Everything is coming up roses...

My rose bed is beautiful.  I had no losses over the winter.  At a zone 3, I'm pretty excited about this feat.  If you are looking for hardy roses these buggers have passed the test.

 Morden Blush - It has no scent, but blooms off and on all summer.

 Henry Kelsey - It also has no scent and blooms intermittently. 

 Rambling Red - Darn still no scent, but blooms about twice a season.

 Topaz Yellow -  She smells divine, but be careful her thorns are nasty.  She blooms about twice a season.  

 William Baffin - The pink rose in back, blooms like crazy then intermittently.  A bit of a scent.

Theresa Bungnet -  She smells heavenly, starts with a bang and then blooms intermittently.  Problem is she is very disease prone.

I also have Mom's Harrelson Yellow, CL Westerland, Champlain, and Charles Albanel.  I am super excited, as I bought an Australian Copper.  A few years ago I tried to start some slips I got from a wonderful lady in Deadwood named, Rose.  The slips didn't make it, but the memory stayed.  It hasn't been easy trying to maintain a rose garden at this altitude, but I live in a gambling town and this is the risk I'm willing to take.

An update on my Flycatcher Family.  The four little ones are doing great.  They chirp anytime they hear me coming.  Fuzzy little guys.  They aren't the handsomest group.

I also thought I'd throw in a few photos of the vegetable garden.  My tomatoes look great.  The peas are perfect.  

The outdoor beds are flourishing with all the rain we have had.

The borage and asparagus had to be tamed.  The carrots are making wonderful progress.  The lettuce and spinach are past their prime.  My gardening companion doesn't mind if the lettuce is past its prime.  She expects a leaf every time you enter the garden.

 Tier two is also doing great.  The sweet corn, beans, beets and I think egg plants are making great progress.  I'm leaving the onions in the ground and will see how they are next year.  I never ever get big onions.  I did have two nice ones that made it through the winter.  I'll give it a try.

 Tier three hasn't fared so well.  Something ate my broccoli.  The pole beans and sweet corn does look good.  I am also happy with my garlic.

 I will leave you with a very pleasant surprise, Brazilian Lemonade.  

3 Limes washed and quartered.
1/3 c. Sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c. sugar
4 c. cold water

Pulse the limes, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and 2 cups of water.  Pour liquid through a strainer and then pour the other 2 cups of water through the strainer.  Serve over ice.  Sit on the porch and enjoy while watching the butterflies and flycatchers.  What do you sip while enjoying the garden?