm in those containers maybe? I need something that will bounce back after the dogs trample through the container.

I have been planting herbs for a great many years. I'd say that pineapple sage and lemon verbena are two of my favorites when it comes to scent. 

But then you can't beat lavender either. 

Do you grow herbs? If so, which ones?