Praises of a Wife and Mommy

How stunning is that flower?   Can anyone figure out the name and tell me if I can grow it in Iowa?  I mean it was at the Quad City Botanical Garden, however, it was inside the green house so that might make it hard to grow.  Again we go to go for free because we got a pass from our local library!   LOVE LOVE LOVE these passes!   I am saving money and for that am thankful. 

It was a really fun week to watch our little baby cucumber turn into a big one.  There are a couple more baby cucumbers on the vine and I hope more will come!  I picked this one yesterday and between my hubby, daughter, and I it was gone in a few minutes.  It was yummy and juicy!  I absolutely enjoy having my little garden and am making bigger plans for next years garden.  :) My daughter is having fun helping water the garden and she loves peeking at the growth each day.   How is your garden?  

Our little harvest... We have a harvest!  :)  WOOT WOOT!  I was happy a few weeks ago when I saw some growth but then I never saw the veggies growing and I was getting worried that nothing was going to grow.   No worries we had some delicious peas that  made it and there are 3 baby cucumbers growing!  I am so thrilled that we have some veggies!  I do not see tomatoes yet but the plant is getting taller and it looks healthy.  I believe the carrots are unsuccessful since I see nothing growing.  Note to self that those are too hard to grow!   :) We are still waiting to see if we will grow a pumpkin or just the really long vines.   It was truly enjoyable to sit on the deck munching on the yummy peas with my family!  Fun! Next year I will plant earlier and find what grows best here.  I am thinking spinach, peas, cucumbers, peppers,and tomatoes.  Any advice for this garden newbie? James 5:7   ESV  ...

I was able to snag this cute flower bench for $5.00.  Sadly, I forgot to take a before picture so here is the after picture.  Just picture it solid deep red... it was nice just kinda boring.  So I painted it  and planted some pretty flowers.  The colors actually do match my children's patio chairs.  :)  The hubby was not very fond of the colors since he is more of a earth tone type of guy but it was all painted when he came home from work.  So do you think it is too bright?