Anney, I only grow (1) lima & (1) runner bean in my main plot; but I try to grow 2-3 rows, in different locations. Both of these are tall, free flowering, and more attractive to bees than common beans... so they make great barrier crops. I use pole yardlongs as barriers too, but they are less effective, since the blossoms close early in the day. Multiple rows can enable a variety to be a barrier for itself. Provided that I have enough seed, I grow a row of limas on the outside of the garden (facing my neighbors), with a second row of the same variety close to the center. If the bees are very active, the center row is more likely to "cross" with the outside row than with anything grown by my neighbors. As Fusion mentioned, cucurbits (such as squash, melons, & cucumbers) make great barrier crops. I grow a lot of bitter melon, which is a vigorous climber. When grown on a trellis, it forms a dense flowering barrier as tall as the pole beans (fragrant too, when in bloom). Trellised cukes or Tromboncino squash work well too. Instead of placing all cukes & bitter melon in one large planting, I divide them up into 2-3 smaller plantings, scattered throughout the garden. I do the same thing with okra, dividing it into several rows at different locations. For flowers, I use cleome, a flowering mallow (Malva sylvestris "Zebrina"), sunflowers, cosmos, and basil. These are also dispersed throughout the garden. I can't speak highly enough of the "Zebrina" mallow; it flowers heavily & continuously, and is a really great pollen source. I've seen 6-7 different species of bees at the same time on a single plant, and large plantings will attract honeybees. It volunteers heavily, but to me that is a good thing... I choose my weeds carefully. ;-) It has now displaced the 2 wild mallows that were native to my area. When all of these barriers are combined (which takes a bit of planning), the effect is to create a maze that controls and/or restricts the movement of pollinators, and provides numerous places for them to "wipe their feet" as they cross the garden.

Jean/dirtpig, here is a pic of my MY Ways taken this season. This is it's first time to bloom for me so it may get better but I liked it. I love all the pics you are showing. That Linda Daniels is magnificient! Anita, your garden looks terrific. I wish I had the talent to mix things together like the rest of you do. I'd also like to recommend EarthlyDelights. I just finished a trade with her and she sent some very nice, healthy plants and she's a nice person to boot. ;-) Mary s your baby bird is so cute. I just love them. We usually have a nest in my clothes pin bag every year. Melissa your unknown is really pretty. Dawn, have fun on your trip! Angie, don't forget the noisemakers at that birthday party! That will be the most fun part. *evil grin* I hope everyone has a great weekend! We finally got a 2" rain yesterday. Everything was just about burnt up and today it was 103 with 80% humidity so you know where I am and tomorrow and Sunday will be more of the same. You'd think it would cook the grass and weeds in the beds but no, only the grass in the lawn dies! lol Nancy

Hey Daylily Lovers, If no one has an objection, I will get a July swap together. If someone else is already planning something, by all means, do your's because I've never done this and will probably goof. Here's what I'm planning... A freedom swap. I thought we could trade daylilies that have the words red, white, or blue in them or are that color. I've never seen a true blue daylily but many have the word blue in it, an example would be Blueberries and Cream. There's not many true whites, so cream, light yellow etc. is acceptable. If you have one of each name or color that would be great, that's best, but if you only have 3 that have red, but no white or blue, that's okay too. You may send as many daylilies as you want, but you must send at least 3 different kinds hopefully to fit into a patriotic theme. Also check your buddies list for special wants and fulfill any that you can. Lets make this a special month for as many as we can. If you want to participate in the Freedom Swap, I will need to know by July 10th and will get everyone partnered up. I will send out individual e-mails giving all group members a chance to participate in case some are not checking the site. ALL boxes must be received by JULY 31st unless you have made prior arrangements with your partner. In the meantime, here's some photos of my daylilies. Budsnblooms

Oh Anita I am so sorry that you are having this problem. You have had so much to deal with this last year. We will put you on our prayer list. The baby has gotten so big and handsome! He must be Grandmas pride and joy. To everyone else HELLO! LOL Yes I am still alive and kicking. We are still fighting for our dear Miss Julie. It will be 1 yr on Sept the 12th that we have been a family and not one of us are willing to give that up! She is getting so very big. As well as more beautiful everyday! We go to court again on the 18th of this month. There are so many DRs appts its hard to keep it all going. School starts back on the 26th of Aug so I am hoping to get back to my much needed gardens. They seemed to have missed me as well. LOL I am very excited about being able to swap this month I have sooo missed it. Could some let me know how we are to pick our 2? The best thing about this Summer other than our dear Miss Julie is that I have lost 107 pds!! Can you believe it cause I sure cant!!! This has actually been since Feb. LOL So getting a little girl and joining the Y has been my salvation. Sorry I dont mean to brag but am going to anyway! I went to the DR yest and they didnt reconize me. He thought he had the wrong folder! It was fantastic!!! Its so hard for me to see, that its amazing when someone that dosent see me that often has that kind of reaction. I have a friend that is a member here and on another garden site that would like to join us she is a wonderful trader, gardener and friend. Pins2006 her name is Carmen Perrotta. I am sure some of you know her she is a very special person. A most generous trader. I would also like to Thank each and everyone of you for all the kindness and support you have shown Julie and I this past year and many more to come! Cathy If I could ever figure out how to post photos here I would share some new ones of Miss Julie.