As the sun dips lower in the sky and the days begin to shorten, late summer casts a golden glow over the garden. The vibrant greens of spring have mellowed into deeper, richer hues, and the once meticulous rows of vegetables and flowers now dance with a touch of wild abandon. It’s a beautiful, transitional time, where the garden is both a sanctuary and a reflection of life’s cycles.

The perfectly manicured grass is probably overgrown because of life’s busy schedule and nature, but I see this as a blessing— it means we have had rain! No better words. Plants need deadheading, a reminder that without getting rid of the old, the new will not flourish.

Walking through the garden in late summer, you might notice the weeds sneaking into the flower beds, the once-pristine pathways becoming a bit overgrown, and the plants not quite as perfectly pruned as they were a few months ago. But instead of feeling frustration or guilt for not keeping up with every chore, this is the perfect moment to give yourself grace.

The out of control garden area before I tidied it up.

Gardening, much like life, isn’t about perfection. It’s about the joy of the journey, the satisfaction of nurturing growth, and the peace found in the midst of nature. The weeds and wildflowers have their own beauty, adding character and a touch of spontaneity to the garden’s tapestry. They remind us that sometimes, it’s okay to let go of rigid expectations and embrace the natural ebb and flow.

As I looked at my garden this week, I had to gently remind myself of its significance. Work has been pleasantly busy, but I haven’t had much time to tend to my little garden of hope. Despite this, it’s still in a better place than last year, when the stress of my job almost made me abandon gardening altogether and it turned into a bit of a jungle.

I had to remind myself that it’s okay to let some tasks go. The garden doesn’t demand perfection; it thrives on love and attention, even if it’s given in small, imperfect doses. Give yourself the same grace you offer your garden. Celebrate the achievements, forgive the oversights, and find joy in the process. Late summer in the garden is a time of abundance and reflection—a gentle reminder that beauty exists in every stage of growth, both in the garden and within ourselves. And so, with this, let me share what is growing and bringing me joy in my little garden.

In the front of the house is my container garden holding all my roses— and they have been so good this year, probably because I have been very diligent about pests, pruning, etc. This is one area, because I see it daily, where I have been very good about keeping up with my garden tasks.

‘*The Poet’s Wife*’ rose. Beautiful bloom but spindly canes. I am hoping it is because its the first year.

I grow all my roses in containers. Roses are my favorite flowers to grow, but with the insane Minnesota weather, container growing works best for me.

This photo and below, ‘*Emily Bronte*’ rose. And exquisite delicate rose with an amazing scent.

The Back Little Garden

This year, I poured my heart into this little garden, and while there's no precise design or pattern to the flowers, every bloom represents my quest for joy through gardening. You can learn more about this journey here. When I say my love for gardening has truly returned, I’m speaking from the heart. This charming spot has become my sanctuary. Taking a break from the computer, especially while working from home, and just sitting here, soaking in the beauty, is a cherished moment of peace for me.

Lantana is a reminder of me growing up in the Caribbean, where we had it growing almost everywhere.

***Cleome*** has been the surprise of this growing season. Grown from seeds acquired through the local library’s seed bank, I have fallen in love with this beautiful flower, also known as ‘Spider flower.’

Every plant in my garden beds was chosen with love and care, based on a few special criteria: 1) plants that I adore, 2) new varieties I’ve never grown before, or those that evoke a certain feeling, or 3) plants that will attract and support pollinators. Overall, each one is selected to bring me joy.

So, as you wander through your late summer garden, take a deep breath and allow yourself to appreciate the beauty of what you’ve cultivated, even if it’s not perfect. Notice the sunflowers turning their faces to the sun, and the bees busily buzzing from bloom to bloom. Each of these moments is a testament to the effort and care you’ve put into your garden.

Amazing link-ups I enjoy—

Mondays - Hearth & Soul Community, You Are The Star, In A Vase on Monday, Love Your Creativity Link-Party // Tuesdays- Nature Notes // Wednesdays- Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, Karin’s Kottage // Thursdays- Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things // Fridays- Farmhouse Fridays, Five Minute Friday // Create, Bake, Grow & Gather Party // Monthly— Garden Bloggers Bloom Day

There's something magical about the simplicity and freshness of a Tomato Crudo. This recipe celebrates the natural, unadulterated flavor of ripe, juicy tomatoes, sliced thin and drizzled with high-quality olive oil, or in this case, a simple herby vinaigrette. A sprinkle of sea salt and a few fresh basil leaves elevate the dish, making it a perfect appetizer or side for warm summer days.

When I was a child, my dad and I would often sit in the backyard, savoring raw tomatoes sprinkled with a little salt. The simplicity of this snack, with its burst of fresh, juicy flavor, instilled in me a lifelong love for tomatoes. Those moments with my dad, sharing our mutual appreciation for this humble fruit, are some of my most cherished memories. Today, every time I prepare Tomato Crudo, I'm reminded of those happy times and the joy that fresh, wholesome food can bring.

Enjoy the simple yet exquisite flavors that remind you of the joy of eating fresh tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt, just like those cherished moments from your childhood with your dad.

This recipe not only highlights the beauty of fresh, ripe tomatoes but also brings back the fond memories of sharing simple, delicious snacks with loved ones.

Author: Garden Feast

Heirloom Tomato Crudo with Tomato & Herb Vinaigrette

An elevated fresh take on a favorite childhood memory

Ingredients

2 ripe heirloom tomatoes
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1 clove of garlic, minced
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Yogurt. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon, cumin, and salt & pepper to taste. Spread a thin layer on a plate. This will serve as the start of this dish.
Herb Sauce. In a food chopper or blender, combine olive oil, fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley leaves, garlic, and sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Pulse until you have a sauce (it will be chunky or keep pulsing for a very smooth consistency).
Plating. Choose two ripe heirloom tomatoes, ideally of different colors for a visually stunning dish. Make sure they are firm yet yielding to the touch. Slice them about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer over the yogurt.
Season the Tomatoes with salt and pepper (optional), and drizzle with the herb sauce. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes. The basil adds a fragrant and slightly peppery note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
Serve the Tomato Crudo immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Notes

Variations:

For a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle a small amount of aged balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes.
Add slices of fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamy, rich contrast to the juicy tomatoes.
Add some contrasting heat by adding dash of Aleppo pepper to the yogurt.
Include some cherry tomatoes for visual interest and contrast in shapes