IN THE GARDEN

On the 5th of July: After a week-long hot spell, our terrace garden is holding up well.

A new Amber Cactus Zinnia bloomed today, with its characteristic spikey petals.

Orange & Tangerine Zinnias reaching for the sun.

They are late this year, but the Japanese Beetles have finally arrived, and they are decimating our Roses again. Time to get out the Sevin spray -- Sayonara!

Cherry Tomatoes ripening on the vine this morning.

Heirloom Tomato & Cuke Salad, in Apple Cider vinaigrette, topped with Chives from the garden.

What's for dinner: Crispy Cajun Fried Chicken Breast, Egg-Potato Salad, made with Celery from the garden, and Heirloom Tomato & Cuke Salad.

Planted 2 months ago, the silks on our Cornstalks are emerging this week. With luck, the silks will be pollenated by the tassels high above, and we'll soon have some Corn.

After a lull, our Red Verbenas are in bloom again.

Our Chives are having their 2nd blooming this year.

Still green, our first Wax Bean will turn pale yellow as it matures.

A cascade of Pink Periwinkles.

The July 4th Fireworks along the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River in NYC.

The Chilean Navy tall ship Esmeralda participating in a parade of ships to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary in New York Harbor on the 4th of July.

In our garden: Two new 'Ichiban' Eggplants, nicknamed 'Dingle' & 'Dangle.'

What's on the kitchen counter on July 4th: White Nectarines, Plums & Bing Cherries for our Summer Stone Fruit Crumble Pie.