Everythings comin' up weeds & grass

The weather here is gorgeous and everything is sprouting, including the weeds. May is "mowing madness" as we try to keep the grass in check and the weeds at bay (I"m pretty sure they're growing an inch a day).

We use an old Snapper rider to mow the lawns and in between the rows of lavender. After spending way to much to have it tuned up and repaired this year, we've already given it a beating. Mowing between the lavender is not for the faint at heart - the ground is rough and it's a bumpy ride (sports bra recommended). Last week I managed to mow over a boulder that I'm sure came up out of the ground just as I drove over it and last night Tom ran over a cable that wrapped itself around the blade in a split second. Really, all you can do is laugh, fix the problem and keep going (and of course, enjoy a glass of wine when the day is done).

And, you've got to savor the season - the garden is beginning to bloom and the lavender field is perking up. Yesterday I made the enjoyable trek to Bauman Farms - a family run farm stand that is always a treat. This time of year, they are known for their hanging baskets... these baskets are huge and draping with flowers already. By summers end, 3 to 4 feet of flowers will be cascading from the pots. So time to hang the baskets and pull the weeds that are beginning to choke the flower beds... with any luck, I'll get a drip system rigged on the hanging baskets and pots this year to prevent the inevitable scorch those days I forget to water.