June and the Catmint

Catmint (nepta) has been removed from the flower bed out front. On the day I planted it one of many neighborhood kitties helped. He rolled all over the ground, rubbed my legs, and attempted to go sit on the sunporch which he often does. We're unaware until walking out and the cat is leaving the porch. Not a good thing because outside cats can transmit fleas and disease to house cats. I should have known this was a problem. Any way the first morning after planting it the plant was flattened, mulch and soil covered the ground. Lambs ear near the nepta was smashed and bitten off. I thought it was the work of squirrels. Never did I think it actually was a cat until the third time. I removed it from the flower bed what remained and replace it with 3 salvia and put up a small fence to hopefully deter the cat. The same day while sitting on my porch the cat came to my door. Not able to get in, he proceeded to the flower bed and found the nepta removed. I haven't had a problem since. I have to do some reading on cat mint. Wasn't aware the nepta is cat nip.

Today I planted 4 zinnia and purple sweet alyssum. The zinnia seeds I sprinkled in the bed have started coming up but I couldn't wait. Sunflower seeds also sown are coming up. The farm stand had beautiful flowers today including a variety of zinnias. Couldn't resist. Purple sage, sweet potato vine, and a cucumber seedling also left with me and a pint of fresh cheery tomatoes from the farm. Can't wait until it's time for peaches. This stand also sells wonderful selections of firewood from their farm. The year my regular man was sick and couldn't deliver I called them. It was the best wood ever and smelled wonderful. My neighbor several doors down commented on the smell and asked me where I bought it. It'll be that time soon. Until then, lets enjoy the weather. We've been having storms, heavy rain, flooding, and power outages in my area. Although the city didn't loose power, the county did and some schools were closed.

Pollinators are loving my choice of flowers this season with a variety of bees and butterflies. I've also seen the largest spider who sits in wait for flies and other insects. It's nice to see so many on the blooms. Last Saturday I had to pick up and release a orange and black butterfly from my sunporch. The blooms on the porch drew it in, but it couldn't find it's way out and needed help. The asters are getting taller and just beautiful. And to think I pulled up one and replanted realizing it could only be what I planted last fall. The other has light purple blooms but isn't thriving like this one.

Foxgloves are almost done. If I don't start taking care of the seedling ones inside they're won't be any next spring.

The other asters that aren't thriving. Maybe they'll do better next year.

Zinnias and sunflower seeds have started to come up.

Coreopsis

Hopefully the geraniums will start blooming soon.

Planted the sweet potato vine and it immediately wilted. Gave it some water and hopefully tomorrow it'll be okay.

They're starting to get their color.

Wonder how long the pansies will last.

May have to remove it. It looks too large for the container.

Planted the sweet alyssum.

Cats ripped the lambs ear when they were tearing up the nepta.

Unfortunately something is eating my seedlings already.

Seedlings looking good.

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Dahlias