When we were in Europe one thing I really enjoyed was all the green space. There were public parks full of trees, herbs, and blooming flowers, even in chilly Scotland. The open air markets all sold fresh-cut flowers and herbs and it was a delight to the senses. Maddie and I noticed especially in France that it seemed as though everyone was walking around with a fresh baguette and an armful of flowers.

When we got to Germany, my friend Diana’s deck was full of fresh herbs growing in pots, and it inspired me to bring some of that feeling back to the states with me.

Community herb garden in Greyfriar’s cemetery in Edinburgh

Flowers at Holyrood gardens in Edinburgh

At Stratford-Upon-Avon

At Borough Market in London. I’d love to grow lavender on that scale!

In Wiesbaden, Germany

Rose Garden in Eltville, Germany

Once I was home I realized that though I have herbs and flowers growing here, they are off in the vegetable gardens to attract the bees to pollinate the tomatoes and squash plants.  I decided I needed more herbs on the back deck, closer to the kitchen, and flowers wouldn’t hurt, either.  The roses in Germany seriously make me want to plant rose bushes everywhere; I’m not sure how that’ll work out, but I’m going to slowly add more of them all around. If nothing else, the bees will be happy!

I also wanted to put some smaller potted herbs in the kitchen on the windowsill, but unfortunately I can’t because of this:

This:

And to a lesser extent, this:

At any rate, I bought some oregano, thyme, and rosemary to start, along with some flowers.

It’s a start, anyway.  I’m going to add lavender, cilantro, and basil this weekend. Then I’m going to spend time pulling out the Virginia Creeper that has once again taken over everything out front so that I can start planning fall planting.

Yep, I said it.  It’s just about that time again.