For the birds!

(Just a quick note for the summer splash blog hoppers...the link you are looking for is in the previous post!)
It has been a busy week over here! While we are giving the veggie garden a break this year, we are busy working on turning the soil, the kids are planting giant sunflowers and wild flowers to enjoy as the season goes on and I am busy doing some much needed maintenance on my flower beds. In the process of which, I found the most lovely surprise: 

Aquilegia canadensis

better known as the wild columbine! I had to look this one up...and I am thinking that since I most certainly did not plant it, the birds must have had a hand in this one. Absolutely lovely!

Here's a few other nice things from around the garden:

see the busy busy bees? 

I love having the honey bees around. In my experience, they are by far, the least aggressive and most useful insects one can have helping out around the gardens. Diligent and efficient workers, bees remind us to stop and enjoy the sweetness of life and the importance of community and working together for the greater good. Sure, they have the capability of stinging, but these little guys would much rather get their own work done than bother anyone who isn't bothering them ;) 

The top picture is our patch of chives...and wow, were the bees busy yesterday! We just moved the raised bed that these were planted in, but I thought maybe I would just leave these where they are till they are done for the season. The bees and butterflies seemed to be enjoying them and they are almost waist high! The iris's are also in full bloom here, as you can see. I was surprised to see two varieties since I only remember planting one :) 

Today I spent the morning working on a garden project for my Aunt... will post some before and after pictures when that's done...but I had to tell you about the surprise I got while I was working over there...

neighbors ginormous and super-adorable puppy! 

Look who decided to pay me a visit? Haha - that's her neighbors dog...who apparently escaped from their garage and managed to sneak past the invisible fence to explore the area... he hung out with me for a good hour before I walked him home. It has definitely been one adventure after another over here this week!

Also...for you avid gardeners out there...check out my etsy store by following this link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetsoulful?ref=ss_profile

here you will find my handmade goat's milk soaps ~these are fantastic for getting dirt stains off your hands and softening dry skin....at present, I have gardener's soaps and oatmeal soaps soon to be listed...message me and I can create a custom listing for you!

Happy Gardening!!!