07/20/2026
Years ago, (like 20 years ago) I read a book about tourists visiting the Mayan ruins, only to be attacked by killer jungle vines. It was terrifying. This scenario reminds me of my current garden: I have one giant cucumber with vines that grab your ankles as you walk past, along with an impressive number of w**ds. Oh, and the heat. It’s a lot more fun to garden in May, a little more difficult to keep the same enthusiasm going in the dog days of summer.
I did manage to get out and reclaim one raised bed from the w**d takeover the other night, and it felt so satisfying to find my peppers and herbs again. Next up is the sunflower bed, but lucky for them they’re taller than most the w**ds, and can beat them on the race to the sun.
Just wishing you some late July garden encouragement today: may your sunflowers be tall and your w**ds be few. (This little sunflower painting is part of a small series of bouquet paintings inspired by my unruly garden. Available Labor Day, September 7th!)
