u/Mysterious_Umpire684

The first tomatoes have been harvested! I'm growing 10 different varieties this year trying to find what works best grown in a hot and humid climate.

Principe Borghese: It is pleasant but underwhelming as a fresh eating tomato. Slightly mealy texture. However, given how meaty it is, I think it will make a great sauce or roasted tomato, which was my goal with this variety. Heirloom. Fairly productive. ​

Juliet: My best all-arounder last year. Hybrid. Fresh, zippy taste with nice acidity. Larger and meatier than a cherry but just as productive and sets well into the summer. We eat them every way.

Super Sweet 100: Perhaps because my expectations were too high, I felt let down by this cherry. It has a one-note taste: sweet. ​It is very productive. It has been more susceptible than any other variety to fungus spots, although it seems to be shrugging it off with proactive leaf removal and occasional fungicide. Not sure if I would grow this one again, to be honest, but maybe summer performance will change my mind. Edit: it has been an oddly rainy spring with heavy storms, so I'll reevaluate in a few weeks to see if they get more balance.

Just missing the CoExIsT bumper sticker.

I solarized the section of grass along the curb and planted mostly native perennials that fall. I see lots of hummingbirds, lizards, bees and butterflies now. I think my favorite is the rock rose, although it needs a little more care since it is vulnerable to deer.

Planted a bare root Earth Angel in late February, zone 8b. It grew rapidly, this is the second set of blooms. Wonderful smell! Blooms are slightly smaller than I expected but the plant is still very young.

They ball and brown in humid weather, though. Since it is storm season here I cut and bring buds inside when I can see a hint of the petals in the buds.

This is my first time growing a floribunda and I'm quite pleased at how quickly she established and the nice long canes for cutting.​ Love this little bouquet in this spot.

4 years ago I solarized the grass along my front curb and planted a pollinator garden. There were a few existing plants right around the rocks which I kept. Most of the plants are native to my area. 8b, Austin TX.

I see so much life every time I step out the door. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and lizards. Lots of deer as well.