How Does My Garden Grow....Like Sow

Ahhhh Spring! We planted our garden on May 13. These pictures were taken on May 28th (happy birthday, Kelly!) With the help of our very own compost and a bag of organic garden soil, our tiny garden plot came to life.

This year we're trying:

Cherry tomatoes (1) -new!

Grape tomatoes (1) - the only tomato to turn red on the vine for us last year

Roma tomatoes (1) -new!

Cucumbers - new!

Snap Peas - had success with these last year

Green Beans - had success with these last year

Lettuce - new!

Basil - new!

Green Peppers - not very successful last year but keeping my fingers crossed

Jalapeno Peppers - new!

Sunflowers -new! I think these will be a long shot.

Cucumbers (above)

Snap Peas

Grape Tomato Plant

We condensed and moved our garden spot slightly. I love our trees, but they severely limit the sunlight in our backyard. We're taking the lessons learned over the last two summers and downsizing the space.

I placed newspaper over the bare soil spots and covered with grass clippings to deter weeds.

Happy to report everything has sprouted. The first week of April I started basil, cucumbers and sunflowers from seeds inside. They have made the transition to the great outdoors. All other plants were pre-potted.

Anyone else working their green thumbs this year? Potted gardens count too!

Photo Week: Checkered Flag Style

I love Stephanie's inspiration for the past week's photo challenge: The Indianapolis 500. I absolutely love the month of May in Indiana. The month kicks off with the Mini Marathon, a race where anyone can compete and the city comes alive with such enthusiasm. I'm not a huge racing fan, but I've come to love Indy Cars, the Speedway and everything that surrounds this month. I'll admit it. I tear up when I hear Jim Nabors sing on race day and during the fly over.

I didn't get the camera out this week, but I can't pass up posting for a Photo Challenge. Here are some of my favorite black and white puppy dogs. Tippy, the black lab/golden retriever mix, is a 6 month old service dog in training in the ICAN program. He is an amazing pup and is going to be a rock star service dog. Ruby wasn't really keen on him the first day or two, but by the end of week three, she hated to see him go just as much as we did. Hopefully he'll be back with us on another furlough in a couple months.

Also fitting are pictures from the Mutt Strut at the Speedway on April 26th.

Thanks, Steph for sharing the spirit of the race and all its fun!