An absolutely beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden on this last Friday of May.  Where does the time go?  The sun is shining bright this morning and should stick around all day.  The temperatures are heating up a bit with highs in the lower 80s this afternoon.  Winds should be out of the NW at 10 to 20 MPH.

It may not have been swimming pool season this past Memorial Day weekend but this weekend may prove to be the start of the season as the temperatures are going to be much more summer-like into early next week.  There is always that magical moment where Spring suddenly becomes Summer.  It's not an equinox that tells us of this change, it's that moment in Saint Louis where the temperatures climb and the humidity slaps us across the face with that hot smack of Summertime in the Lou.  I'm bracing myself because it is coming!

The good news for this old gardener is that all of the mulching is finally finished!  For one brief, shining moment the garden looks finished.  I know it's not! My list is longer than a few pages of things I still want and need to accomplish, but it is glorious to sit on the porch, enjoy a cool beverage and drink in the beauty.  That is one of the joys of gardening.  That moment when you sit back and take it all in and feel grateful for the grace that surrounds you every day.  A good reminder that there is still some good in the world.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It's a cloudy Wednesday morning here in the Carondelet Garden in south Saint Louis.  We should see a mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by cloudy skies all afternoon.  Winds are out of the WNW at 5 to 10 MPH.

It's been a busy week here in the Garden.  We swore we were done with planting but then we went to buy more mulch, and we looked around.  The bottom line is I don't think we will ever truly be done planting.  You can never have too many plants... right?

The mulching continues along with more weeding today.  If all goes according to the plan in my head (and it seldom does) we should be finished with the mulching today.  We shall see.  

Things are looking absolutely amazing right now.  Spring is definitely springing into summer here in the garden.  The last of the Romaine is ready to come out of the ground.  We are still harvesting cut and come again Spinach.  This is one of my favorite times of the year in the garden.  Strangely, I say that just about every season.

The work will not finish itself so out the door we go.  The Garden Doodle is looking at me like I've lost my mind but she'll follow along anyway.  Be good to yourself and kind to others as you travel about on your journey this Wednesday.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It is sunny and bright on this Memorial Day Monday morning in May.  The high today should reach into the mid-70s with a slight chance of a rain shower later in the day.  Skies should turn overcast by this afternoon.

Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer, but the true significance goes far beyond seasonal celebrations. This annual federal holiday in the United States is dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.

Established in 1868, Memorial Day provides families, friends, and communities an opportunity to pay tribute to fallen service members. Many volunteers mark the occasion by placing American flags at gravesites as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance. Across the country, more than 150 national cemeteries—including Arlington National Cemetery and Gettysburg National Cemetery—are adorned with thousands of flags each year in recognition of their sacrifice.
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We had the opportunity to visit the "Ghost Army" exhibit at the Missouri History Museum Soldier's Memorial downtown this weekend.  The exhibit closes today but a wonderful documentary is still available on PBS Passport.  If you have the time, it is definitely worth viewing.  The exhibit was amazing and reminds us that our service men and women were capable of such bravery and ingenuity.  Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving our nation.  We remember.

A sunny, chilly start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden in south Saint Louis.  The sun will mix with clouds and turn mostly cloudy by this afternoon.  Highs should reach the lower 70s later in the day.  The winds have calmed and should be light and variable throughout the day.  

Dr. B tells me my green thumb is in overdrive this Spring with my produce, especially lettuces and spinach.  We have been succession planting to keep the harvest coming.  We have enjoyed fresh greens since late March and now the last of the Romaine is going to be harvested this weekend.  We have been fortunate enough to share with neighbors, family and friends as well.  My neighbor commented that she is not looking forward to returning to store-bought lettuce.  I must admit, I agree!  Fresh salads, soups, wraps, and more have graced our tables for the past couple of months and I've enjoyed every bit of it.

We are starting the Memorial Day weekend.  The unofficial start of Summer and warm season activities.  The pools are opening, but the weather is still hanging on to Spring-like temperatures.  I'm afraid you will have to be a much heartier soul than this old man to get into the chilly waters of an outdoor pool this weekend.  Rain is also in the forecast.  No matter.  Picnic foods are on the menu. 

On Sunday night we will once again watch the PBS Memorial Day concert. An annual tradition here in the Carondelet Cottage.  We listen and we remember.  Both of my grandfathers fought in World War II.  Neither shared very much about their experiences but when they did you listened.  I remember each detail.  Take the time to listen to the stories of your elders and remember this Memorial Day weekend.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

A sunny and breezy start to the day here in the Carondelet Garden in south Saint Louis.  The sunshine will be abundant all day, and the winds will stick around as well.  Some wind gusts could reach 40 mph.  A bit of grace after all of the horrible weather of the past weekend.

It is the season of abundance here in the garden with so many things coming into full blossom.  The Spring lettuce crop is just about finished and soon we will replace with carrots and marigolds.  Marigolds are a wonderful plant- beautiful, fragrant and a natural pest deterrent.  We have been planting with tomatoes for years with excellent results.

The mulching and weeding continue.  The tree saplings are a menace this year with all of the rain.  I finish a bed, a new rain, and more saplings.  Weeding is the every day chore here in the Garden.  I honestly do not mind this particular chore.  It is mindful for this old gardener.  I think, I pray, I dream and I weed.  

It's a good day for a good day.  We all could use a bit of a break right now.  Be good and be kind to yourself and others on your journey this Wednesday.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It is a cloudy Monday morning here in the Carondelet Garden in south Saint Louis.  The skies will remain cloudy with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon.  Gusty winds and small hail are possible.  The chance for thunderstorms and harsh weather increases overnight and into tomorrow.  It's hard to fathom right now.
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As we witness the devastation of Friday's tornado and harsh weather it brings a tear to the eyes and pain to the heart.  So many of our maker friends have been ripped apart by the catastrophic event.  Yet, even in the darkness some light comes through as we witnessed neighbors and strangers coming together to help.  Volunteering and asking nothing in return.  A community coming together to change things for the good.  It gives one a bit of hope in a scary time.  Prayers of course, but we are also sending money.  

It was a strange weekend to be sure.  We had a funeral and a graduation.  A bit of the high and the lows.  That, mixed with the storms, created a roller coaster of emotions.  But hope prevails as it must.  Be careful today, tonight and tomorrow.  Be good to yourself and kind to others, especially this week.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It's a beautiful morning here in the Carondelet Garden in South Saint Louis.  The sun is shining, and the temperatures are in the lower 60s.  A perfect day for a walk around the neighborhood with the Garden Doodle.  Here comes the "wait for it."  According to the weather prognosticators strong thunderstorms may be developing this afternoon with damaging winds, large hail, and possibly a tornado with some storms.  The high could reach near 90-degrees.  Winds will be out of the SSW at 15 to 25 MPH.  I guess we will find out soon enough if they are correct.

The Gospel of John in the 15th Chapter tells us that "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."  Pretty straight forward.  No exceptions.  No hierarchy.  No ifs or buts, simply love one another.  John goes on "... I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."  It doesn't really get much better than this.  It simply boils down to love.  

Love is truly that universal language that can change the world for the better.  It seems so easy, yet it also seems so impossible.  I've been reading Jose Andres' new book: "Change the Recipe."  In it he says, "My life is about others: feeding people, lifting communities, using food as a solution. I want my words to spark action, not nostalgia."  Feed people.  Lift community.  Use food as a solution.  Spark action.  Love.  A recipe for change and good.

It's Friday.  Be safe.  Take care of yourselves.  Be good.  Be kind.  Love one another.  Remember to show yourself some love as well.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It's a sunny Wednesday morning here in the Carondelet Garden.  We should see a mix of sun and clouds all day with highs in the mid-80s.  It is a warm-up here in South Saint Louis.  We may even see 90-degrees by tomorrow.  

I saw a post recently that asked the question: “Are we still calling ourselves Christian?”  It really stopped me in my tracks and made me think.  I don’t call myself a Christian anymore.  I don’t use the word.  Honestly, when I hear the word, I cringe a little.  The word has been coopted by groups that don’t seem to know the Jesus I know at all.  How can I call myself a Christian when the word has become another word for anger, hatred, bitterness, bigotry, sexism and racism? 
 
I still believe.  I believe that we should love the Lord with all our heart, mind and spirit and our neighbors as much as we love ourselves. When we are told to love our neighbors that means everyone, no exceptions.  No hierarchy.  As Pope Leo XIV said, “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”  I still believe it because I really have no other option.  It is ingrained in my mind and spirit.  Love God.  Love, your neighbor.  Grow some flowers. Grow some vegetables. Cook tasty food.  Simple. Ordinary. Life.  Amen.

It's cloudy and wet on this Monday morning in May.  The rain is welcome here in South Saint Louis.  A gentle rain upon the flowers is a bit of grace.  We may see up to a quarter of an inch of the heavenly moisture.  A good way to start the week.

The 'Campanula glomerata' or Clustered Bellflower has come into bloom here in the Garden. A lovely, charming perennial with upward-facing bell-shaped violet blue flowers.  The blooms keep coming from now until early Summer.  This is an easy to grow plant that is disease and pest free.  It is deer and rabbit resistant, and the hummingbirds, butterflies and bees absolutely love it.  A perfect border plant.

In mid-May there is a beautiful balance in the Garden.  No plant has taken up too much space, new growth has a softness and sheen, while promising crops in the vegetable beds have a neatness still.  The freshness of May is easily missed while we are busy "doing."  Yet, it is a special time that can slip through your fingers if you aren't careful.  This mid-month May is the perfect time to pause on a sunny evening and enjoy the poise and promise of the Garden.  Sit, relax, enjoy a glass of wine and listen to the pretty.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

A sunny start to this Friday in May.  The sun looking it is going to stick around all day with highs in the mid-70s.  Winds out of the NNE at 5 to 10 MPH.  A good day for a little gardening and picking up a few more plants.  Just a few!  

The little Garden Doodle has discovered BUBBLES!  My great niece is the world's biggest fan of bubbles and her enthusiasm has rubbed off on the Doodle dog.  She has been having a ball chasing and playing.  Joy and grace in the garden.

We have a new Pope in Leo XIV and an American from Chicago.  Prayers and hopes for positive change and moral leadership.  "Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others." Pope Leo said.  Love God and love your neighbor as your self.  

Love God, love your neighbor as yourself.  Maybe garden a bit and cook good food and share the love.  It's a good day to remember that God loves you, just the way you are, right now!  It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It's dark and cloudy on this early morning in the Carondelet Garden.  The highs should reach into the middle 70s but there is yet more rain in the forecast.  Thank goodness for the sunshine yesterday!  A beautiful day if there ever was one.

Yesterday we headed over to @mobotgarden to see one of their Member Speaker Series presentations.  This week's presentation was "Here's to Hostas!"  We were enthralled with Gene Pulliam, past President of the Saint Louis Hosta Society.  Hostas, queen of the shade, are one of our favorite family of plants.  They are shade tolerant but do require dappled sunlight to stay vibrant and healthy.  Our Hostas as you can see, are just coming into fullness of grace right now.  

Grace is the word of the day.  Grace unearned and undeserved but given freely from the Creator.  The garden is full of Grace right now with everything in the fullness of beauty.  What a wonderful time to be working in a garden. 

Be good to yourself this mid-weekday.  Be kind to others along your way.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

Happy Cinco de Mayo gardening afficionados!  Different day, similar weather.  Cloudy with a chance of showers.  Highs in the mid 60s.  I'm ready for a bit of sunshine.

Today is weeding day here in the Carondelet Garden.  After all of the rains, the weeds have started to sprout along with everything else.  I have to admit that weeding is something I don't really mind doing.  It is very meditative.  I good time for prayer and reflection.  A bit of a workout.  Good for the body and the soul.

Here's to a new week.  I pray for a bit of grace as we start the first full week of May.  The good news is that tacos are on the menu tonight!  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.

It is Friday here in the Carondelet Garden.  I was checking the forecast and supposedly it is raining right now but the sun is shining with bright blue skies overhead.  The rains look to be moving in later this morning and possibly continuing into this afternoon.  Another soggy day here in the Garden.

It is finally May.  The Garden is gifted with a youthful glow.  After days spent planting, weeding, mulching, and toiling it is a big of grace to sit down with a drink on the porch and savor the beauty.  After the rains these past few days everything has a softness and vitality making me feel as if nothing could go wrong.  Spring brings a joy and optimism to this old gardener giving me a bit of a jolt that money couldn't possibly buy.  

Soon we will feel that inevitable moment when Spring turns into Summer.  I know Summer doesn't officially begin until late June, but you feel the beginning of Summer sometime in late May.  School is out and the swimming pools open.  Memorial Day is that unofficial start to the summer season.  Breathe it in and savor it.  We certainly need a bit of joy and optimism right now!

The weekend is almost here.  Farmer's Markets are in full swing.  It's Spring in Saint Louis.  Be good to yourself and kind to others as you journey about.  That's all the news from here in the Carondelet Garden.