July 19 Master gardener day in MN

Questions at Fair booth.
Is orange butterfly weed found in ditch a MN wildflower?
Why does my hibiscus lose it's leaves and have multiple blossoms?
When is a good time to translate Yarrow?  will it grow in California? 
What are the deer repellent plants?
I started asparagus from seed, should I cut back the fern?
How do I get rid of the "Obedient plant"? Perennial purple bell shaped flowers, pointed leaves.
Why are my phlox leaves brown and fall off at base of plant?
Is there a variety of Clematis that blooms late in summer and fall?
What can I do to prevent blossom end Tomato blight?  
What can I plant in July after the lettuce is done?
Shall I store bulbs in the freezer to plant next spring?

5 hours volunteer time for this master gardener intern.

Rainfall! July 18, 2012

1.5 inches rain in sunny Blue Earth. 24 days of sun, temperatures above 80.  It's a record breaking year. Temps will be above normal until next April.
I am surveying the garden and making plans. Put a strawberry bed near the water hydrant, is #1. Make everything water conserving with mulch, #2.

 A sunny vine growing in a pot set on the stump to cascade over with flowers; and the 2 foot high sunflower variety in garden. Yellow brightens up the garden.

Air show with Dave.

Air Show

Flying Cloud Airport

July 14, 2012

Dave standing in mid picture.

weather in the 90's.

Happenstance.

Photo by Arthur Pearson

I like this photo ever so much, with my son Arthur's permission I would enter it in landscape photography contest at the Fair.

Great job AJ!

Cricket predicts rain.

We are going to have a turn for the WETTER, says the weatherman!

Cricket is this kitty's name.

Cricket is 2 years old and rules the farm.
Ellen DeGeneres says Black and White cats are smarter than other colored cats. Strange, but I think she is right. This cat is very smart. A typical farm cat, but real good at catching mice and other vermin. She has left me a few of her bounty on the sidewalk near my truck. Gifts from Cricket, sometimes a mole, a mouse or a bird.
To get my attention she'll follow along on my walks, climb a tree and run back down.  Go ahead and lie down in front of me for a belly rub.  Just be a cutie, she can when she wants to be.
Cats are a joy to welcome to your home!

Summer morning.

Dawn is a most peaceful and brief time.
Notice the two planets glowing bright in the East above the tree right in the middle of my photo.
It was an awesome morning; I was awakened by our new dog, Flirt. She loves the outdoors.

Grass is fading to a dull green, weeds are prolific, garden plants require watering weekly. July is here and it's a hot month like we have learned to expect. 

I have some unusual sunflowers growing with all yellow petals. Here I will show picture.
They are 2 feet tall and have more 3 or more buds growing off the main stem.
July 4, 2012.