The cherry tomatoes keep coming a handful at a time. The beans made a big appearance, filling the trellis with leafy greens, but have not given us a true taste of their potential.

   The newest shrubs are spreading out and flowering in the front beds, and last year’s hydrangeas are finally blossoming beautifully. The Black-eyed Susan’s have been especially prolific.

   Like the green beans, Red Peppers have been a bit of a disappointment, but I’m dealing with it. The garden went in a little late this year; a wonderful trip to Paris and Türkiye easily took a few weeks off the growing season.

   So, I’m thankful, feeling blessed, that the garden’s growth has provided little bits of beauty and flavour that have given me some satisfaction.

   These are the little things that remind me how sweet life is.

   Last week, I ate the most delicious Clubhouse Sandwich with the first fully matured Beefsteak Tomato. I sat in the backyard and enjoyed each bite of my lunch on a gorgeous summer’s day. The weather forecast for the foreseeable future will provide enough heat, and some rain, to keep the garden growing. Yes, the nights are growing a little cooler, but summer continues to satisfy.

© 2026 j.g. lewis