trip north

Jude's birthday was today so we drove to Bedford yesterday afternoon and back today, making good time both ways, including a stop at Black-eyed Pea on way up and at Alpine Shooting on way back. Weather here is hot already, over 20 above average days in last month and it isn't June yet. Rainfall is still low and drought persists. Weeds grow anyway though plants that are desired don't. Basil seems to be doing well and I think oregano transplant is settling. I am not sure about dwarf sage and thyme plants. Lavender and rosemary wintered well and are bushy and strong. Next step is to dig up some more of the yard where an invasive plant that kills the grass is growing and plant somethings that like sun and dry situations, maybe yucca or esparanza. Have to do some reading so plants are either native or adapted. Crape myrtle is being discouraged as it is not native and there are lots of them around. The two peach trees bore fruit this year,though not a bumper crop because of freeze late in season. Perhaps a total of 15 peaches. The birds tended to peck at them but most were edible with trimming. Need to learn how to prune the trees so they don't get too tall.