By LYNNE IRONS

If I could rename my perennial bed a meadow, I would feel smug in the knowledge that I was a raging success as a gardener. There must be something about this karma thing; how could a person get so far behind in one lifetime? I have learned to live with many of my weeds. In the early summer I had a huge amount of daisy fleabane which has reseeded everywhere. This aster relative (Erigeron annuus) received its common name from a belief that the dried flower heads of the plant could rid a dwelling of fleas. As if!

By LYNNE IRONS

By LYNNE IRONS

Let me get a couple of business items out of the way. I hate it when I tell a lame joke and no one gets it but me. To wit: last week I meant to call my old donkey an asinine along the lines of equine, bovine, porcine, feline and canine but my editor quoted me as saying he was an ass. Even she thinks I am hopeless.

By LYNNE IRONS

I have never been fond of mayonnaise but I like egg salad in the summer. It is so convenient for lunches. I use cottage cheese with a bit of Italian dressing mixed with the chopped eggs. It is a high protein food for children as well. The other evening I was too tired to make a proper supper and added some chopped cabbage to the mixture. It may turn into a new favorite.

By LYNNE IRONS

My friend Sharlee has done it again. She came up with another great food tip. Last summer in the peak of the tomato season, I shared with you her simple freezing method. Core the tomatoes, bag them, and pop into the freezer. In the dead of the winter running the fruit under cold water will immediately remove the skins and you are good to go. Soups, sauces and stews will be in the making.

By Lynne Irons