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An Interview and June Blooms

If you don’t already know, I’d like to tell you that I love blogging. One of the reasons is the people I’ve met. I truly believe I’ve built meaningful relationships with both readers and other bloggers.

One of my favorite friendships is with my lovely blogger friend, Melinda. Melinda hosts the blog Looking for the Light. She offers solid information, most often on health and family. Using credible sources, she writes clearly and concisely. Please take a look at Melinda’s blog, and you won’t regret subscribing so that you may read all of her posts.

Sometimes, Melinda also posts interviews, and she recently interviewed me. I’d love it if you’d read it and take a moment to comment. She’s asked some questions you may not know about me.

Another favorite activity I have fun with is gardening. From my teeny garden to forests, oceans, and mountains, I thoroughly enjoy being out in nature.

With all the rain we’ve had in the Midwest, my garden is currently in full bloom.

The pots are painted.

Peppers are ready for picking. I’ve already had a few.

Tomatoes are plump.

Herbs are abundant.

The citronella plant is full of fragrant leaves, which mosquitos do not like.

My late-summer clematis is taking over the trellises.

And from snowball hydrangea and Dipladenia to petunias, lantana, and begonias, the flowers are flourishing.

The dahlias are absolutely delightful. Notice the color variations from one plant. It’s like a full bouquet.

The week transitioned from cool and wet to hot and humid. The sun is also out, ripening those tomatoes and brightening our days. Summer may be the best time of year.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2026

Responses to “An Interview and June Blooms”

  1. atimetoshare.me

    Your garden is so beautiful. My gardening days are not completely over, but I’m running out of steam this year. It’s fun to see others’ handiwork.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I understand. This garden is more than enough for me. Thank you so much for visiting. I appreciate your presence here.

  2. Looking for the Light

    Thank you for sharing our interview on your blog. I like your garden, it doesn’t require a huge amount of work. It’s very cozy. Hugs.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Melinda. It’s as much as I’d like right now. Thank you again for the interview, my friend.

      1. Looking for the Light

        Have a great evening.

  3. gustavo_horta

    Que capricho e carinho.

    Em nada me surpreende pois mesmo sem conhecê-la percebo em você uma pessoa rara e fascinante.

    Abraço grande e fraterno.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Você é muito gentil, Gustavo. Obrigado, meu amigo.

  4. Priscilla

    Your garden is amazing. I might even try growing tomatoes in a pot after seeing yours 🤔

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I like the pots, Priscilla. It’s easier to keep out the little creatures who think my garden is a buffet. Although, I do have a rabbit that likes the flowers on the pepper plants and also the peppers. I will try something around the pots to prevent that. We will see if it works.

  5. Kym Gordon Moore

    Oh my dear Lady Mary, CONGRATULATIONS on your wonderful interview! 💖 And honey this garden of yours makes me so jealous! It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and flourishing girlfriend! You’ve done a spectacular job my Midwest Gardner Extraordinaire! 🍅🥕🌽 Love, hugs, and smooches!!! 💋💋💋

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are always bubbling over with love, my dear Lady Kym. Love you much!

      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Awwwww my sweet Mary…I appreciate your graciousness that exudes always through your character. Thank you for being your authentic you! Much love, plenty of hugs, and a garden of smooches! 😘💝😘

  6. CJ Antichow

    Wow!! Beautiful garden! 🪴

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, CJ.

  7. kagould17

    So jealous of your tomatoes Mary. Ours are finally flowering and the Sweet One Millions are starting to fruit. Have a wonderful day. Allan

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Gardens do take patience, Allan. Ugh. Now to keep the rabbits for taking bites out of each one. Hugs to you.

  8. Nancy Homlitas

    Mary, you certainly have a green thumb (and yellow, pink, red, and white thumbs, too!) Your garden is gorgeous. I’m sorry our blogger friend, Melinda, has so many crosses to bear. Her resilience must be amazing to maintain such a well-organized website with helpful knowledge for her readers/followers. 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Melinda is amazing. So kind and thoughtful in spite of her own health issues. Love her–and I love and appreciate you, Nancy.

      1. Nancy Homlitas

        Thanks! 😁🙏✝️🙏

  9. luisa zambrotta

    Such a rich and lush series of photos!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Luisa!

      1. luisa zambrotta

        You are so very welcome my dear Mary!

  10. Anonymous

    Mary, you are giving The Arboretum some good competition!

    Your garden is absolutely beautiful and so full of variety and color.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ahhhh. Thank you! That is wonderful to hear.

  11. gc1963

    Wow!! Mary, what a beautiful garden with so much variety from vegetables to herbs to flowers. Happy gardening!!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I try to make the most of my little space, Geeta. Thank you for your kind comment.

  12. capentalc

    You have such a beautiful garden. I’ve never seen dipladenias in yellow colors before.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      This is the first time I have seen yellow Dipladenias, as well, Lauren. I love them.

  13. Willie Torres Jr.

    What a lovely tribute and reminder of friendship, creativity, and the simple joy of nature.

    May God continue to bless your hands and bring peace and gratitude through every season. 🙏

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      What a beautiful prayer, Willie. Thank you my kind friend.

      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        Have a Wonderful, Safe and Blessed Holiday weekend…

  14. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    This is a beautiful garden Mary. Good thing I don’t know where you live as I would probably snatch those green tomatoes and fry em’ up lol.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I wish you were closer, Ernie. I’ll have to share tomatoes. There are so many already!

      1. Ernie ‘Dawg’

        Looks fabtastic!

  15. lenny unencumbered

    Wow! Beautiful garden. It also appears that you’re in for a bountiful harvest.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I do hope so, Lenny. We never know what happens with weather and creatures that also enjoy the plants.

  16. Monkey’s Tale

    Beautiful garden Mary, Congratulations on the interview. Happy summer! Maggie

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you much, Maggie. All the best to you.

  17. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Congrats on the interview, Mary! Your teeny garden is beautiful and bountiful. Love it 😀

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene. It is just the right size for me. Love to you.

      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        🙂 ❤

  18. Jacqui Murray

    Those peppers look great.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      They are delicious, and now a rabbit thinks so too! Good to see you, Jacqui.

  19. Edward Ortiz

    I’m having some technical issues and can’t get into the interview, but I will try again right after leaving this comment. Your garden looks amazing! I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, my friend.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for persevering, Edward. And Happy 4th to you too. Hope it’s a great family day for you.

      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re very welcome, Mary. I’m not sure what the problem is. The website keeps asking me to register and log in—which I did five times, but it didn’t work. I’m sure the interview was excellent. Thank you, my friend.

  20. Dawn Pisturino

    What an abundant garden!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. I’m making the most of the small space. Happy Independence Day to you.

  21. Dawn Pisturino

    Lovely interview, Mary! Thanks for sharing.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for following through to the interview, Dawn. I appreciate you.

  22. Victoria

    So much to love in one post! Cheers to you for the interview….and thank you for inviting us into your bountiful, beautiful garden. Wowza! 🌸🌸🌸
    I’ll need to come back and figure out why I couldn’t get into the interview…something goofy on my end, I’m sure.
    Sending hugs! 💝💝💝

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I will check that link, Vicki. Edward had trouble as well. Thank you for your kind words.

      1. Victoria

        Love you! Thanks, Mary! ❤️❤️❤️

  23. mitchteemley

    Now that is a well-loved garden, Mary!

  24. Anonymous

    That is a lovely and useful garden. Sigh… I wish I had more sunlight.

    In other news…. I have made your biscotti several times and modified it with almond extract and toasted slivered almonds

    Reprinted here: Italian Sliced Cookies/Biscotti

    Mary K Doyle

    Ingredients

    ¼ teaspoon salt
    1 stick of unsalted butter
    2/3 cup sugar
    3 eggs
    1 teaspoon vanilla (mod – 1 ½ tsp almond extract) & toasted slivered almonds
    2 cups flour
    2 teaspoons baking powder

    Directions

    Mix all the ingredients together.

    Form into two narrow loaves down the center of a cookie sheet.

    Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. Cool.

    Slice the loaf on a diagonal. Place slices on a cookie sheet.

    Bake until toasted. About 10 minutes.

    Flip over and toast the other side.

    Cool before frosting, if desired. (almond variation goes good with caramel sauce. I made my own.)

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ooooo. This looks so good. I can’t wait to try your modified recipe. May I have your name?

  25. joannerambling

    You have such a lovely garden, I am going t o go and read your interview now

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joanne. I appreciate you going into Melinda’s blog, as well.

  26. Awakening Wonders

    Wow – you sure have cultivated colorful petals and abundant veggies!!! Wonderful interview!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mary. I hope the weather cools off so I can spend more time in the garden. Hugs to you.

  27. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    WOW! Amazing garden, Mary. ❤️

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, T’. Good to see you.

      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        Always a pleasure. Likewise, Mary. 💓

  28. justrojie

    you have such a beautiful garden, wow!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for checking out the post and taking the time to comment. All the best to you.

  29. Violet Lentz

    Everything in your garden looks amazing!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Violet. I imagine you have a short growing season in Alaska.

  30. Stephanie

    Such a lovely and nourishing garden, Mary! I’m watching my little plants every day for peppers, but nothing so far. 🙂 I’ll definitely check out your interview.

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      A rabbit just bit into one of the peppers and ate all the flowers. I hope it enjoyed my future peppers. Love to you, Stephanie.

  31. Ol’ Big Jim

    I’m just mad about your garden! I could spend the rest of my days just enjoying the beautiful sights and aromas. Mary, the Great Gardener!

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Well, come on over, Ol’ Big Jim. I’ll make some iced tea, or would you prefer something else?

      1. Ol’ Big Jim

        Aww, thank you, Ma’am! Iced tea would be just perfect, I reckon. I appreciate the invite!

  32. mjeanpike

    I love your garden, Mary 🙂

    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Jean. I love yours, as well.

  33. P. J. Gudka

    How lovely, I’m off to read the interview. And your plants seem to be growing so well, I hope you continue enjoying them.

  34. Steps Of Purpose

    Mary, this was such a lovely read. The mix of friendship, blogging community, and your joy in gardening really shines through. Your garden sounds absolutely beautiful.There’s something so grounding about seeing that kind of abundance after all the rain. Thank you for sharing both your words and your world with us.

  35. ✒️🥣Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Everything looks so lush! Happy gardening, and thanks for the links.

  36. Lori Pohlman

    Such an adorable garden, Mary! You have a gift!

Talk to me. I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.