Did anyone else have an explosion of pollen in early June? While we were in Italy it seemed like ALL the trees and flowers dumped that gross yellow gew all over our deck. We came back to a solid sheet of it all over our deck and planters. You could seriously barely see the wood.
Since it seems like pollen is basically out to kill me, the hubs spent Saturday morning uncovering our deck. The hose didn’t even come close to getting it off. He had to take an outdoor brush and scrub it away. Guess who is asking for a pressure washer for his birthday?!
![DSCN3919[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39191.jpg "DSCN3919[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=")
It was questionable on whether our deck would ever look brown again…
While he was working on the deck situation I got our summer flowers in their planters. We decided to wait until after Italy to plant them this year.
![DSCN3921[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39211.jpg "DSCN3921[1]")
It was worth the wait—I think they turned out great!
![DSCN3922[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39221.jpg "DSCN3922[1]")
So pretty. I’m such a sucker for annual flowers. They may not last forever, but they certainly bring me a summer’s worth of joy.
![DSCN3920[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39201.jpg "DSCN3920[1]")
Do you have a favorite summer flower? I love colorful ones like petunia's. I always try to find something new every year though.
I also had to spend some time tending to our garden. WOW— some of our maters exploded already
![DSCN3925[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39251.jpg "DSCN3925[1]")
This week- HUGE plants!
HERE is what they looked like when we planted them just a few weeks ago…
I’m a little disappointed in our “Sweet 100’s” (tomatoes) this year. They don’t seem to be growing much at all.
![DSCN3926[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39261.jpg "DSCN3926[1]")
I’ve planted them in the exact same way in the same pots for probably five years and this is the first time they have never taken off.
![DSCN3927[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/DSCN39271.jpg "DSCN3927[1]")
oh… so sad… it may be a lost cause! Is it too late to replant?
I’m going to try to move them to the other side of the raised bed and see if they get more sun there.
Any suggestions?
Everything else seems to be doing great! They certainly have had their fair share of RAIN. I can’t wait until our first harvest!
QUESTIONS:
Did you have serious deck pollen this year?
How is your garden going this year?
Do you plant annuals?
Do you have any tips for my tomatoes?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Chloe says
Julie, You know the dust is extremely awful, when you take your canine for her yearly examination and the vet discover dust in the feces test!
Debbie Cox says
Hey Julie,
I too plant annuals for the exact same reason. I love the colors. I shop Lowes for the reduced rack offerings and try to add new life to them. I am usually successful in getting them to grow. I enjoy Impatiens (pink). As for the tomatoes, I have no words of wisdom. Our plants this year are taller than my husband (6.5)and we have planted in the same spot for 3 years. And one last thing - the pollen has been quite heavy this year. It appears to be embedded in the back of our truck. I think my husband is wanting a power washer too. Take care.
Sallee Coss says
Yes, the pollen was really bad this year. My basil keeps getting black spots on it, and I trim it back. Glad you had a good time in Italy! Stay well!
Annette Holbert says
Julie, do you keep planting your tomatoes in the same soil every year? Tomatoes should be planted in a different spot every year. The big planting operations rotate the tomatoes and peppers every year. peppers two years tomatoes one. I am not sure what they deplete, but that is what I have been told. If you are planting in pots change the soil every year. There might be a fertilize mixture or something you can add to the soil to replant them. I I don't have a garden this year, as I am moving. I will get back to that next year.
Leslie says
Julie, You know the pollen is really bad, when you take your dog for her annual check up & the vet find pollen in the stool sample!
Vickie Gray says
Hi Julie. I think your plants look lovely! My favorite flower of all is the bougainvillea. It keeps blooming again and again throughout the warmer months and can either be kept as a small potted plant or wander into a vine giving beautiful color. Hummingbirds love it too!
Jaime says
The pollen has been awful this year. Awfullll.
I don't think it's too late to plant new tomato plants. I've been told (by my mom and grandma - gardeners extraordinaire) that tomatoes shouldn't be planted in the same place every year. I move mine to different boxes each summer. Just a thought if that plant isn't doing so well this year and has done great in years past.
Sonya Cash says
Hi Julie, I am no expert but discussed it with my husband, and the tomatoes may have too much rain. I love you flowers, they are beautiful. We haven't had much problem with pollen on porches but cars have been covered and the bugs, ugh, but everything is greener.