My apologies, a very similiar thread was started on June 30th by njoasis and above post should have been posted there. Please reply to that post.

Well after posting the last message I wanted to read through the thread posted (I thought) by njoasis but I cannot for the life of me find it now. What the heck?

Well, even though we got a harsher "winter" than usual, that only means it snowed twice and was a bit colder than normal. So, unfortunately it seems like all of our bugs and slugs are still quite happy to live in my yard, and they are munching! I think they love the hibiscus the most, which is ironically also one of my favorites.

But right now I do think is one of the prettiest times for me. Plants are almost all blooming now, and the hottest part of the summer hasn't hit us yet that makes things start to look parched.

I have to agree. This season is zooming along gangbusters. Perennials and annuals alike are exploding.
Ain't it grand?

Agreed!!

Although the mosquitos are out in full force with all the moisture we've had, but I'll take that over having to run the sprinklers regularly ($$$), especially since I think the plants respond better to rainfall opposed to watering from the tap -- they just seem lusher after a good rain. Plus, the toads are out in good numbers too -- lots of teeny ones this year, hoping they will set up house permanently and grow into big, fat bug eatin' machines next year.

Yes, I also have a lot of toads and dragonflies too. Love them in the garden.