May and June are the months when Northern California gardens are at their most beautiful. Because it was a cooler than usual winter, the rhododendrons were a little late to bloom. The Rhododendron festival held by the local Noyo Chapter at the Mendocino Botanical Gardens was held the second weekend of this month and I was blown away by the variety and beauty of of the flowers. We have the perfect weather for them here on the coast.
For the first time I submitted one of mine and won an honorable mention in the ‘pink’ category, much to my surprise.
Mrs. E. C. Sterling – Honorable Mention
Here’s a close up.
Mrs. E. C. Sterling
There are several huge rhodys (to use the familiar) on the property, probably over 50 years old.
I am surprised they are doing so well as I didn’t do much watering last summer, but they are spectacular.
They had lots of Rhododendrons for sale at the show and I couldn’t resist.
New Rhododendrons
They do so well with our acid soil and in our climate. As a plus they are not bothered by redwood roots.
Take a look at this one…
I couldn’t resist, it’s spectacular. Our garden is expanding!
And they make gorgeous, long lasting arrangements for the house. 
What’s going on in the rest of the garden. Well, the roses are blooming and the sweet peas are starting.
Just Zoey
Sweet Peas
Those who are regular readers know that I plant them in honor of my English grandmother who had them growing up the side of a fence in her garden. I love the scent and they make lovely arrangements.
Sweet peas, this image was from several years ago
In the perennial garden the geums, columbines, foxgloves and salvias are blooming. 
When I first planned this garden I wanted cool colors; blues, purples and some orange. Well, the best laid plans… It’s a bit of a mix up now with me concentrating on what will grow and flourish. The red salvias have definitely found a home, not a color I originally wanted, but the hummingbirds love them.
The vegetable garden is producing lots of lettuce. The cabbage, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower are coming along. And I see the first of the zucchini, still too small to cook but I look forward to popping them on the grill.
cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower
lettuce
lettuce
zucchini
We’ve added two new outdoor carpets on the decks, and 4 new chairs on the front porch.
Off the kitchen
Front deck
Our deck will need to be replaced sometime in the next couple of years. Sigh!
Here’s a quick look at the pollinator meadow. The two birdhouses were adopted much to our joy. Chickadees in the back one and a pair of tree swallows in the nearer one. The other birdhouses have not been rented and we will move them before next year.
Pollinator meadow
The sweet William and lupins are blooming.
lavender and poppies
Along the front drive the Spanish lavender is in full flower, the native bumblebees are happy. I planted some new dahlias between the plants and they are about 2 inches high. They should be in bloom in late summer when the lavender is finished.
That’s all, much of my time in the garden right now is my least favorite activity…weeding. Thank goodness for Audible.
Happy gardening everyone. I love your comments, let me how your garden is doing.
Your garden is magnificent, so many beautiful blooms, I love the rhododendrons and roses and sweet peas. Your vegetable garden looks very healthy and productive. It’s Winter here in Queensland but we are going to be travelling so we are giving our vegetable gardens a rest. It is the best time for gardening in our Winter. Really enjoyed your post thanks.
Thank you so much for visiting and commenting. I love the rest I get in winter when the garden is quiet and it rains. It can be frantic right now although everything is beautiful. Enjoy your holiday.
Thank you for your beautiful post – Your garden is amazing! I particularly love that you plant sweet peas in honour of your English Grandmother. I plant them in honour of my late mother, she adored them.
When she passed away at the beginning of the pandemic, we were only allowed 10 people at her funeral, it was very difficult for family, friends and the community, so we packaged up little handmade envelopes of sweet pea seeds and attached a little note, asking that they plant them in honour of our mum. People were very touched, and in the spring, when the seeds had grown and were in full bloom, we received beautiful photos and messages. Whenever I see sweet peas I think of my dear mum, in fact whenever I am in the garden, I think of her, her garden was always beautiful.
Thank you again.
Glimpses of your bright garden are just what I need today. After a summer that wasn’t, a rainy autumn and the early onset of wintry conditions heralded by a sudden drop in temperatures and severe winds… all to the the detriment of my garden. And, I love your outdoor carpets… your deck areas are wonderful. Congratulations on the honorable mention… all your blooms look gorgeous.
Congratulations Liz, that’s one fine looking rhodie. When we lived in Edmonds, Washington many years ago the house we rented had a backyard full of wild rhodies. It was always a joy to see them in bloom.
As always your garden is impressive. I lovely enjoying it virtually. Enjoy your summer…
Your garden looks amazing!! Congrats on winning the honorable mention; that must have been so exciting! Btw, are you still up for cohosting Fiesta Friday this Fri 6/24? Please let me know.