Category: My Yard

Double delight

This is another plant that I’m growing this year: scarlet runner bean. I planted it because it attracts hummingbirds. I wasn’t sure what the beans would be like but they’re delicious…and abundant.

I wasn’t sure how well it would do in our climate but I needn’t have worried. It’s thriving. We enjoy the beans and the hummingbirds are visiting the blossoms. Win win.

Planting for wildlife

Years ago I planted crocosmia bulbs, a showy red flower, specifically for the visitor above. Hummingbirds love them.

Both of these shots were taken at some distance so they’re not crisp. But in this one you can see a blurry second hummingbird attempting an incursion into the blossoms. In a heartbeat both birds were off in flight as the resting one chased off the interloper.

These are the blossoms of contention. Perfect color and shape for attracting hummers. Deer also love them and happily nip off the flowers as soon as they bloom. Three rounds of deer spray preserved the remaining flowers you see.

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Home grown

It’s very satisfying to go out into the garden and pick vegetables for dinner. This year’s garden is providing plenty. Sugar pea pods, above, thrive in our climate.

Lettuce also grows well here. I’ve been able to share this year’s bounty with others.

We’re growing two kinds of beets. This is a red ace, a classic red beet. We also have candy stripe, a white beet with red stripes. Fresh home grown beets are sweet and delicious; the greens, cooked like chard, are a bonus.

We’re also enjoying kale. This year’s garden additionally includes leeks, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and delicata squash. Scarlet runner beans are coming along nicely, visited regularly by local hummingbirds that like their bright red blossoms.