Summer has arrived at Longmeadow and the garden is overflowing with color and life. In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between a gardener’s plans and nature’s own ideas. You will see the peak of the vegetable harvest as we share the specific timing needed to pick broad beans for the best flavor and the proper technique for lifting elephant garlic to ensure it stays fresh. Then, we look at the breathtaking Clematis Montana and the importance of choosing multi-stemmed plants for long-term success. We also pay tribute to the legendary Marjorie Fish at East Lambrook Manor. Her signature style changed the way we think about cottage gardening by embracing a sense of freedom over rigid formality. For those looking to improve their own space, we demonstrate how to transform a long, narrow backyard into a series of inviting outdoor rooms using clever geometric design and structural planting. Finally, we look at groundbreaking research into honeybee behavior to understand which plants our pollinators actually value most, providing practical advice on how to make your garden a sanctuary for bees even in the shade.