A Few Cottage and Vine Garden Updates

I thought it might be fun to share how the garden is growing this summer.  Each spring I plant the window boxes and urns on the front porch with annuals, but keep the rest of the front yard simple with only evergreens and trees.  It's no secret that I'm a big fan of green and white gardens and our front yard sticks to that color scheme.

You might remember last summer when we (meaning Mr.) added the DIY ivy espalier.  Well, I'm happy to report that the vines finally crossed!  I love the graphic punch it gives this little garden!

In other news, our peace rose died last year.  I've been trying to decide what to plant here. Because it is in our patio/deck area I would prefer that it not have thorns which eliminates roses.  I really like confederate jasmine and will hopefully plant one this fall.  In the mean time, we decided to plant a mandevilla which is an annual where we live and it has taken off.  You can read about this DIY trellis here.

The purple wave petunia on our back door step has been happy!

We have been enjoying our tomatoes this summer, but have decided that caprese salad just tastes better in Italy.  I spy a little peck in one of the tomatoes!

We planted several varieties of peppers this year and while they were slow to start, they are thriving now.

The zucchini is finally starting to grow too.

Last, but not least, the little herb tower has been there time and again when a recipe calls for a fresh herb or two.