Fragrance in the Garden
In June the evenings turn warm and humid here in Austin, perfect weather for lounging by the pool with a refreshing mint garnished beverage and watching bats whirl past in a game of tag with their nighttime meal.  The fragrance of the garden makes one feel as though they are in an Anne Rice novel.  Large white bells of brugmansia release a heavy scent as night falls.  Ghostly white and cream colored four o'clocks and honeysuckle provide sweet aroma as moths stir the air while seeking nectar and almond verbena (Aloysia virgata) blossoms perfume not only the pool area  but also the whole back yard.  Soon pots of plumeria will begin flowering, with wonderful natural fragrances who needs scented candles!

Veggie Time
The vegetable garden is producing green beans, peppers and eggplant.  Foot long bean plants are creeping up rebar poles and should begin producing as the green beans finish.  (At least that is the plan)  There are baby butternut squash visible on the plants.  Basil abounds, it is truly pesto time!  Cucumber vines have finally started growing but no cukes yet.   Tomatoes are appearing on the table, thanks to generous neighbors.  Ann Marie's tomatoes are suffering from insect problems and possibly wilt.  She thinks she will find a totally new location for next year.  Okra has been planted in the front flower beds this year, the whole neighborhood will be graced with the lovely flowers of these drought tolerant plants.  Of course, with the wonderful Austin Downtown Farmer's Market the vegetable garden at Horsetail Haven is more an amusement than a necessity.  A visit to the market is a regular Saturday morning event all year long!