In Maine, despite what the calendar says, we are on the cusp of summer. In less than a month, we’ve gone from darling buds to nearly full-grown leaves on the trees. May is like that.
The same is true of the ferns.
Except for my beloved purple irises, the front garden is mostly foliage. Strangely enough, I love the gardens at this stage, when the slugs and snails have yet to launch an assault, and the Japanese beetles are a month away. The leaves of the plants look so green and fresh and new. While the garden is more beautiful with flowers in July, it is also more tattered.
Spring wild flowers continue to bloom on the lawn and on the edges by the wood.
In the United States, this is Memorial Day weekend, a time when we remember those who have passed. Usually, this involves some kind of gathering, often a barbecue. This year, we will have a small get together with friends, and unless it is pouring, Clif will make his legendary grilled bread. Whatever the weather, I will be making homemade strawberry ice cream.
And I’ll certainly be thinking of loved ones who have passed—my mother, my father, and my dear friend Barbara. They all died too soon, but my love for them continues and will do so until I die.
In this most beautiful of months—for Catholics, the month of Mary—it somehow seems very appropriate to remember those who have passed from this green, green world.
Notes From the Hinterland 
Lovely post and sentiment. You are so right about remembering those lost and your summary of the May garden scene in our part of the Country is dead on. You have yourself a very nice but safe weekend. I went to pick up some organic plants this morning, and the traffic is intense out there already and it isn’t even noon. 🙂
Thanks, Judy! A safe weekend to you, too. Happy planting!
I was thinking about the hoards of people that will be flocking to the beaches this warm, holiday weekend. Imagine the traffic – ick!
There is an all-natural product from Germany called ‘Sluggo’ (I think it is iron phosphate) that slugs and snails eat, then die. Most effective used early in the season, it is a good long term control. I buy the large container, and it lasts me 2-3 years. (Home Depot now carries it.) I do a lot of hand-picking too. Beer is effective only on 2 of the 3 species I have (but the clean-up is disgusting). I have given up planting many of their favorite foods, although this year I planted dahlias (I know I am just asking for trouble!).
Happy Weekend!
In central Maine, the traffic isn’t as bad as it is at the coast. And on the road where we live, it isn’t bad at all 😉
I’ve tried Sluggo but haven’t had good results with it. Perhaps, as you suggested, it should be done early, before the little blighters start chewing. (If only they would stay in the woods!) I often hand pick and drop them into soapy water. Let’s just say that after a day or two of waiting for them to drown, that jar is mighty disgusting, too. Oh, the trials of a gardener! That’s why I love the garden this time of year. The chewing hoards have yet to descend on it. Happy weekend to you, too!
I know this sounds brutal, but I put a 1/4″ of salt in a tuna can, with a popsicle stick drop them in and send them quickly to their next life. Arrgh!
Well, killing slugs and snails is brutal, no matter how it’s done.
True. Dog eat dog world.
If only they would stay in the woods. I would never bother them. Sigh.
Same here. I don’t bother with them on the trails or even in the lawn, but if they cross into my garden, they’re toast!
Beautifully photographed
Thanks, Derrick.
Enjoy your weekend Laurie. Feels like summer today. Bring on the grilled bread.
Thanks, Brenda. And you, too, have a great weekend at your beautiful place. On Sunday, we will enjoy and raise our glasses to loved ones who have passed.
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Judy is preparing a meal of chicken, asparagus, and rhubarb cobbler.
Judy’s meal sounds absolutely delicious.
We don’t have Memorial Day in Canada. Sorry about your losses, Laurie. It is good that you guys have a day dedicated to remembering late loved ones. Enjoy your beautiful green yard with your friends on this meaningful day. Take care.
Thanks, Carina!
A lovely, grace-full post, Laurie. So important to remember the ones who have gone before.
Thanks, Cynthia!
The picture of dandelions fluff reminds us that weeds can be beautiful. My friend Elaine says, “All flowers were once weeds.” You can see I’ve been weeding my garden today.
Yes, indeed!
The picture of the dandelion reminds me that weeds can be beautiful. It’s a nice one.
Thanks, Beth.