genuine verdict

Tomato, originally uploaded by trekr.

Sunflower Bee, originally uploaded by trekr.

Grasshopper, originally uploaded by trekr.

Peach, originally uploaded by trekr.

The peaches are almost ripe.

Sky, originally uploaded by trekr.

Taken a few hours after the last photo … We got another real soaking tonight. It hasn’t stopped raining since Memorial Day weekend.

Thunderstorm, originally uploaded by trekr.

 Seems like it’ll never stop raining …

Moth, originally uploaded by trekr.

Dahlia, originally uploaded by trekr.

Belinda’s Dream, originally uploaded by trekr.

Belinda’s Dream is a gorgeous shrub rose that requires very little care. It was developed by Dr. Robert Bayse a mathematics professor at Texas A&M and named after the daughter of a friend.

Black Swallowtail, originally uploaded by trekr.

Jacquie wrote …

These guys sure chewed up our dill and fennel! But I suppose it was worth it……now, I’m wondering where they ended up?

They’re back home Jacqui 🙂 I was lucky enough to capture a photo of this black swallowtail just as his wings were drying.

Darrin Lythgoes goes the extra mile! As a new customer of his genealogy software, The Next Generation (TNG), I ran into a little bit of trouble importing images. The export file from The Family Tree Maker contains no image information (why ?), so I was faced with importing literally hundreds of images and relinking them to people. Darrin cooked up a quick script to import the images which will make the task of relinking much easier. I love great customer support and Darrin delivers! Thanks a ton Darrin!

Love ?, originally uploaded by trekr.

We met
opposite ways
Never seeing
eye to eye
Will you stay
on my leaf ?

Gourd Blossom, originally uploaded by trekr.

From a volunteer … I wonder what kind of gourd it will be.

Garlic Blossom, originally uploaded by trekr.

“Three nickels will get you on the subway – but garlic will get you a seat” – an old saying from New York

Tri-Color Sage, originally uploaded by trekr.

Beautiful color and texture, great as seasoning in a turkey stuffing or with game.

Butterfly, originally uploaded by trekr.

A Gulf Fritillary Butterfly on purple verbena.

Swiss Chard, originally uploaded by trekr.

Fuyu Persimmon, originally uploaded by trekr.

The Fuyu Persimmon is hanging on to a few fruits. Last year they all dropped before ripening. Perhaps we’ll have a few this year …

Tradescantia pallida, originally uploaded by trekr.

Also known as the cultivar Purple Heart.

Cardoon, originally uploaded by trekr.

Overnight, the Cardoon has blossomed. The contrast of the spiked leaves of the bud with the soft purple flower is striking.

Fig, originally uploaded by trekr.

The fig tree has already set fruit and I’m looking forward to another bumper crop this year.

Yellow Squash, originally uploaded by trekr.

After all those green posts, I need a little color. The squash have really taken off this Spring. We love to slice yellow squash into thick slabs, lightly coat them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper and grill ’em quickly on a hot fire.

Apples, originally uploaded by trekr.

Peach, originally uploaded by trekr.

After many years we may finally get some peaches.

Sunflower, originally uploaded by trekr.

A volunteer sunflower from a seed that fell from the bird feeder.

Green Tomatoes, originally uploaded by trekr.

Its going to be a good year for tomatoes!

Blue Cobalt, originally uploaded by trekr.

Another striking salvia that grows well in Texas. Later this summer the hummingbirds will find it.

Cardoon, originally uploaded by trekr.

The first Cardoon bloom arrives just as the Clematis go to seed. Apparently, the plant is edible and reportedly has the look of celery and the taste of artichoke (they are in the same family of plants). Here is a recipe if you are inclined. I may try this next Spring!. Before you handle the plant, be aware it has nearly invisible stalks on the spines that can cause substantial pain.  This is my third post featuring a weed.  Weeds are everywhere. I never have to plant them.  They require little care.  They can surprise you.  I’ve learned to enjoy weeds.

Flower, originally uploaded by trekr.

Lantana is a very common plant in Texas landscapes. Here is another view showing the foliage. Lantana is considered a weed in New Zealand and in regions of the Pacific. The leaves are poisonous to livestock and humans but the plant attracts butterflies and birds. A new development to the north has congested traffic on our Farm and Market Road. Fittingly, the development is named after this weed.

Yellow Woodsorrel, originally uploaded by trekr.

Small and humble; with a leaf in the shape of a heart, like a clover the yellow woodsorrel is familiar and dear.