Early summer is beautiful. Flowers, fruit and vegetable gardens in backyards across the midlands are blooming.

Blackberry season brings a smile to my face. I remember my grandmother traipsing through the woods with kerosene soaked rags tied to her ankles to keep chiggers away. She always knew where those elusive blackberries hid deep in the woods.

Irmo resident Sherry Gray has already harvested big bowls of yummy blackberries from her backyard.

I acquired geraniums and ferns to beautify the back porch, but my small collection doesn’t compare to Sam and Debra Barnett’s backyard. Sam’s green thumb has nurtured a magnificent collection of flowers and plants. I may go back to visit for more gardening tips from a real pro!

It is not too late to start your homegrown tomatoes. Container gardens are an easy way to grow vegetables while kids learn a valuable life skill.

Rain is good for gardens and flowers, but too much causes flooding. The Irmo Town Council is asking for help identifying floodprone areas. They will be working with homeowners and County officials to develop a plan to help correct these areas. Call Whitt Cline at 803-608-0825 to report.