image from newsway.com 

image from Alany

image from Alany

Foggy morning.  It is foggy, cloudy of course.  Lots of moisture in the air.  Occasional showers this afternoon high of 82F(28C) which is our normal temperatures.   I am going to go and compost, clean up drying plants.  Yes, I am going to do this right away this morning.  I am trying to talk myself into doing this.  Not my favorite job but needs to be done.  Stay cool, stay dry, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Wed. Aug.13.  It is 11:00 PM and their weather says rain for the next hour. Rain for Wed is at 50% and their high for the day is 61F(16C).  Warming up for them as spring is coming.  Rain, warmth all the formula for plants to start blooming. 
One of the friends wrote.  “ I know spring is on its way, my Almond tree has some blossoms on it.  When I was out and about yesterday, I noticed a few frees were out in full bloom.  Also Wattle trees and Acacias are out in flower.  They have beautiful little puffs of yellow flowers.  My garden is also showing signs of growth.”  Stay dry, stay warm, stay safe.
 
I found this article about the obsessed gardener. I know none of us are this way.  ENJOY.
​
The Obsessed Gardener  Are you one? Take the test.  By Chris Woods
The Obsessed Gardener
It’s hard for me to say exactly when gardening stopped being just a healthy pastime and became an all-consuming passion. One day I’m fertilizing a few tomato plants, and the next thing I know, an eighteen-wheeler is unloading 50 yards of compost for a 3,000- square-foot cutting garden.  How can you tell if you’re a normal, healthy gardener or have crossed the line into dangerous territory? Easy, take this quiz!
Normal Gardener
Obsessed Gardener
You won’t leave town when your tulips are in bloom.
… or your daffodils, your lilacs, your wisteria, your roses, your clematis, your lilies, your hydrangea, your asters …
You have a charge account at the local garden center.
Your spouse buys all your Christmas presents there.
You invest in fine gardening tools.
You keep spare tools in your car for gardening emergencies.
You value all living things, great and small.
You cheered when Bambi’s mother died.
You have a compost heap.
You take its temperature every day.
You can’t believe you ordered so many bulbs this fall.
It wasn’t enough.
You know the Latin names of your plants.
You use them in conversations … with the plants.
You love to grow and cook your own vegetables.
Cook? Who has time to cook?
You are proud of your baby carrots.
You carry pictures of them in your wallet.
You can crush a Japanese beetle in your bare fingertips.
You love the sound it makes when you do.
You would never kill a ladybug.
You bring them inside for the winter.
You have dirt under your fingernails.
What fingernails?
You know the pH of your soil.
All your friends know the pH of your soil.
You’ve had a soil test.
You studied for it.
You buy composted cow manure to top dress your garden.
You buy a cow.
You think Eliot Coleman is cute.
You think Roger Swain is cute.
You know the virtues of hand weeding.
… after dark.
You teach your children the wonders of gardening.
Children? Who has time to have children?
You love gardening more than anything.
And what’s wrong with that?!”
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/articles/the-obsessed-gardener/?t=107905
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

     image from Faith unspoken 

My garden I have been working on.  My space to sit and "Be Still." 

​Good Monday Morning…. We got rain this weekend, but not much wind.  We might have wind, but I guess what I should say no damage.  How about you?  I see wind damage again, and flooding.  BOY, oh boy it was hot and humid Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Today seems a little less humid, but the temperature high is seasonable at 80F(27C).   Sounds like the beginning of the week, it will be this way and then on closer to the weekend humidity and temperature is back.  Enjoy, stay cool and now we can dry for a few days.  Stay safe
 
Australia family and friends for Tuesday Aug 12 Partly cloudy conditions wind gust are up to 1 mph.  65% chance of rain, high today of 62F(16C). Time for them at this writing 1:00 AM Tuesday Morning while we are at 10:00 AM Monday morning. Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe. 
 
I do believe that I am being told to “ Be Still”  The first graphic posted came up on my newsfeed this morning when I opened it up at 7:00 AM.  I was looking for something to post for today, and this article came up.  I do believe I better listen to this. “ Be Still.”  I will spend some time just sitting in my garden and not looking at tasks to do or work on the LIST.  How about you?  Is the message there for you too?   “ Be Still.” 
 
The Accidental Meditative Garden
It was never meant to be a meditative garden, but that's what it became, thanks to a shift in perspective.  By Amanda MacArthur
As an idea, I think almost any garden is a meditative garden. Some, like Japanese rock gardens, are established with the intention that they will be a place of reflective calm. Other might sprout from the idea of wanting to grow our own food, landscape our lawn, or because we want to grow native plants and flowers to attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
No matter their origins, almost any of these gardens can be a meditative garden if we take the time to appreciate it. That, of course, is the catch. For a garden to be a place of meditation, we have to actually take the time to slow down, sit, and be present. And yet I often find myself thinking about which vegetables to start or how much mulch I need to put around my apple tree or any of the multitude of gardening tasks. It’s so easy to forget that the garden is a place of joy and comfort.
This is precisely the dilemma that the author of this story finds himself in. Neal Lemery writes in Taking A Moment To Be Still: “Too often, my time here becomes an obligation. Hurry up, get it done, and move on to the next task. But I am a gardener, not a laborer. It’s important to at times just be in the garden and let it nurture me, not just the other way around.”
If you’ve ever found that the joy of gardening is starting to feel more like job of gardening, this story is for you.
Find Peace In a Meditative Garden – Or A Story About One
This story comes from our archive spanning over 30 years, and includes more than 130 magazine issues of GreenPrints. Pieces like these that imbue the joy of gardening into everyday life lessons always brighten up my day, and I hope it does for you as well. Enjoy!
Taking A Moment To Be Still
Sometimes we forget.
By Neal Lemery
“It doesn’t matter what you do,” he said, “so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away. The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching,” he said. ”The lawn-cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime.”—Ray Bradbury
It was unusual for me, just sitting there in my garden, being still.
I’d had a long session with the trowel, the weed eater, and my hand pruners, attacking weeds, setting out plants, and generally tidying up my shade garden. Sweaty, dirty, and tired, I found a chair and a bottle of water and decided to catch my breath.
I looked at what I’d done, but more at what I needed to—and began making mental additions to my to-do list.
This is becoming a job, I thought. Gardening is a lot of work.
Maybe I should just take a moment and enjoy all of this, my own quiet corner of the world. Maybe it’s OK to take a break.
Maybe it’s more than OK.
Lately, when I’ve been reading about gardening, I’ve been diving deep into science and methods, all the how-to information. In the midst of researching an interesting new plant, I came across the Ray Bradbury quote above. Now, while I rested, it came back to my mind—and I gave myself a little talk.
Take a moment, take a breath, and enjoy the garden for what it is. Too often, my time here becomes an obligation. Hurry up, get it done, and move on to the next task.
But I am a gardener, not a laborer. It’s important to at times just be in the garden and let it nurture me, not just the other way around. After all, I am a human being, not a human doing.
And so I sat there. A swallow built a nest in the new birdhouse, a hummingbird enjoyed the blooming honeysuckle, sunlight played on the rhododendron. I breathed in the fresh air, and all the smells of spring.
The real beauty in the garden, I realized, was not all the work I’d done, though I certainly had provided some tidying up and structure to this little piece of paradise. The real joy in this place is all the creatures and plants that make this their home.
And one of them is me.
So the most important part of my job as gardener is to sit in a chair and enjoy my own place in this magnificent paradise. Here.  In this moment.
By Neal Lemery, published originally in 2017, in GreenPrints Issue #109. Illustrated by Christina Hess
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/daily/gardening-life/joy-of-gardening/the-accidental-meditative-garden
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from thekitche.community.org

        Good morning.  I was out to the greenhouse area at 7:00 AM this morning and worked till 9:30 AM.  I was sweaty already by then.  I am trying to find a way to hold up the trees, so I am using those big flowerpots to hold up 3 large trees.  See what happens.  I moved out the houseplants, and some succulents. When the house plants were at the Franklin Co Fair under the awning and had all that rainwater, they looked good.  I have them in partly shade of the building in tall carts to see how they grow there.  Rain in the forecast but it is going to be really scattered, see who gets it.  High today is 82F(28C) with a 71F Dew point.  So that means the humidity is back.  Stay cool, stay safe. Outside drink and use sunscreen.
 
Australia family and friends for Friday Aug 8 will have clear conditions and high of 60F(15C).  Enjoyable I would say for a winter day.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
Interesting and just fun article to read about peppers author from Texas.  Especially hot peppers.  I grow them as bedding plants to sell, but I don’t have them in my container garden.  I only like bell peppers in all colors. How about you?   
​
Hot Peppers: Spice Up Your Life with a Texas Twang  A Lighthearted Journey through the Fiery World of Hot Peppers  By Don Nicholas
Howdy, y’all! If you’re fixin’ to add some kick to your cuisine, you’ve moseyed on over to the right place. Here in the Lone Star State, we take our flavors seriously, and there’s no better way to spice things up than with some good ol’ hot peppers.
Now, let me tell ya, hot peppers ain’t just about settin’ your taste buds on fire. They’re about addin’ a whole heap of flavor and personality to your dishes. Whether you’re slingin’ salsa or cookin’ up some chili, hot peppers are the secret weapon in any Texan’s kitchen arsenal.
But before you go throwin’ jalapeños into every pot, let’s talk a bit about these fiery little devils. See, there’s a whole world of hot peppers out there, from the mild-mannered banana pepper to the downright diabolical Carolina Reaper. It’s a spectrum of spiciness, and whether you’re a heat-seeker or a heat-avoider, there’s somethin’ for everyone in Camp Hot Pepper.
Now, you might be wonderin’ how we measure the heat of these peppers. Well, that’s where the Scoville scale comes in. Named after ol’ Wilbur Scoville himself, this scale ranks peppers based on their capsaicin content, which is what gives ’em their fiery flavor. From the humble poblano to the blisterin’ ghost pepper, there’s a whole range of heat levels to explore.
But be warned, pardner: when you’re dealin’ with them face-meltingly hot peppers, you gotta handle ’em with care. Trust me, you don’t wanna be rubbin’ your eyes after choppin’ up a habanero. That’s a mistake you only make once!
Now, you might be thinkin’, “What’s the point of all this heat?” Well, let me tell ya, it’s more than just a burnin’ sensation. Hot peppers have been addin’ flavor and spice to dishes for centuries, from the markets of Mexico to the kitchens of Europe. They’re a taste of history, a dash of adventure, and a whole lotta fun rolled into one fiery package.
So, whether you’re cookin’ up a storm or just addin’ a little kick to your snacks, remember to tip your hat to them hot peppers. They may be small, but they sure do pack a punch!
And hey, if you’re lookin’ to dive deeper into the world of hot peppers, be sure to mosey on over to Food Gardening Network. They’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to grow your own fiery feast. Happy pepper pickin’, y’all!
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/articles/hot-peppers-spice-up-your-life-with-a-texas-twang/?t=116551
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from pexels

​A little rain now this morning at 9:00 AM.  I went out to work at 7:00 and it was very comfortable out.  But when I came back in, I was a little sweaty, so the humidity was coming up.  It looks like it is just like a small amount of rain, but according to the weather map it looks like it rain all morning.  That is ok.  Then I will not have to water RIGHT.  I don’t know about you but at 3:00 AM when I am supposed to be sleeping, I come up with ideas of things to do.  I have fruit trees in the back of the blacktop, but they do fall down with wind.  So now I am putting the larger pots of plants there and putting the trees around them to give them support.  You see I was fortunate to have the West Fork Winners 4-H plant large pots for us to use at the fair, and now I have them home, I will use them as an anchor. In one hour, they planted 43 large pots.  I had the plants all in place for them to do.  Must thank them for their community project for their club.  Hope they record it in the record books.  If this works, I will do that early next spring when the fruit trees are here.    Temperature high today will be 80F(27C) with cloudy skies and dew point at 63F.   Stay cool, stay dry, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for August 7 Thursday with a high of 57F(15C) with  partly cloudy conditions with wind gusts are up to 8 mph.  I know Evelyn is going to be working in her garden on this day pruning roses.  They are starting to shoot, so now it is a good time to do that.   When we were there in Sept/Oct last year the roses were blooming and were just gorgeous.  She has many because they do so well around her place.  They are one of her favorites to use as a cut flower.  Good Luck with it all.  Stay warm, stay safe. 
 
I have not grown sunflowers.  It looks like I should try them.  I will see if there are dwarf ones to use in the large pots that are my gardens for next year.  Do you have them in your garden?  I know a few gardeners that have had to tie them up as all the wind has knocked them down. 
​
August keeps us busy. This is the time when harvests hit their peak, weeds test your patience, and your sunhat becomes a daily necessity. But don't forget to take a moment to relax in the shade with a glass of iced tea and your favorite articles. Summer will be gone before we know it—let's relish each lingering moment. And don't forget to start planning ahead for fall while preserving your bounty.

Sunflowers: The Bright Stars of American Gardens
Celebrating my obsession with these sunny giants. By Don Nicholas
IIhave a confession to make: I’m utterly smitten with sunflowers. It’s not just their towering height or their intricate biology that captures my heart—it’s their unabashed cheerfulness and the fact that they’re basically the multitaskers of the plant world. I mean, come on, they produce sunflower seeds and sunflower oil! How can you not be impressed?
Picture this: It’s Summer, and the world is bathed in golden sunshine. What’s the first thing that pops into your head? For me, it’s a field of sunflowers, their big, goofy faces turned towards the sun, swaying in the breeze like they’re dancing at a Summer festival. Honestly, if sunflowers could talk, I bet they’d have some hilarious stories to tell.
But did you know that these radiant beauties have been around for centuries? They’re like the OGs of the American landscape, cultivated by indigenous peoples long before hipsters started putting them on everything from tote bags to throw pillows. Native tribes across the Americas saw sunflowers as symbols of nourishment and resilience, and who can blame them? I mean, have you seen the size of those sunflower heads? They’re practically the plant equivalent of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Fast-forward to when Columbus sailed the ocean blue, and suddenly sunflowers found themselves on a transatlantic adventure. Europe couldn’t get enough of them, and who could blame them? Artists like Van Gogh were painting them left and right, probably because they were tired of painting boring stuff like fruit bowls and old ladies with funny hats. And let’s not forget about the farmers—they saw dollar signs in those oil-rich seeds faster than you can say “Jack Robinson.”
So here we are, in the 21st century, and sunflowers are still going strong. They’re not just a pretty face; they’re like the superheroes of the plant world. Bees and butterflies flock to their blooms like groupies to a rock concert, and birds and small animals take shelter in their towering stalks like they’re VIP lounges at a fancy club.
Whether you’re a green-thumbed gardening guru or just someone who likes pretty flowers, there’s something undeniably special about sunflowers. Their history is rich, their colors are vibrant, and their charm is as infectious as a catchy pop song. So next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out for these sunny giants—they’re sure to brighten your day.
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/articles/sunflowers-the-bright-stars-of-american-gardens/?t=116551
 Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from sort.net

     Good morning I changed my routine this morning.  I went out to the greenhouse area early to water and plant while it was cooler out, and there was shade from the building.  Now I am back inside and will post about the day.  It was lovely to sit in the garden area which is the blacktop that the wagons are on.  I have potted flower plants in the back which you can’t see because of the wagons.  Boys helped me move trees to the blacktop and by the building yesterday.  I have an umbrella and table set up so I can sit and enjoy all the beauty.  It was lovely out.  Hope you have an area which you can sit and enjoy your hard work in the garden.  Today will be a pleasant day high of 79F(26C) with the dew point raising 65F.  JUST enjoy, stay cool, and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their August 6, Wed will have high of 56F(14C0  rainy conditions expected around 11AM wind  gusts up to13 MPH.  It is 2:41AM in Australia Wed.  while it is 11:41 AM Tuesday here.  Stay warm, stay safe, stay dry.
 
I found this article and I can relate to it not just in the garden but doing bookwork, housework and other things.  Just one minute to do something leads to something else before you get that one things done. 
​
The One-Minute Gardener  By Jill Draper
One fine morning, I was on a mission, banana peel in hand, ready to toss it into the compost box. Simple enough, right? But as fate would have it, a few wet grass clippings decided to hitch a ride on my shoe. Suddenly, my quick trip turned into a full-scale garden inspection.
My first stop: a cluster of cleome sprouts that had popped up from the seed pods I’d oh-so-helpfully scattered last Fall. I thought they needed a nudge to get going, but these little overachievers were already aiming to reach their “devil’s darning needle” phase. So, down I went, yanking them out for the hundredth time this month, feeling like a one-woman weed-whacking crew.
While I was down there, I spied a couple of dandelions sneaking under the okra. With my trowel locked away in the garage and my determination (and laziness) in full swing, I grabbed a pointy stick and did some makeshift excavating. Most of the roots came out, but my glasses now sported a fashionable splatter of mud. Then I spotted a pokeweed pretending to be basil. Nice try, buddy. I duck-waddled over and gave it the ol’ heave-ho.
At this point, my knees were staging a protest. Sure, there was a plastic stool on the patio, but I was closer to an old brick wedged in a suspicious hole in my rabbit fence. So, I brushed off the brick, parked myself, and tried to ignore the fact that my knees were now kissing my chin. It was a tight squeeze—let’s just say, there was some overflow.
From my new vantage point, I saw some cherry tomatoes that had ripened overnight. I couldn’t let the squirrels have them, so I figured I’d grab them now. Soon, my hands were overflowing with tomatoes, and while I usually keep a lovely wicker basket on the kitchen counter for these occasions, my muddy shoes weren’t about to let me go inside to fetch it. Solution? I rolled up the tomatoes in the bottom of my shirt, of course.
Sure, a few were split from the recent rain, and yes, my shirt now had a colorful new stain, but it probably needed a wash anyway. As I wandered around with my makeshift bundle, I couldn’t resist adding a couple of jalapenos and some pole beans that were threatening to go from fresh to future soup stock if I didn’t pick them soon.
Just when I thought I was done, another weed caught my eye. I attacked it with my trusty stick, which promptly broke under the pressure. Undeterred, I grabbed a sharp-edged stone and kept going. It was dirty, rough, and had absolutely no regard for my skin, but who needs manicures when you’re a garden warrior? I was making good progress until up strolled my husband.
There I was, perched on my brick, sporting a tomato-leaf smudge on my shoulder and zinnia petals in my hair. He took one look at me and asked, “Have you gone back to the Stone Age? What happened to those nice tools I bought you? You said you’d be ready to go in a minute, and it’s been half an hour!”
“Oh, all right,” I sighed, struggling to my feet with my shirt full of produce. “I’m just about done. I only went out to the garden for a minute!”
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/articles/the-one-minute-gardener
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from homeandgardens.com 

      Good morning, just got in from starting to watering the wagons.  I haven’t had to do much, but it is time with no rain for a few days.  I will have to water the pots, shrubs and trees.  I hope to continue to plant some pots to see how they do.  I have learned lots of what grows well, and what needs to be deadheaded and then they will bloom again.  All of this for next year’s growing and selling to you the gardeners. 
 
The weather is awesome today and tomorrow.  The last 4 days have been unreal for the end of July and first of August.  Cooler, but less humidity, so working outside has been enjoyable.  It sounds like Wed, thru Saturday humidity coming back and the warm temperature as the air is coming from our southern states.  Today it is a high of 77F(25C) with a dew point at 60F.  Do enjoy, stay cool, and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for August 5th Tuesday will have a high of 62F(16C) with rainy conditions expected around 5AM wind gusts up to 8 mph.  When we were there, the one thing that made me smile was when Evelyn talked about the south wind for them, that is the cold wind as it is coming off Antarctica.  Their north wind coming from the equator would be their warm air.  Just an interesting comparison about our southern hemisphere.  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
Here is some plants to use as cut flowers.  I was surprised that Amanda didn’t include the lilies as a cut flower.  I have them on the wagons blooming so I will use them for that.  Hope you can bring in some of your blooms for enjoyment inside. 
​
Garden Planning with Amanda MacArthur
The Best Blooms for a DIY Cut Flower Garden
From roadside stands to dinner party centerpieces, these versatile flowers will keep you arranging all season long.
Every summer brings that familiar itch to identify every bloom I spot and mentally catalog them for next year’s garden expansion. Maybe you do the same? There’s something magical about having an endless supply of fresh flowers to share in your own cut flower garden—whether it’s surprising my daughter’s teachers with end-of and beginning-of school year bundles, bringing hostess gifts that actually grew in my backyard, or watching my little entrepreneur set up her roadside flower stand. What started as a few edible flower beds has evolved into dedicated cutting gardens that supply bouquets all summer long.
Here are twelve exceptional flowers that have earned permanent spots in my cut flower garden, each bringing something special to both the garden and the vase.
Ageratum
These little fluffy clouds of flowers come in blue, purple, pink, and white, and they’re perfect for filling in gaps in arrangements. They have this soft, almost fuzzy texture that plays really nicely with more structured flowers. Plus they just keep blooming from when you plant them until frost kills them, which is pretty great for lazy gardeners like me. They want full sun to partial shade and decent drainage, but they’re pretty forgiving overall. Just keep them watered during dry spells and they’ll be happy.
Campanulas (Bellflowers)
After seeing someone use pink bellflowers as elegant shot glasses at a party, I realized I needed to think bigger about how flowers can enhance our lives beyond simple arrangements. They have these perfect little bell shapes in purple, blue, pink, and white that just scream cottage garden vibes. In arrangements, they’re amazing filler flowers – they add this lovely movement and texture without being too busy. Plus their stems are actually sturdy, which is more than I can say for some flowers. They’re pretty easygoing about where you plant them, though they seem happiest with some afternoon shade and decent drainage. The best part? They self-seed like crazy, so you’ll have more every year without doing anything.
Dahlias
Okay, I’m slightly obsessed with dahlias. They come in basically every color you can think of – deep burgundy, bright coral, soft pastels, pure white, and everything in between. Some are tiny pompoms, others are massive dinner plate-sized monsters with the most intricate petal patterns. In bouquets, they’re total show-offs in the best way. They demand attention and somehow make everything else look better too. They want well-draining soil loaded with compost and all the sun you can give them. Just wait until after your last frost to plant the tubers, and definitely stake the tall ones unless you want them flopping over after the first decent rainstorm.
Delphinium
If you want drama in your arrangements, delphinium is your flower. These things are giants – towering spikes covered in blue, purple, pink, or white flowers that make everything else look tiny. I love using the whole spike for big arrangements, but you can also pop off individual flowers for smaller bouquets. Fair warning though – these are the divas of the flower world. They want cool weather, rich soil, consistent water, and definitely need staking or they’ll topple over. But when they’re happy, they’ll often give you a second round of blooms if you cut them back after the first show.
Safety note: All parts of delphinium are toxic to humans and pets, but they’re commonly used by florists in bouquets and arrangements. Always wear gloves when cutting and handling, keep away from children and animals, and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Never use as food decoration or garnish.
Feverfew
I love these cheerful little white daisies with their bright yellow centers – they’re like the ultimate cottage garden flower. They work perfectly as filler in arrangements, adding this light, airy feeling that keeps things from looking too heavy. The bonus is that the leaves smell amazing when you brush against them. This stuff basically grows itself once you get it established. It self-seeds everywhere (which you’ll either love or hate), tolerates pretty much any conditions, and blooms all summer long. Just give it some sun and decent drainage and it’s golden.
Lisianthus
These are probably the fanciest flowers on my list – they look like roses and peonies had a baby, with all these ruffled, layered petals in soft purples, pinks, whites, yellows, and blues. They’re absolutely gorgeous in arrangements and last forever in the vase, which makes them worth the extra effort. And trust me, they are extra effort. They’re picky about temperature, want cool roots but warm tops, need consistent water but perfect drainage. I treat them like the prima donnas they are, but when they bloom, I forgive them everything.
Snapdragon
I love snapdragons because they’re just fun – those dragon-mouth flowers that you can actually squeeze to make “snap” open. They come in pretty much every color except blue, and the tall spikes add great structure to arrangements. These are cool-season flowers, so in mild climates you can grow them through winter, while in colder areas you plant them in early spring. They want full sun to partial shade and good drainage. Pro tip: pinch the first flowers to encourage more side shoots and bushier plants.
Strawflower
These papery flowers are exactly what they sound like – they feel like straw and last basically forever, both fresh and dried. They come in bright yellows, oranges, pinks, reds, and whites, and they’re perfect for arrangements that need to last or for drying for winter crafts. They’re heat lovers that want full sun and well-draining soil, and they actually prefer things a bit on the dry side once they’re established. Start them from seed either indoors or direct sow after your last frost.
Yarrow
Yarrow gives you these flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers in yellow, white, pink, red, or purple that work beautifully as textural filler in arrangements. They also dry really well if you want to extend their usefulness into fall crafts. This stuff is practically indestructible – it thrives in poor soil, loves full sun, and actually performs better when you don’t baby it with rich soil or too much water. Perfect for those hot, dry spots in your garden where nothing else wants to grow.
Zinnia
Zinnias are pure happiness in flower form – bright, cheerful blooms in pink, red, orange, yellow, purple, and white that just make you smile. They come in all different forms too, from simple daisies to full pompoms. They’re incredibly reliable cut flowers and attract tons of butterflies and beneficial bugs to your garden. These are heat-loving annuals that want full sun and decent drainage, but they’re so easy to grow from seed and bloom nonstop until frost. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants guaranteed success.
Don’t forget the greens!
While flowers are obviously the stars of any bouquet, the right foliage and textural elements can make or break an arrangement. I’ve learned that having a good variety of greens and herbs in the cutting garden is just as important as the blooms themselves.
Eucalyptus is probably my most-used foliage – those silvery-blue leaves add instant sophistication to any arrangement and smell incredible. It’s drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun with good drainage. The baby blue variety is especially gorgeous.
Dusty Miller gives you that soft, velvety silver texture that plays beautifully with almost any flower color. It’s technically an annual but often overwinters in mild climates. It wants full sun and well-draining soil, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to kill.
Rosemary isn’t just for cooking – those needle-like leaves and woody stems add amazing texture to arrangements, plus the fragrance is divine. It’s a perennial herb that loves full sun and dry conditions. Just pinch it regularly to keep it bushy.
Mint varieties like chocolate mint or apple mint give you those perfect rounded leaves and fresh scent. They’re ridiculously easy to grow (maybe too easy – contain them or they’ll take over), prefer partial shade, and add a lovely casual element to bouquets.
Lamb’s Ear has the softest, fuzziest silver leaves that are perfect for adding a whimsical cottage garden feel. It’s a perennial that tolerates poor soil and drought once established, though it prefers well-draining spots.
Building a dedicated cutting garden transforms the simple pleasure of growing flowers into an endless source of joy, creativity, and connection with others. Whether you’re starting with a single raised bed or converting an entire backyard, these twelve reliable performers will keep your vases full and your heart happy all season long. ❖
Taken from https://foodgardening.mequoda.com/articles/the-12-best-blooms-for-a-diy-cut-flower-garden/?t=117702
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com, Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer, or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from Old Farmer's Almanac  ​The pinchers at the end of an earwig’s body are called “cerci.”

​What a good morning. Cool out, less humidity.  Great day to be working outside.  We have friends that their son is getting married in their backyard tomorrow.  What better weather than they can have.  It will be awesome, and all the work they have done with the yard will be beautiful.  What a grand gift to give the wedding.  Your own area and paradise.  Temperature high to day is 74F(22C).  Just enjoy and stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Saturday Aug 2, will be having rainy conditions expected around 7AM wind gusts are up to 4 mph.   Low of 42F(5C) High of 59F(15c)  stay dry, stay
 
Earwigs? Ew! Don’t worry. These menacing-looking insects don’t have a fetish for ears (or wigs), but they will go after garden plants. Here are tips for identifying, preventing, and getting rid of earwigs, also known as pincher bugs, in the garden (and your home).
What Are Earwigs?
Earwigs can be found in almost any growing zone, although they are more likely to inhabit warm, humid climates. You might have trouble spotting one—not only are they quick movers, but they are also nocturnal and tend to hide during the day when you are tending the garden. They like decaying wood and plant material and dark, damp spaces. Oftentimes, they can be found in basements and woodpiles.
Earwigs are the sole members of the insect order Dermaptera, ancient bugs that began crawling around Earth about 208 million years ago. Today, nearly 2,000 species are scattered everywhere but in Earth’s polar regions. Earwig comes from the Old English ear-wicga, which means “ear wiggler”—so named because the insect was once thought to seek out human ears to reside in. In France, they’re called “ear piercers” (perce-orielles) and in Germany, “ear worms” (Ohrwürmer).
In North America, we’re most familiar with Forficula auricularia, a European species. Earwigs were first reported in the early 1900s and have now spread to most of the United States and parts of Canada.
Earwigs enjoy a lively social scene. They congregate during the day because they tend to find the same hiding places. Their nests can number in the thousands, and they aren’t territorial, so they often live together.
What Do Earwigs Eat?
Pincher bugs are omnivores, meaning that they’ll eat pretty much anything that’s made available to them. In the garden, they primarily feed on dead or decaying plant and animal matter. However, when their population gets out of control, they may turn to feast on living plant matter, especially the seedlings or young foliage of vegetables and flowers. They will also readily prey on aphids, insect eggs, maggots, grubs, and armyworms.
This creates a conundrum for gardeners … Should earwigs be allowed to remain in your garden to eat up aphids and other pests? Or should they be removed before they turn their attention to your plants? Generally, earwigs do not cause enough damage to be worth fighting. However, if you do see large numbers of them around your plants, you can consider taking action.
The pinchers at the end of an earwig’s body are called “cerci.”
Do Earwigs Pinch?
The pincers at the end of an earwig’s abdomen look rather formidable. They are capable of pinching (and sometimes biting) humans, but the pinch is not particularly powerful. Earwigs usually use their pincers to ward off enemies like toads and birds, or—in some species—to catch prey.
The pincers, called “cerci,” are also important for romance. Attached at the insect’s abdomen, they are indicators of gender, like tusks on an elephant. A male earwig’s pincers are long and curved, while a female’s are shorter and straighter.
How to Identify Earwigs
Earwigs grow to be about 3/4 inch long. They’re reddish-brown insects with appendages on their tail ends that look like forceps. Few other insects have a set of scary-looking pincers like the earwig has. This is why some folks call them “pincher bugs” or “pinching bugs.”
Earwigs run very quickly and can also fly, though they rarely do so. They have two sets of wings, and their pincers aid in unfolding the wings.
What do earwigs eat? Nocturnal by nature, an earwig’s main meal is decaying plant material and wood, but it will attack living plants, including vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamentals, if given the opportunity. Earwigs are especially fond of flowers, lettuce and other tender greens, celery, and fruits.
Female earwigs lay 40 to 50 shiny eggs in underground tunnels. Oddly enough, the eggs are diligently cared for and protected from predators by the mothers. They hatch in about a week, making it very difficult to control earwig populations before they hatch.
Nymphs simply appear to be miniature versions of adult earwigs. They shed several skins, and ten weeks later, they reach adulthood.
Earwigs often hide underneath pots during the day and then eat the flowers in the pots at night.
Signs of Earwig Damage
Leaves will appear jagged and full of holes. Plants will become ragged overnight, and some leaves will only be partially eaten. There will also probably be a scattering of earwig excrement, which will be small, black pellets.
Damage will often occur after rainy weather, which forces earwigs to seek dry shelter and climb up into plants and leaves.
You might find earwigs under pots that contain damaged plants.
Earwig damage looks similar to that of slugs and snails. To tell the difference, look for the telltale sign of slugs and snails: a trail of slime residue on foliage.
How to Get Rid of Earwigs
Generally, earwigs are not as much of a threat to your garden as other pests, like Japanese beetles and aphids, though they can be as big of an annoyance! They can also produce a foul odor when disturbed, so keep that in mind. Try these remedies:
Lay 1-foot sections of bamboo or garden hose in the beds between your plants. Check these “traps” each morning, and dump the earwigs into a bucket of soapy water.
Spread petroleum jelly around the stems of your plants. Earwigs will hesitate to crawl over it.
If they are infesting your woodpile, try sprinkling borax around it, but keep pets and children away from this area after doing so.
Oil pit traps are a great remedy for earwigs. Combine equal parts soy sauce and olive or vegetable oil, place the mixture in a small plastic container, and secure the lid. Punch holes in the top of the container, near the lid. Make the holes large enough for the earwigs to get in. Bury the container in the soil just up to the holes. The soy sauce will attract the earwigs, and the oil will prevent them from escaping. Change the mixture as needed. Read more about making earwig traps.
Alcohol controls these pests by acting as a surfactant, or wetting agent, that can penetrate an insect’s waxy coat of armor and kill on contact with the body. Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) works fine and is easy to find, but be sure it doesn’t have additives. Ethanol (grain alcohol) seems to work best. Alcohol usually comes in 70 percent strength in stores (or 95 percent strength purchased commercially). To make an insecticidal spray, mix equal parts 70 percent alcohol and water (or, if using 95 percent alcohol, mix 1 part alcohol to 1 ½ parts water). The spray must come into contact with the insects to be effective, so target them directly.
WARNING: Before using an insecticidal spray on your plants, test it on a single leaf. Wait 24 hours and observe to see if the plant has an adverse reaction. If it does, dilute your alcohol solution more and test again.
Earwigs are also susceptible to diatomaceous earth (DE), so consider placing a ring of DE around the bases of plants if the soil is dry enough. In wet weather, DE is not effective. DE will also kill pollinators, so refrain from using it around flowers.
How to Prevent Earwigs
Expect more earwigs during rainy years, and prepare accordingly by removing plant debris and other hiding places.
Avoid growing susceptible plants near walls covered in ivy or hedges as many earwigs might live in these areas.
Birds and toads are both natural predators of earwigs. Check out our tips for creating a bird-friendly garden.
Occasionally, earwigs will move from mulch and other moist material outside into your house. They aren’t harmful but can be an annoyance nonetheless. To prevent this, check for bugs on everything you bring inside, especially laundry, lawn furniture, flowers, vegetables, houseplants, and firewood. Also, move mulch away from your house’s foundation and establish a zone of bare soil that will dry out. If earwigs do happen to get into your home, vacuum them up.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/pest/earwigs
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com, Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer, or Becky’s Greenhouse