“With a small lot, you garden in the air.” (Mary Alice)
Across the street from my adopted grandchildren (even though they have a wealth of their own relatives) lives Mary Alice. All four children love her, so we’ve become acquainted too. She provided all these pictures of her spring garden from April of this year. Up high on the back porch are wave petunias and an akebia vine. There is gardening all around and in her house.
From the inside Gnocchi sits on his favorite perch where he can keep watch at the bird feeder. He’s a smart cat because he chose to make his home here. He shares his time with the neighborhood to the children’s delight, and mine too.
In the backyard are many flowers as well as pots of herbs and garlic.
The birdbath hangs above a fern and bulb bed.
At the side of the house is the main vegetable garden area. The garlic is thriving, along with peas, shallots and kale. Stone steps keep the soil from becoming compacted.
Later in the spring the growth proves she’s doing a great job. Climbing the strings are Italian flat beans, and in front are yellow crookneck squash plants.
On the other side of the house the steps provide a charming access through another landscaped area that leads to the driveway. The gutter runs into a rain barrel which is a beneficial addition this dry year.
This poised, young praying mantis is a gardener’s delight. The picture is a work of art!