Summer is nearly over. Our garden was really great. We had tons of cherry tomatoes that I'm still enjoying as a snack at work. We also have a bumper tomato crop. We're nearly finished with those. The cucumbers are gone as well as the red/green onions. They were so wonderful as well had lots of green onions and then used the larger ones as pearl onions. We should do that again next year.
The peppers are still growing and hopefully we will have many more to freeze.
All the flowers are gone now except the .... and the yellow mums in the front yard. It's about time to start the clean up. The veronicas have been cut down. Many more need to be. It's sad to see the end of such a lovely season.
One great note is that the north honeysuckle vine has made it to the top of the arbor. We look forward to lots of growth yet for those plants.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
August in the Garden
Most of the flowers are spent by now. The campanulas are still in bloom. Every single plant bloomed this year. I look forward to them growing and having a solid mass of white blooms along the pathway every year for nearly a month. I dead headed the large day lilies and the daisies. I still need to cut down the veronicas as they are dormant now. We did have a second bloom on the spirea. It is not as showy as the first but adds a little color out front.
In the back the polish prince clematis has bloomed a second time as well. They are really very beautiful. All the hostas are spent and need to be dead headed. I got all those done but the south edge. We still have trumpet vines blooming. Camilla cleaned up the patio under neath or we would be knee deep in blooms.
The roses have bloomed. The Julia Child is so lovely. They had some bugs which needs to be sprayed a little more consistently. The Wild Blue Yonder is blooming but is lost most of it's leaves and looks spindly. I'm not certain why and must do some research on it. I'm most disappointment with Moon Dance. The white flowers are small. I'm hoping that as it matures that will improve. All in all they have had a good year, but since this was their first year, I can't expect a lot.
The black eyed susans are still in bloom and look wonderful. There are still a more blooms left on the butterfly bush. It has done remarkable well and is over 4' and very lush. I'm really pleased with it.
In back the impatiences are doing well--at their loveliest. The collius and the begonias are beautiful too. next year I'm skipping the other flowers planted in there as they are completely gone. We still have to perfect the flower pots and the ones in the kitchen window. There were too many flowers and too little care.
I've also been very pleased with the hydrangeas. They've all grown well and we've had many blooms. I finally think they are well established.
In the back the polish prince clematis has bloomed a second time as well. They are really very beautiful. All the hostas are spent and need to be dead headed. I got all those done but the south edge. We still have trumpet vines blooming. Camilla cleaned up the patio under neath or we would be knee deep in blooms.
The roses have bloomed. The Julia Child is so lovely. They had some bugs which needs to be sprayed a little more consistently. The Wild Blue Yonder is blooming but is lost most of it's leaves and looks spindly. I'm not certain why and must do some research on it. I'm most disappointment with Moon Dance. The white flowers are small. I'm hoping that as it matures that will improve. All in all they have had a good year, but since this was their first year, I can't expect a lot.
The black eyed susans are still in bloom and look wonderful. There are still a more blooms left on the butterfly bush. It has done remarkable well and is over 4' and very lush. I'm really pleased with it.
In back the impatiences are doing well--at their loveliest. The collius and the begonias are beautiful too. next year I'm skipping the other flowers planted in there as they are completely gone. We still have to perfect the flower pots and the ones in the kitchen window. There were too many flowers and too little care.
I've also been very pleased with the hydrangeas. They've all grown well and we've had many blooms. I finally think they are well established.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Day Lillies In Bloom
The yellow day lillies are in full bloom. They look so great against the blue veronicas. The daisies are about expended and will need to be dead headed soon. More of the campanulas are blooming and look great. I think in years to come the white flowers along the border will look twonderful. Now to find something else to go behind them.
Wayne is disappointed at the south side. The asiatic lillies were not great, but I think they just need some time. It takes about 2 years to get something well established. The grass is struggling as well. I will give it some time before I rethink it.
The lavender is still is bloom and now the black eyed susans are starting. Also we have some wonderfully big blooms on the butterfly bush. The hostas are doing great as well. We've keep the roses pruned back, but i think they are doing well and hopefully will get established this year. We will still have to replace one of them and I am looking for a pink grandiflora.
We've harvested beans, green onions, and zuchini out of the garden. It is doing well this year. We've not lost a plant.
The weather has been warmer but we've kept up with the work.
The new guinea impatient is doing well-loaded with flowers. The deck flowers are great, but the pots on the front porch look rather pathetic. I wish I could get them to look as nice as the deck flowers . Maybe I just need to rethink what I am putting there.
Wayne is disappointed at the south side. The asiatic lillies were not great, but I think they just need some time. It takes about 2 years to get something well established. The grass is struggling as well. I will give it some time before I rethink it.
The lavender is still is bloom and now the black eyed susans are starting. Also we have some wonderfully big blooms on the butterfly bush. The hostas are doing great as well. We've keep the roses pruned back, but i think they are doing well and hopefully will get established this year. We will still have to replace one of them and I am looking for a pink grandiflora.
We've harvested beans, green onions, and zuchini out of the garden. It is doing well this year. We've not lost a plant.
The weather has been warmer but we've kept up with the work.
The new guinea impatient is doing well-loaded with flowers. The deck flowers are great, but the pots on the front porch look rather pathetic. I wish I could get them to look as nice as the deck flowers . Maybe I just need to rethink what I am putting there.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Cool Weather in July
The weather has turned cool again, which makes it much easier to keep the lawn green.
The garden is growing well with tomatoes, beans and zucchini in flower. We'll have zucchini to eat soon and beans as well.
The balloon flowers are in bloom as well as the astilbe and the lavender in the back yard. The Walmart hostas are also starting to bloom. We have large blooms on one of the hydrangea. One little Julia Child rose bloomed. It was short lived so we have to quickly clip it. It's been tough keeping the blooms off the roses although necessary for proper root growth.
In the front yard, the daisies are in full bloom as well as the campanulas. I look forward to a couple of years from now when all those plants are in bloom. The large day lilies are about ready to bloom as well. There should be a big show with all the blooms. The veronicas are starting to bloom, but I have never been happy with the flowering. They just aren't big and showy enough for my tastes.
Wayne trimmed the spirea and the barberry. They are looking well groomed and allow all the other plants to show up better. I think along the walkway could use another plant, but I'm still in doubt as to what that should be.
Over the weekend we split the iris and gave more room to the rest of the flowers. We planted a small part of them along the south side. I gave some to Julie and want to give the rest away as well, if I can find any takers.
The garden is growing well with tomatoes, beans and zucchini in flower. We'll have zucchini to eat soon and beans as well.
The balloon flowers are in bloom as well as the astilbe and the lavender in the back yard. The Walmart hostas are also starting to bloom. We have large blooms on one of the hydrangea. One little Julia Child rose bloomed. It was short lived so we have to quickly clip it. It's been tough keeping the blooms off the roses although necessary for proper root growth.
In the front yard, the daisies are in full bloom as well as the campanulas. I look forward to a couple of years from now when all those plants are in bloom. The large day lilies are about ready to bloom as well. There should be a big show with all the blooms. The veronicas are starting to bloom, but I have never been happy with the flowering. They just aren't big and showy enough for my tastes.
Wayne trimmed the spirea and the barberry. They are looking well groomed and allow all the other plants to show up better. I think along the walkway could use another plant, but I'm still in doubt as to what that should be.
Over the weekend we split the iris and gave more room to the rest of the flowers. We planted a small part of them along the south side. I gave some to Julie and want to give the rest away as well, if I can find any takers.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hot Begins
This week is the first week that it has been really hot. Wayne watered the lawn for the first time. We have to do something to water the south side of the garage better. Wayne tried to soaker hose but was really discouraged with the uneven water patterns. We decided to use the system we had left from the garden. It works well there and would do a better job of keeping things wet along that area. The flowers get dried out as well as the grass since it's on a hill and gets the south sun plus the reflection from the light siding on the garage.
Wayne has put grass clippings on the garden which will help keep the weeds down. Monday we spent 2 hours out there working. Things are looking great but there is more to do.
The coreopsis is in bloom as well as the stell o dora day lilies. We have some asiatic lilies in bloom and the cat mint. The grass is doing a little better on the south side, but still looks pretty rough. The clumps may have been too old to move properly. The hydrangeas are also starting to bloom. They are still very young plants but I am pleased the are doing well.
Wayne has put grass clippings on the garden which will help keep the weeds down. Monday we spent 2 hours out there working. Things are looking great but there is more to do.
The coreopsis is in bloom as well as the stell o dora day lilies. We have some asiatic lilies in bloom and the cat mint. The grass is doing a little better on the south side, but still looks pretty rough. The clumps may have been too old to move properly. The hydrangeas are also starting to bloom. They are still very young plants but I am pleased the are doing well.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Clematis
The clematis is in full bloom. It is never been more beautiful.
Name: Clematis
Variety: Marie Louise
Color: Purple
Height: 10-15'
Type: Vine
Sun: Shade
Bloom Time: Mid-May
These two we purchased at Lowes. They were $6 each, which really isn't much for the wonderful flowers and the years of growth. I planted them behind the arborvitae under the tall deck. I am training them to fill the area. This is the 4th year and they are blooming the most we've ever seen.
Name: Clematis
Variety: Marie Louise
Color: Purple
Height: 10-15'
Type: Vine
Sun: Shade
Bloom Time: Mid-May
These two we purchased at Lowes. They were $6 each, which really isn't much for the wonderful flowers and the years of growth. I planted them behind the arborvitae under the tall deck. I am training them to fill the area. This is the 4th year and they are blooming the most we've ever seen.
More Great Weather
We had little time to do anything outside this week. Wayne did get the iris trimmed and some weeding up the path. Other than that, the spirea are still spectacular and the stella odoro day lilies are blooming. We have some white on the campanulas. I need to get pictures of a few more of these to add to my flower list. There are loads of buds on the daisies and veronicas. I look forward to those blooming as well.
It has turned really warm but we've had gobs of rain and not needed to water anything lately. That won't last, but right now we are enjoying this heavenly weather.
It has turned really warm but we've had gobs of rain and not needed to water anything lately. That won't last, but right now we are enjoying this heavenly weather.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Beautiful Weather
We've had really wonderful weather. Lots of sun and some rain on Saturday morning. The lawn is green and hasn't needed to be watered. The plants are growing well. So far we haven't lost anything out of the garden.
The iris have expired so now it's time to split and move some. I did some trimming off the peony. They are still blooming along the east. The spirea are beautifully in bloom and other plants are budding ready to bloom. The clematis have been exceptionally beautiful this year.
The oriental poppies have bloomed so I am hoping that they will make it through the summer and survive the winter. I want my money back if they don't. As as luck would have it, they are a beautiful red.
The iris have expired so now it's time to split and move some. I did some trimming off the peony. They are still blooming along the east. The spirea are beautifully in bloom and other plants are budding ready to bloom. The clematis have been exceptionally beautiful this year.
The oriental poppies have bloomed so I am hoping that they will make it through the summer and survive the winter. I want my money back if they don't. As as luck would have it, they are a beautiful red.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Fertilizer
Last night the weather was perfect for getting in the stakes.
In the front:
1 each for the lilac
1 each for the pear tree
1 each for the tulip tree
1 in between the arborvitae
1 rose stake for the weigela
South:
1 in between the yews
In the back:
1 each for the red bud and the dogwood trees
1 in between the arborvitae
1 in between the spirea
1 inbetween the forsythia
1 for butterfly bush
1 each for the blue spruce
Roses:
1 small each
In the front:
1 each for the lilac
1 each for the pear tree
1 each for the tulip tree
1 in between the arborvitae
1 rose stake for the weigela
South:
1 in between the yews
In the back:
1 each for the red bud and the dogwood trees
1 in between the arborvitae
1 in between the spirea
1 inbetween the forsythia
1 for butterfly bush
1 each for the blue spruce
Roses:
1 small each
Saturday, June 6, 2009
No Rain
We've had wonderfully cool weather all week but no rain. Yesterday we spent time out watering. Everything but the petunias by the park bench needed water.
We dug up the grass in the lower south planter and added two bags of top soil. Wayne turned everything over. We planted the pussy toes and the garlic chives. I did have two little plants of regular chives left that I planted. I do hope that they grow. I was not able to find a regular chives plant this year so far. The other one was just taken over by grass and by the vine. Now that the vine is gone, we can keep it free of grass and cultivate perennials there.
We dug up the grass in the lower south planter and added two bags of top soil. Wayne turned everything over. We planted the pussy toes and the garlic chives. I did have two little plants of regular chives left that I planted. I do hope that they grow. I was not able to find a regular chives plant this year so far. The other one was just taken over by grass and by the vine. Now that the vine is gone, we can keep it free of grass and cultivate perennials there.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Late May Blooms
Above white peonies in full bloom. Below the wonderful contrast of the pinks and the iris.
Above deep purple clematis. Below blue clematis.
Above blue iris. Below neon pinks.
Annuals & Vegetables
Front Yard:
Big urns: 10 red petunias per each
Big red pots by bench: 8 white petunias per each
Red ceramic pots on steps: 4 verbena per each
Deck:
Under the chimney: 8 pink, 4 white, 8 red impatience
1 New guinea impatience
Large white pot: 3 white begonias, 4 snap dragons, 4 mixed coleus
Red pots: 6 mixed petunias, 1 spike per each
5 pots down steps: 1 each white begonia
Kitchen Window:
8 zinnias mixed colors
Hanging plants:
white petiunias with 2 other types of plants. We split on pot into two. Next year use miracle grow potting mix to suppliment.
We used Miracle Grow potting mix plus fertilizer for the window box. We should not have to fertilize that. We used it also in the begonia pots down the steps.
Vegetables
4 zucchini
4 green, 4 red, 4 yellow peppers
4 cucumbers
4 cherry tomatoes
12 tomatoes
1 pack onions
Big urns: 10 red petunias per each
Big red pots by bench: 8 white petunias per each
Red ceramic pots on steps: 4 verbena per each
Deck:
Under the chimney: 8 pink, 4 white, 8 red impatience
1 New guinea impatience
Large white pot: 3 white begonias, 4 snap dragons, 4 mixed coleus
Red pots: 6 mixed petunias, 1 spike per each
5 pots down steps: 1 each white begonia
Kitchen Window:
8 zinnias mixed colors
Hanging plants:
white petiunias with 2 other types of plants. We split on pot into two. Next year use miracle grow potting mix to suppliment.
We used Miracle Grow potting mix plus fertilizer for the window box. We should not have to fertilize that. We used it also in the begonia pots down the steps.
Vegetables
4 zucchini
4 green, 4 red, 4 yellow peppers
4 cucumbers
4 cherry tomatoes
12 tomatoes
1 pack onions
Pictures from the Garden
April and May have been loaded with color in the yard. From the moss phlox above to the purple lilacs below.
Below are the moss phlox wit the grape hyacinths.
The spirea gold flame in the spring are a wonderful organge. I love the colors.
The American Redbud in full bloom.
Here the bleeding heart is just starting to bloom. It was even better than this.
Saturday Planting
Saturday morning was a beautiful day. We went to Sells and picked up our vegetables. Hopefully we will have a good crop of tomatoes and cucumbers this year. We picked up loads of onions too. I do enjoy the fresh green onions on a regular basis.
After shopping we came home and did the rest of the annual planting. The callalilly was sprouting and ready to be planted again this year. I have more active tubers than every. We also split the one hanging basket we purchased into two and put it into two different baskets. Hopefully they will do better this year and not die out so fast.
We planted the rest of the deck pots and they are looking good as well. Wayne put the kitchen pot up on the hanging.
Afterward we pruned the veronicas, deadheaded the daffodils and tulips and did a little weeding. It was so enjoyable to be outside. We have more weeding the back and now we have to get the vegetables in the ground. I look forward to good weather.
This past week I had been so terribly exhausted all week long. On Thursday Wayne dragged me outside to get the annuals planted. I was reluctant to go, but just a few minutes of sitting out there, taking plants out of the containers rejuvenated me. I felt refreshed and my old self again.
Working in the garden is magic.
After shopping we came home and did the rest of the annual planting. The callalilly was sprouting and ready to be planted again this year. I have more active tubers than every. We also split the one hanging basket we purchased into two and put it into two different baskets. Hopefully they will do better this year and not die out so fast.
We planted the rest of the deck pots and they are looking good as well. Wayne put the kitchen pot up on the hanging.
Afterward we pruned the veronicas, deadheaded the daffodils and tulips and did a little weeding. It was so enjoyable to be outside. We have more weeding the back and now we have to get the vegetables in the ground. I look forward to good weather.
This past week I had been so terribly exhausted all week long. On Thursday Wayne dragged me outside to get the annuals planted. I was reluctant to go, but just a few minutes of sitting out there, taking plants out of the containers rejuvenated me. I felt refreshed and my old self again.
Working in the garden is magic.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Rose and Poppy Planting
On Monday we got the rose bush into the ground. All the roses are looking healthy and strong. We also planted the asters, the coreposis and the poppy. Now to see if they will grow.
Spirea in Bloom
The bridal spirea that we purchased last year are in full bloom. I'm so pleased that they are doing so well. It makes me disgruntled though at the two bushes we purchased the year before. They are still shrimpy and only have two or three flowers on them, not covered like the other three. I will never again plant in the fall.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wet Week
It has been a rainy wet week so we have not been able to get outside a lot. We did get out on Monday to mow the lawn and to do some weeding. But as for the rest of the week it has been just too wet to get out and finish planting the perennials and the rose bush that we bought. It has also been too cold to eat out on the deck.
More Purchase
We did find an oriental poppy at Plymouth Nursery. It cost $10 so it better live. We're saving the receipt in case it does die.
We also purchased another lovely rose bush--wild blue yonder. It's the same one that did not make it through the season last year. It was only $10 more than the oriental poppy--go figure.
We also purchased another lovely rose bush--wild blue yonder. It's the same one that did not make it through the season last year. It was only $10 more than the oriental poppy--go figure.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
New Plants
Yesterday we went to two places to pick up plants. We found many that were just right.
Coleman's
14 more white campanulas to go along the front walkway
2 coreopsis; early sunrise; 18" with yellow flowers; full sun; blooms in summer
2 asters; alpinus gollath: 10" with lavender flowers; full sun; blooms in June
2 pussy toes; antennaria dioica; 6" with light pink flowers; full sun; ground cover with silver leaves
Home Depot
2 catmint; nepeta wakers low; 10" plus flowers; lavender; full sun; blooms in summper
We could not find some oriental poppies. I'm a little discouraged about getting some to grow. I'm checkin with the Laws to see if they have some I can have.
Coleman's
14 more white campanulas to go along the front walkway
2 coreopsis; early sunrise; 18" with yellow flowers; full sun; blooms in summer
2 asters; alpinus gollath: 10" with lavender flowers; full sun; blooms in June
2 pussy toes; antennaria dioica; 6" with light pink flowers; full sun; ground cover with silver leaves
Home Depot
2 catmint; nepeta wakers low; 10" plus flowers; lavender; full sun; blooms in summper
We could not find some oriental poppies. I'm a little discouraged about getting some to grow. I'm checkin with the Laws to see if they have some I can have.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Good Medicine
I was feeling rather low today. However, it was a beautiful day and after lunch we went to work in the garden. It was heavenly being out there seeing all the new things growing.
The redbud tree is now in bloom. It is doing well and the trunk is thick enough for us to remove the three supports. I just wish it were taller. I suppose in time it will grow to a good height.
The bleeding heart is blooming. It isn't as full as it was last year, but still is giving a good show. Around the bleedin heart, the columbine are up as well as the candy tuft in bloom. I look for more flowers on both. I have two little pips from the lilies of the valley growing. Gee they are hard to get started.
Our heavy mulching did wonders on the butterfly bush. We already have green showing. We pruned the stems back to 15" and uncovered the heavy mulch. This is the real secret to getting these to open up in the spring. I think the roots live close to the surface and are too exposed in winter.
The lavender is growing well. Last year it took a long time to recover after cutting it back, so this year we did not cut it back at all. It has greened up nicely and I did a little trimming on it today.
Other things are up--the hydrangeas are growing well. We finally got them established. The iris are going to be gorgeous and I think we need to move some some of the roots to the south planter box so they don't crowd other plants.
The black-eyed susans are well established. Finally the astilbe are expanding. I am so glad to see that. It has taken around 4 years. The pinks are doing well and the balloon flowers are starting to grow.
I pruned the roses and the three bushes are growing, although the small one I bought at the end of the summer is doing the best. We lost the red grandiflora and will need to replace that. All three of the peonies that I transplanted are growing. I also have three on the south side that will need to be transplanted during the year. My peony garden will now be complete.
The spirea that we planted last spring are doing so well. I'm really pleased with them. However, the older ones are still struggling, but they are growing. All 4 burning bush are also growing although one of them is budding a little late
Disappointments--we didn't get the asters transplanted in time. So I lost them, but for a couple of dollars I can replace that. I still need to find more plants to go into the iris garden. I would like more color there. And the biggest was that the poppy that I nurtured so well, vanished. All that was left was a clump of dirt. I need to find a better way to get some of those going.
We spent several hours outside, weeding and taking care of the plants. We tied up three of the arborvitae that had wintered a little hard. I think they will survive nicely, though. I enjoyed myself so much. I think as the year progresses well enjoy the garden as it changes and colors come and go. I do love how wonderful it is. It refreshed me immensely.
The redbud tree is now in bloom. It is doing well and the trunk is thick enough for us to remove the three supports. I just wish it were taller. I suppose in time it will grow to a good height.
The bleeding heart is blooming. It isn't as full as it was last year, but still is giving a good show. Around the bleedin heart, the columbine are up as well as the candy tuft in bloom. I look for more flowers on both. I have two little pips from the lilies of the valley growing. Gee they are hard to get started.
Our heavy mulching did wonders on the butterfly bush. We already have green showing. We pruned the stems back to 15" and uncovered the heavy mulch. This is the real secret to getting these to open up in the spring. I think the roots live close to the surface and are too exposed in winter.
The lavender is growing well. Last year it took a long time to recover after cutting it back, so this year we did not cut it back at all. It has greened up nicely and I did a little trimming on it today.
Other things are up--the hydrangeas are growing well. We finally got them established. The iris are going to be gorgeous and I think we need to move some some of the roots to the south planter box so they don't crowd other plants.
The black-eyed susans are well established. Finally the astilbe are expanding. I am so glad to see that. It has taken around 4 years. The pinks are doing well and the balloon flowers are starting to grow.
I pruned the roses and the three bushes are growing, although the small one I bought at the end of the summer is doing the best. We lost the red grandiflora and will need to replace that. All three of the peonies that I transplanted are growing. I also have three on the south side that will need to be transplanted during the year. My peony garden will now be complete.
The spirea that we planted last spring are doing so well. I'm really pleased with them. However, the older ones are still struggling, but they are growing. All 4 burning bush are also growing although one of them is budding a little late
Disappointments--we didn't get the asters transplanted in time. So I lost them, but for a couple of dollars I can replace that. I still need to find more plants to go into the iris garden. I would like more color there. And the biggest was that the poppy that I nurtured so well, vanished. All that was left was a clump of dirt. I need to find a better way to get some of those going.
We spent several hours outside, weeding and taking care of the plants. We tied up three of the arborvitae that had wintered a little hard. I think they will survive nicely, though. I enjoyed myself so much. I think as the year progresses well enjoy the garden as it changes and colors come and go. I do love how wonderful it is. It refreshed me immensely.
Monday, April 27, 2009
New in the Garden
We took a walk about tonight and saw so many wonderful things. I spent a week in Boston and when I came home all this had happened. The pear trees and in bloom and the tulips have opened. Just click on the pictures to see a large view.
The north side has moss phlox and the pear tree. The daffodills are fading as are the grape hyacinths (they need to be moved where they can be seen.)
The tulips along the south of the garage have opened, but there are still many more to come.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Forsythia
Sunday the forsythia were starting to bloom. It is so wonderful to see the bit of yellow everywhere. I love this bit of color and cheer after the dead winter.
I'm in Boston and there are forsythia everywhere, plus the buds on the trees are starting to show. They are about a week ahead of us in Michigan. By the time I get back the forsythia should be in full bloom. Spring is finally here.
I'm in Boston and there are forsythia everywhere, plus the buds on the trees are starting to show. They are about a week ahead of us in Michigan. By the time I get back the forsythia should be in full bloom. Spring is finally here.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Camilla's Request
The daffodils have bloomed and provide a welcome spot of yellow in the bare garden. On the north side, the entire group came up again on schedule. However, the south side only about 50% came up this year. I am a bit disappointed and will need to transplant some from the north side to the south. The south side is shaded by the house and probably didn't get the sun it needed for the 2nd year growth.
The buds on the lilac are really swollen and there is a tinge of green. Spring is on its way.
The garden is still very much asleep, but Camilla wanted to see pictures anyway.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Snow
Well it finally hit us--after hitting Wyoming and Kansas. We got 4 inches of snow last night and it is still snowing. The roads aren't bad though. I'm not too concerned about my flowers unless we get freezing rain. We generally get an April snow--sometimes much later in the month. it should clear out in a few days and be warm again.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Moving Plants
It is so good to be working out in the yard again. The sun was really warm and the sky was clear. However, the wind was a bit nippy and made sitting in the shade tough.
Pruning trees: took quite a few branches off the north pear tree and a little off the south tree. We also did some trimming on the tulip tree on the parking strip.
South of garage: We moved two ornamental grass plants, splitting the one so that we had three plants; one each edge of the garage and one in the middle. In between we marked the place for the cat mint with a stake. I still need to purchase that this spring. We planted the new lillium--16 plants in all. The Centerfold went in back with two plants and then one each of the Lollipop and the Algarve in front. I look forward to those blooming this summer.
Our next task was to plant the new peony and move one of the ones purchased last year. This was pretty easy since the beds were ready. We put the dark pink Karl Rosenfeld in line with the old white one toward the east. The pink one that was purchased last year we moved to inside the garden. It will fill in the space between the honeysuckle vine and the burning bush.
We then moved the other honeysuckle vine to the opposite side of the arbor. Wayne had to do quite a bit of digging to prepare the place and then we trimmed the old vine and dug it up. The roots were huge so I hope we got enough of them to get it established in its permanant home. Once the job was complete it looked good. Now just to see if they will take root.
We still have two more peonies to move, but that will have to wait until next week to do that.
I was pleased to find that the burning bush that gave us so much trouble has buds. This means that our uprooting it and replanting it as well as pruning back the dead, has saved it. I just hope we can eventually prune it so that it is a nice shape again. Right now it's a little lopsided.
Now that the vine is out of the planter on the south side we can get the wild grass cleaned out of it and make use of that bed. I need to spend time deciding upon more plants for the south east corner of the lot. When I find them, I can plant them in this area and tend them until they are ready to move. I look forward to doing that.
Pruning trees: took quite a few branches off the north pear tree and a little off the south tree. We also did some trimming on the tulip tree on the parking strip.
South of garage: We moved two ornamental grass plants, splitting the one so that we had three plants; one each edge of the garage and one in the middle. In between we marked the place for the cat mint with a stake. I still need to purchase that this spring. We planted the new lillium--16 plants in all. The Centerfold went in back with two plants and then one each of the Lollipop and the Algarve in front. I look forward to those blooming this summer.
Our next task was to plant the new peony and move one of the ones purchased last year. This was pretty easy since the beds were ready. We put the dark pink Karl Rosenfeld in line with the old white one toward the east. The pink one that was purchased last year we moved to inside the garden. It will fill in the space between the honeysuckle vine and the burning bush.
We then moved the other honeysuckle vine to the opposite side of the arbor. Wayne had to do quite a bit of digging to prepare the place and then we trimmed the old vine and dug it up. The roots were huge so I hope we got enough of them to get it established in its permanant home. Once the job was complete it looked good. Now just to see if they will take root.
We still have two more peonies to move, but that will have to wait until next week to do that.
I was pleased to find that the burning bush that gave us so much trouble has buds. This means that our uprooting it and replanting it as well as pruning back the dead, has saved it. I just hope we can eventually prune it so that it is a nice shape again. Right now it's a little lopsided.
Now that the vine is out of the planter on the south side we can get the wild grass cleaned out of it and make use of that bed. I need to spend time deciding upon more plants for the south east corner of the lot. When I find them, I can plant them in this area and tend them until they are ready to move. I look forward to doing that.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Fertilizer
Wayne put out the fertilizer on Wednesday. It was rainy and a little cold, but still good weather. The grass is just starting to show a little green so hopefully we got this in time.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Vernal Equinox
Vernal Equinox was on Friday. The weather has been quite cold and so things are still pretty dormant. We had one really warm day. The grass is starting to get a tinge of green. On Saturday we picked up some fertilizer and expect to get it on the grass this coming week.
The great news, though, was that I picked up two dark pink peony roots for very little. I'm very excited about them because I mainly have to get these things through the internet and then the shipping is costly. I also talked Wayne into Asiatic lilies. They will be tall and gorgeous along the edge of the garage during summer. We picked up three varieties with a total of 24 bulbs. I look forward to redoing that area this year.
Wayne needs to do a bit of pruning on the trees in front but they are really in good shape.
The great news, though, was that I picked up two dark pink peony roots for very little. I'm very excited about them because I mainly have to get these things through the internet and then the shipping is costly. I also talked Wayne into Asiatic lilies. They will be tall and gorgeous along the edge of the garage during summer. We picked up three varieties with a total of 24 bulbs. I look forward to redoing that area this year.
Wayne needs to do a bit of pruning on the trees in front but they are really in good shape.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring is Coming
Yesterday we walked the yard and discovered lots of new life. The daffodills have poked up along with the grape hyacinths and the tulips. The lilacs and the pear trees have large, fat buds, which look ready to burst although we are several weeks away from that. In the back the dogwood faired the winter without rabbits nibbling on the bark. The trunk is getting much fatter although it's barely 6 ft tall.
Much of the edging has popped up and needs to be pounded down, but that is understandable from the frost heave we've had. The bushes along the north of the deck seemed to have survived. The one we moved to the south side of the house had tipped over. If it doesn't survive, it won't be that big of a loss.
After such a long hard winter, it was so wonderful to walk around and see all of our wonderful plants.
We have some pruning to do on the big trees in the front and we need to make a determination about when to prune back the butter fly bush. Work has begun.
Much of the edging has popped up and needs to be pounded down, but that is understandable from the frost heave we've had. The bushes along the north of the deck seemed to have survived. The one we moved to the south side of the house had tipped over. If it doesn't survive, it won't be that big of a loss.
After such a long hard winter, it was so wonderful to walk around and see all of our wonderful plants.
We have some pruning to do on the big trees in the front and we need to make a determination about when to prune back the butter fly bush. Work has begun.
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