2026 CW15 - Rainy Repercussions
The Zinnia Explosion and The Reigning Roses
If the first spring rains flipped the switch, this past week has been the main event. We’ve moved from anticipation to full-blown production, specifically in the floral department.
The Zinnias have officially taken over their corner of the backyard. What was just a row of promising green buds a few days ago has transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. We’re seeing everything from tight, multi-layered pom-poms in deep magenta to wide, sunny oranges that look like they were painted by hand. The diversity is incredible—some are tall and structural, while others are more compact and bushy, creating a dense wall of color that is already attracting plenty of local pollinators. They are growing so quickly that it won't be long until we are harvesting them for indoor arrangements to bring some of that garden color inside.
Meanwhile, the roses continue to hold court, but the dynamic has shifted. The Double Red Knock Outs are still putting in that overtime work, their saturated red blooms holding up beautifully even as the humidity climbs. But the real showstopper lately has been the Peggy Martin. She has officially leaned into her role as the romantic lead, with those long canes now heavily draped in clusters of bright pink. It’s a softer, more whimsical contrast to the bold reds and the sharp oranges of the Zinnias.
We’re also celebrating a major milestone for the Madame Alfred Carrière. She may be the newcomer on the wood trellis, but she has officially made her debut by producing her very first bloom. It’s a promising sign of things to come, and the way she’s soaking up the sun suggests she won't be the "small newcomer" for much longer.
The Foundation Fills In: Spikes and Sneaky Starters
As we move toward the house, the foundation beds are starting to look much more established. The Gladiolus have really thickened up, their sturdy green spikes creating a dense, architectural backdrop that adds some great height to the border. If you look closely at the base, you’ll see some "sneaky" Caladiums finally making their appearance. They’re just starting to unfurl those heart-shaped leaves, tucked right in with the glads as if they’ve been there the whole time.
The Amaryllis are still going strong, too. While some of the early bloomers have moved on, we have several stalks that are holding onto their vibrant color, providing those big, bold pops of red that ground the entire bed.
Along a different wall of the house, where the grass meets the brick, our window baskets are officially in "overflow" mode. The mix of trailing textures is really hitting its stride, spilling over the edges and softening the lines of the house. It’s exactly the lush, layered look we were hoping for when we put them together a few weeks ago, and they seem to love this specific spot.
The Backyard Sanctuary: Textures and Tranquility
Heading further around the back, the garden feels like it’s settling into its mid-spring rhythm. The colors here are shifting into cooler tones, led by the Agapanthus that are just starting to open. Their deep, regal purple-blue is a sharp contrast to the bright reds and oranges elsewhere in the yard, and they bring a certain elegance to the edge of the beds.
The air around the porch is also getting much sweeter, thanks to the Jasmine finally coming into bloom. It’s one of those quintessential Southern garden scents that makes you want to linger outside just a little bit longer. Nearby, our Succulents are doing what they do best after a rain—catching and holding onto water droplets like little translucent beads. Right alongside them, the Crown of Thorns is putting on a show of its own with clusters of bright, resilient flowers that seem completely unfazed by the fluctuating spring weather.
The true heart of the backyard right now, though, is the seating area around the Live Oak. With the "floating" baskets overhead and the grass looking lush and green, it’s become the perfect spot to sit and take it all in. Whether we’re drinking coffee in the morning or just checking on the plants at the end of the day, this little sanctuary under the oak canopy is easily our favorite "outdoor room."
The Edible Engine Room: From First Fruits to Summer Starts
The vegetable garden has officially transitioned from a collection of green leaves to a true production site. Our new Fig trees are leading the charge, finally pushing out their first broad leaves and settling into their permanent spots. Right at their feet, we’ve reached a major seasonal milestone: our very first strawberries have ripened, offering a tiny, sweet reward for all that spring weeding.
While some things are arriving, others are moving on. A few of our Bok Choy plants have officially bolted, sending up tall stalks of yellow flowers as the Alabama heat starts to climb. However, the Beans are more than happy to fill the void, growing stronger and taller by the day as they begin to grip their supports.
We’ve also been busy getting the next wave into the ground, with a fresh round of cucumbers and squash seedlings now officially established. These summer heavyweights are joining our tomatoes, which have moved past the flowering stage and are starting to form their first heavy clusters of green fruit.
Finally, the potatoes in our metal beds have reached their peak beauty. They are currently covered in delicate white and purple flowers—a sure sign that there’s plenty of activity happening beneath the soil. It won't be long now before this section of the garden moves from "growing" to "harvesting" in a big way.
The Garden Bug Gallery: Friend and Foe
A thriving garden is more than just plants; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. Lately, we’ve been playing "I Spy" with the local insect population, and the recent warm spell has brought everyone out to the party. We’ve spotted a variety of visitors making their rounds, from the helpful natural security guards keeping things in check to the more "interested" guests we have to watch closely near our vegetable crops. It’s a great reminder that for every hungry visitor, there’s usually a predator or a pollinator nearby balancing things out. Seeing these small residents at work makes the yard feel complete—it’s all part of the wild, wonderful process of growing our own food and flowers here in Mobile.
The Garden Supervisors: Henry and Scout
No update would be complete without a check-in from the official garden oversight committee. This week, the "management" has been out in full force, ensuring that every drop of water and every new bloom meet their rigorous standards.
Henry has taken a particular interest in the rose garden. We can usually find him on our evening walks around the garden standing guard near the Double Red Knock Outs, providing a perfect, dark contrast to those saturated red petals. He seems to appreciate the shade and the scent just as much as we do, acting as the silent protector of the "Queens of the Garden."
Meanwhile, Scout is taking a much more hands-on approach. She’s been sticking close to Sara during the evening watering rounds, weaving between the plants to make sure no corner of the bed is missed. Whether she’s hunting for a stray drop of water or just enjoying the damp mulch, the garden wouldn't feel nearly as lively without our black-and-white assistant helping us keep things running smoothly.
Until Next Time!
Between the Zinnia explosion, the first strawberries, and the helpful paws on patrol, the garden is feeling more like a sanctuary every day. Thanks for following along with this week's progress!
