Garden Update: Adding Color

Phase two of the container garden was adding some flowers for color. I picked zinnias and marigolds for their brightness. They like full sun, so we'll see if the yard gets enough rays to keep them alive.




And impatiens, which like shade and did well here last summer.



Also, bee balm! It's a favorite from the wildflower gardens of my childhood, so when I saw this plant at the farmers market I had to get it. It won't bloom till July or August, but it's a beauty and bees love them. With bees still on the decline, it helps to grow native flowers and herbs, including lavender and bee balm, to attract pollinators.



The swiss chard and arugula are growing faster than the herbs.





So far the mixed greens are the only seedlings coming up...



...if you don't count the weeds.



Although I'm not offcially composting, I have created a leaf and soil heap. I'm afraid that if I add vegetable scraps it will attract unwanted wildlife, but I can handle collecting all the fallen leaves in a pile where it will hopefully decompose over time.