We have blooms on the squash vine! Now, will we get squash? Hm.

I think it is interesting that the flower is larger than the leaf. There are three different vines, all flowering, so there is a chance of pollination.n

The crossvine we planted at the corner of the chicken runs has come into its own. It has happily spread vines across the welded wire and is in bloom. My eldest even spotted a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower! We chose this location because it gets the most sun of anywhere in the yard, and to provide shade for the chickens in the hot summer. The vine is performing admirably.

My hibiscus is still producing blooms. Most are below the crown, hidden behind fading leaves, but we had one present front and center. I think it is interesting that it forms blooms from the top down over the season. The leaves are starting to get their fall wilt going; it is slightly cooler, but we are not at fall temperatures yet.

My melon vines are withering. There are still melons on the vine. They are not doing well.

I suddenly had melons turning yellow, but not a nice yellow. I rescued them from their fading lifelines, and gave them a good wash since they also had a gray-black color (possible culprit?).

The color on the flesh was OK, and the rind was thin, but the taste was watery, nothing like the loveliness of the last harvest. I scooped out the edible bits and threw it into fruit salad.

Two more went this way the next day. Maybe they have been too wet? We’ve had a few gushers making a valiant attempt to battle the drought.