Geoff Duncan

The Pacific Northwest's late spring—really, more of an extended winter—has played a bit of havoc with some plants and trees. While some seemed to love the extended, damp weather that dominated from March through May (bluebells, tulips, hyacinths, maple seedlings), others have been struggling. For instance, the plum tree out back—you know, the plum tree out back that last year positively erupted—has nary a fruit on it this year.

So, yes friends, you're off the hook. Doesn't look like I'll be showing up unannounced with bags of plums or jars of jam.

However, if you're missing foxglove from your yard or neighborhood…it's here. Earlier this year I counted over 60 foxgloves getting started in the back yard, and now there's a little foxglove grove established between the pear and the plum.

All your foxglove are belong to us

All told, it's looking like a mixed year for the yard. The pear tree is producing fruit this year after having taken last year off—same with the grape vine. The poppies did great, several of the roses are putting on a good show, and the wild roses in particular seem to be having a great year. But the cherries are struggling, the lilacs were in bloom for maybe three days, and the plum…I'm going to miss the plum.