The summer solstice has past and the days now begin to grow shorter. Harvests haven't peaked yet. Lettuce is beginning to bolt and I'll wait a few weeks before I begin to sow seed for late summer and fall use. Peas are past their prime and have joined the lettuce in the compost bin.

Other vegetables are just beginning to produce. Early beans are ready for picking. Tomatoes have set a good crop, but as the month begins they have not begun to ripen. Early cabbage has heads large enough for use. Shallots will soon be ready to dig and store.

The borders and cutting gardens have enough blooms to fill vases without damaging the display. Daylilies provide great splashes of color. The roses are preparing for another flush of blooms.

Ample rainfall has kept the soil easy to work. It's a good year so far.