June Garden Update

I am thrilled to see some new varieties blooming in my garden this June.  I added some different annuals and perennials to my garden earlier this spring to spruce it up a bit.  Nothing wrong with a little change here and there!  Here in zone 6a Massachusetts, the weather has been relatively cool and breezy these past few weeks.  I have been currently at war with my least favorite insect, the aphid.  I'm trying to stay ahead of this problem, but it is proving difficult.  I took a look at my bee balm planted in my sun garden and noticed it has become infested.  I also noticed black aphids that I had previously thought weren't a threat on my nasturtium leaves in my veggie garden.  I use it as a trap crop, so I'm happy they are contained so far.  I'm also trying to one up the red lily leaf beetles by picking them off daily.  Garden pests can be the worst.  I'm doing my best to organically control them with ladybugs, a good soaking with the hose and my fingers.  On a more positive note, my veggies, fruits and herbs all seem to be thriving.  I did some pea harvesting over the weekend and am looking forward to some strawberry harvesting very soon.  Come take a look at what flowers are putting on a show in my garden now!  Don't forget to click on each picture to learn more about the plant over on Plantsmap.