The landlady decided to have vinyl flooring and carpet installed last week. Steve and I had to move our furniture and most other belongings outside, including what's stored in the lower levels of closets. It was so odd to be standing on the lawn next to the computer and stacks of my books and stuffed animals, trying to stay out of the way of workmen while melting in Saturday's 100-degree heat! Things aren't all back in proper places yet; the refrigerator's on the back porch surrounded by potted plants.

With the recent renovations, including living room furniture we bought last month, our home's interior is looking much improved. I think that my garden is getting neglected in comparison.

Fall is creeping up on me: this week it's been noticeable that the days are shorter, although it's even hotter than mid-summer was. Yet I still have a couple hours after work to be out in the garden before dusk. I'll be devoting that time and parts of future weekends to watering, making the lawn look healthier, and weeding and trimming both container plants and hedges.

I'm trying to un-crowd the pathways a bit, as I evaluate the condition of containers and the plants that live in them. I've tossed broken plastic pots that held only ivy in the recycle bin, and am not going to replace wooden planters that've disintegrated. I'm often tempted by the gorgeous plants and big shiny pots at the garden store, and there are fall/winter crops or decorative plants I could start, but it might be wiser to simply appreciate what's already in the yard for now.

I've also been experimenting further with companion planting to consolidate space. There are now clusters of petunias and columbine moved under rosebushes, and herbs with tomatoes. I'm continuing to research which other plants have similar soil, water and sun preferences and won't compete too much for nutrients.