Baby Bun

Baby Bun, originally uploaded by lclea.

We had a visitor this spring. Actually we had several little visitors. A mama bunny decided our yard would be a good place to build a den and give birth. Now this is a yard that must reek of terrier, so I think we can question her good judgment. This “joyous event” must have happened in the couple of weeks Gus and I spent up north with my folks in between spring semester and summer. We returned to these little buns all over the place. You couldn’t turn around without bumping into a bun.

Thus began the Summer of the Bun, and we will refer to this summer.  There is more to share , but for now, enjoy the bun.

My First Tomato

My first tomato, originally uploaded by lclea.

Isn’t this the cutest little bean? I really wanted to have my very first garden this year. I come from a family of farmers on both sides, and I really should be able to do this right? I mean how hard is it to grow things? I have had very successful herb gardens in the past and while I may have a sketchy past with indoor plants, I was pretty sure I could grown a mean tomato.

So I get some heirloom plants in four varieties and plant them. Then I remember that A. new plants need a lot of water and attention, and B. I am commuting back and forth all summer (teaching 2 college courses in Wisconsin and doing research in Champaign). Needless to say I have been crazy busy all summer, and it has made me a neglectful blogger and gardener. When I was here I watered and tended like mad, but when I was gone, the little plants were own their own.

The fates were rather kind and while they aren’t the massive plants some of my neighbors have they are bouncing back from a week and a half of good care. I planted some Sungold cherry tomatoes and they are really sweet and delicious. There are some Brandywine and Green Zebra Tomatoes coming and some flowers all the plants, so we are heading in the right direction. Yah! With any luck and with this crazy summer weather I will have some tomatoes by the first frost.

But until then, isn’t this the prettiest little tomato-ette, you’ve ever seen?