New Bulbs

We found some really nice bulbs at Pinters.  Today we put them in the ground in the back around the white rose.  I look forward to a spot of color there in the spring

Crocus 20 bulbs in three patches:  Golden Yellow

Hyacinthus Orientalis  Carnegie (white) 4 bulbs
Hyacinthus Orientalis :  Pink Pearl   4 bulbs

These will bloom a little after the crocus.

More Work In The Yard

It was a sunny warm day so right after work we went right outside to do yard work.   We got a number of projects off our list, but it was so wonderful.   We transplanted the mother of thyme to the back of the hillside and a patch of moss phlox as well.  That will leave the south west planter completely empty for next spring.  

We did weeding around the waterfall and put more rocks down.   Wayne also cut down the peonies. 

Fall in the Garden

I spent time trimming roses and doing some annual removal and some weeding.   The Livin Easy, the Julia Child and the JFK and still blooming.   Also there are lots of flowers in the Raspberry Surprise dianthus.   It was a gorgeous day yesterday and so wonderful to be out in the garden.

Putting the Garden To Bed

Wayne has cut off the cala lily and the hostas.   The weather is below freezing every night now although in the 50s  during the day.    We still need to seal the large stones on the waterfall, drain it and put the pump away.   All the garden is now dug up as well. 

Lawn

Monday night Wayne put the fall fertilizer on the lawn.  The patches he did at the first of September have done really well.   The ones in the back yard took right away.  The ones in the front he had to delay doing them, so the grass was quite yellow when he put it down, but it has turned green and blended right in. 

Color in the Yard

 The petunias on the front porch are the loveliest we've ever had.  They fill the urn and cascade over plus the silver leaf has grown up through them.

 This is the burning bush in the back yard.  They are a vibrant red and can be seen and enjoyed right out the patio door.

The Livin Easy Rose has turned this magnificent orange.  It is incredibly vibrant.

Garden Mum

Name:  Garden Mum
Variety:  Chrysanthemum Tabitha Scarlet
Type:  Perennial
 Light:  Full Sun
Size:  2' x 2 '
Bloom time:  September
Flower color:  Scarlet
Fragrance: None
Plant location: Front of house West side in front of arborvitae

These were purchased at Sells last year.  They bloomed well and are blooming again.  They add a nice bit of color to the front.

Fall Is Here

The burning bushing is turning red. The JFK is in full bloom. The Julia Child roses have turned pink, and the Livin Easy is a vibrant orange. Cool temperatures do interesting things to plants.

In the Garden

The mums are starting to bloom out front and the Black-eyed susans are still in bloom.  We are starting to take out the annuals in pots.

Out back the burning bush is changing color as is the dog-wood tree.   There are still some flowers in bloom--the JFK rose for one, but most everything is looking dormant.

The temps get into low 40s at night and the sun sets at 8 pm.  Fall is coming fast.

In Bloom

The roses are in bloom again--Julia Child, QE2 and Livin Easy.   The Wild Blue Yonder has lots of bud and there are even buds on the JFK.  It's such a pleasure to see them bloom.

There are odds and ends of other flowers as well.   The coreopsis has bloomed; the clematis has a few flowers; the black eyed susans; the raspberry surprise diantus and the shrub altea.  The garlic chives are such a delight.  They glow in the light of the waterfall at night with many lace like blooms.   I've really enjoyed those.

The grass has also come back and is green and plush.   It feels so good to walk on it with bare feet.

Spirea

The spirea in front have bloomed again although not as spectacular as the spring blooms.   It's so nice to have a little more color.   The campanulas are still blooming and there are still yellow flowers on the Black Eyed Susans.   I am going to really like that flower.

Geraniums

I have some lovely Martha Washington geraniums.   They bloomed at the first of the summer, then the heat withered them but they are blooming again.   I'm going to try and winter them in the basement like I do the calalilies:

Cut the geraniums back and bring them inside, without the dirt and pots. Keep them in a cool location such as the basement and in a netted bag. Check them monthly for wrinkling. If they are wrinkling, dip them into tepid water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate. In February, repot and place in a sunny window or under grow lights. If your begonia are the fibrous rooted type, they can be brought indoors and grown as potted plants because their demand for light is not as high as geraniums. If the begonias are the tuberous type, you are better off letting them dry down and storing the tubers in a cool location for most of the winter. Repot them in February and give them the same treatment as you would your geraniums.

Shrub Althea Chiffon White

Name:  Shrub Althea, Chiffon White
Variety:  Hibiscus syriacus notwoodtwo
Type:  Shrub
 Light:  Full to Part Sun
Size:  8' x 6'
Bloom time:  Mid Summer
Flower color:  White
Fragrance: None
Plant location: North East Corner of the house
Care:   Fertilize with stake fertilizer in spring


This was developed by Monrovia.   When it becomes 8' tall it is going to be spectacular.

Transplanting

Last night I spent time watering the hills side while Wayne sprayed weed killer on the lawn--too many weeds.  Then we moved the Scent First Passion Dianthus to the north side of the hill.  We just couldn't enjoy it where it was.  We watered thoroughly and hopefully it will make it.  We also moved some more purple iris just in front of the electrical box on the south side.  That should hide it.

The periwinkle has not done well on the hill side.  We decided to transplant the mother of thyme down there.   It grows profusely and is just the ticket to keep the soil in place.  I don't know why we didn't think of that before since it really isn't something we are concerned about the way it looks.  Mother of thyme is more ground cover, but should work well.  We'll do that this fall. 

New Purchase

I promised Wayne that we would wait until fall to get any more plants but I found garden phlox at Meijers--3 plants for $13--that's $4 per plant--so I purchased 6 (actually two pots of three).  They will have to be potted plants until fall before we can plant them, but it was just too cheap considering they are $12 each at Home Depot.   This would have cost well over $70.  I am so pleased. 

We also purchase 8 12"x 12" blocks for my fire pit pad.  

News in the Garden

Back yard:  One of the new iris is growing.   I can't find the other one.  Two of the new stargazer lily is growing.   I am still hoping for more of that purchase.

The delphiniums did not make it.   I will try again next years or this fall if I can find them.

The Julia Child rose is incredible--covered with lots of blooms.

The JFK is blooming well too.   I'm encouraged. 

There are blossoms on the viburnum.  I think it might survive.  The black eyed susan is still marginal.

One of the dianthus on the hill did not make it either.  I want to move the other dianthus to the north.  The east dianthus has one bloom on it--it has been successfully transplanted.

The lupine has two more blossoms on it.   It has been delightful.

Garden News

The black-eyed susan had a tough day and is looking bad again, but the viburnum still has new growth.   The Julia Child is totally loaded with blossoms.   I have never seen it so beautiful.  All our watering and fertilizer is doing great things.   Just wish the hydrangea's would bloom.

Garden News

Last night was a cool night and so we were out working.   The viburnum has new growth on it.   I am hopeful that it will recover and grow.  The black-eyed susan is also recovering.

Blooming in the Garden

In front:  Black-eyed Susan, yellow day lily, white campanulas.
South:  Shrub althea, trumpet vine
In Back:   purple clematis, lupine, roses, coreopsis, dianthus, hostas, honey suckle vine has rebloomed.

The viburum seems to be recovering.  However, the new black-eyed susan looks terrible.  It was just too hot this year for new plants.

Lupine--More Surprise

We had no idea if the Lupine would produce any more flowers after the one spectacular one.   We were pleasantly surprised to see two more.  These are not as grand, but actually, I think, they are prettier.

Black Eyed Susan

Name:  Black Eyed Susan
Variety:  Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii Goldsturm
Type:  Perennial
Light:  Full Sun
Size:  18" tall
Bloom time:  July-Aug
Flower color:  Yellow
Fragrance:  None
Plant location:  back yard waterfall hill east side

We also put two of these in the front.  They are long bloomers and add great color to August/September.

News

The new iris and lily planted in the perennial garden are coming up.   I was so happy to see that.   The lupine also has more flowers on it.   The show is not over yet.  All the roses have buds, which is really great to have them contiually in bloom.   I sprayed them because there were evidence that bugs have been munching on them.   We moved a dianthus on the east of waterfall forward and planted the new rudbeckia in back of it.   It will give some color on that side this time of year and the poor plant was just too crowded in the pot.  The cooler weather made it possible.  We hope they survive.

More Heat

The whole week was so hot we barely poked our head outside.   Virtually nothing got off the task list but bloom boosting.   We are watering a lot more now.

The yellow day lilies are in bloom in the front and add some needed color.

Heat Wave

It has been horribly hot all June and Wednesday temps reached 101 again.   The hydrangea on the south was wilted yesterday.   We put the soaker hose on it and it perked back up.   We need to do more watering on the roses and hydrangeas where we use a soaker hose.   Everything else looks good, though, considering how terribly hot is has been.  This morning it did rain some--we need more.

Extremely Hot Weather

The temperatures rose to 102 yesterday.   Everything is look good despite the weather except the new viburnam.  We still have our doubts it will make it through the year.  After dark we went out to water the pots.  Some of them were quite dry.

In the front the daisies are in bloom and the calalily is blooming too.  All the annuals are doing better.  The big day lily is about ready to bloom.   It will add some color to the yard.

In the back the brand new lupine has one huge stem on it with flowers.   When it is fully flowered we will take a picture.   Hostas on the north are in bloom--looking great.   The balloon flowers are in bloom in the perennial garden along with the lavender.  It makes a nice spot of color.   Some delphiniums are blooming and scabioso, but they are very small still.   I don't expect them to mature until next year.  Roses--Livin Easy, QE2, Julia Child.   The Wild Blue Yonder has new growth.   Also the JFK has new growth, but been a dissappointment as far as flowers are concerned.   The red dianthus has buds.

We had a problem with geese invading our back yard.   On Wednesday we picked up many droppings and ended up with a big pile.   All the grass around the pond is very dry and so they are hunting for better spots.  Up until now we have not had problems.  A big dog would be the best deterant but really costly.    The geese do not like walking over rocks or between shrubs where animals might hide.  They also need a large flight path to get those big bodies off the ground.  So keeping them out means cutting off their walking path since we have rocks and shrubs everywhere else.   We put up chairs along between the dogwood and the arbor.   That was not distrubed.  We may look into putting a fish line fence along our property to keep them out. 

Notes on Hydrangea and Mums

Our hydrangea are growing slowing and two are not blooming at all   I went to a web site on hydrangeas and discovered that they should not be trimmed back in the fall.   We have always done that.   Like the butterfly bush, they should not be trimmed until May

I have also learned the same thing for mums.   Next year we will try this technique.

Summer Snowflake Viburnum

Name: Snow Flake Viburnum
Variety:  Viburnum plicatum va. tomentosum 'Summer Snowflake'
Type:  Shub
Light:  Full Sun
Size:  6' x 6'
Bloom time: Early summer
Flower color:  white
Fragrance:  None
Plant location:  back yard waterfall hill east side
Care:   Use fertilizer stakes in spring to fertilize.

We purchased this at Plymouth Nursery.   We had to postpone planting it until yesterday to do the hot weather.  The plant struggled in the hot weather in the pot, but hopefully will recover now that it is planted.

New Purchases

At Plymouth Nursery:
I finally found a small fushia although it was as expensive as the Martha Washington.   Still it makes summer complete.

We also looked for a mock orange.  Turns out they are rangy plants and not very attractive, which is why people don't generally buy them.  Instead we settled on a viburnum--one that will bloom all summer and have berries in the fall.  Hopefully it will make it along the edge of the garden where the spireas are doing so terrible.  

Blooming

Front yard:  The stella o'doro day lilies have never looked so wonderful.  The campanulas are doing great.  The lilies that we planted last year are finally blooming and looking great. 

Back:   All five roses are blooming.   Dianthus are blooming, day lilies around the waterfall, correopsis around the waterfall and in the perennial garden.

Martha Washington

We tried very hard to find a fushia this year and all that was available was half dead in large pots.   I knew they wouldn't last and so I consoled myself with this plant.  It's a geranium, but with ruffled leaves and variegated flowers started from dark to light called Martha Washington--something I've never seen before.  I really liked them and decided to get one.  I hope it does well, because it is really lush right now.

More News From the Yard

Last night we worked for 2 hours in the yard.   I got plants dead headed and a little weeding done and cleaned up some dead folage from bulbs.

A long the south side Centerfold Lily is blooming. 

In the backyard:   The scent first passion dianthus is still blooming.   It's going to be a keeper.   I need to take a picture of it.   We should have invested in more colors of that dianthus.   The Julia Child Rose is in bloom and doing well.   I managed to stop the spread of the black spot on it's leaves.   The Wild Blue Yonder is also in bloom and doing really well.   The branches fill in with lots of leaves.  The QE2 has buds but not bloomed yet.  It's leaves are so much sparcer, but the flowers bloom until November so what can I say.

Wayne planted much of the vegetable garden.   I also checked on new plants in the perennial patch.   The area is moist and they are doing well.   There is one tiny blossom on the scabiosa.   I expect these to grow bigger.   The coreopsis is still growing but needs to be moved.

Heavenly Fragrance

Last night I strolled around the back yard and sat under the arbor.   The white peonies are in bloom now and the pink one has two more buds although I don't know if they will bloom because the look immature.   I wish I would have taken a picture of the big pink one because it was gorgeous.   The Wild Blue Yonder rose is blooming as is the Julia Child.  The QE2 has buds.   All the water fall plants look healthy.   Sitting under the arbor was the wonderful fragrance!!  It was coming from the honey suckle vines which flowers have turned a deep gold color.  They are more white when they first open.  It was a heavenly fragrance and probably mixed with the peony and the roses.   I enjoyed doing that so much.  Our yard is very much like our own personal park.   It gets better all the time.

In The Yard

Lots is happening right now.  It seems many flowers are in bloom.

Front:  The weigela is still in bloom.  The spirea are blooming.  There is one campanula in bloom and one stella odoro day lily.  Lilies and daisies have buds.

South:  Catmint is in bloom. Lilies have buds.  Peas have flowers.

Back:  The Polish Spirit and the Dark purple clematis are still in bloom.   The chives and pinks still have blooms around the waterfall.   The lamium is in bloom around the deck.   The columbine still has flowers.   The honey suckle vine has blooms over the gated arbor.  The pinks are in bloom in the perennial garden and we got two blooms from the oriental poppies.  However, they fell over.  The Livin Easy rose is in full bloom and really spectacular.  I think we are going to love that rose.  Other roses have buds.  Right now there is one large pink flower on the peonies--it's just one, but it is spectacular.   The white peony also has buds.  And the dogwood is in bloom.  There are not as many flowers as last year but the ones there are bigger and more lovely.

Oriental Poppy

Name:  Oriental Poppy
Variety:  Papaver orientale Brilliant
Type:  Perennial
 Light:  Full Sun
 Size:  24" x 12"
Bloom time:  June
Flower color:  orange red
Fragrance:  none
Plant location: south side east end

Plants in the Mail

I found some bulbs on sale plus a coupon on the internet at Bulbs Direct.com--straight from Holland.  So I ordered three kinds.

Lillium Oriental Stargazer--I have this one, but only two of the 9 bulbs came up.  It was a big disappointment.   I'll plant these with the other two and hopefully they will do well.

Iris bearded purple and white--it really has a plain name, but is an absolutely gorgeous iris.  I bought three tubers.

Iris bearded English Cottage--this is pure white with a touch of purple at the center.   I bought three tubers of this as well.  My other iris has done really well and so I am hoping these will do great too.

Annual Flower and Veg Purchase

At Pinters:
18 wave petunias in white and pink
12 regular petunias in pink
12 yellow marigolds--tall with ball head
8 white vinca with pink center
8 dusty miller
20 impatience white and med. red
1 new guinea impatience
8 zinnias

We purchased at Sells

8 tomatoes
4 cherry tomatoes
8 cucs
4 cantaloupe
4 zucchini
2 packs of onions

We had previously purchased 5 tomatoes and 8 peppers.

At Lowes we picked up:
bags of potting soil
miracle grow potting soil
bags of top soil
bags of lava rock
finely shredded cypress mulch for garden

Update on the Garden

In front:  The Weigela is still in bloom but nothing else right now although the spirea has buds.

South:   The cat mint is in full bloom.   It is incredible how huge it gets in just a short time.  Peas and swiss chard are growing but a long way from harvest.

In back:  The purple clematis and the polish spirit clematis are recovering from the bad spring.  The chives are still in bloom as are the lavender iris and the purple iris around the water fall.  Also the cheddar pinks are in bloom around the water fall and in the perennial garden. The dogwood is starting to bloom.   In the shade garden the columbine are still in bloom.   The laminum has done poorly this spring, but since we have trimmed the arborvitae back, they are now doing better.   One bridal spirea has had lovely white blooms but the bridal spirea have not done well these past two years.   In the perrenial garden we still have lavender iris in bloom.  

All the roses have buds and so do the white and pink peonies although they don't look very healthy either.

New Perennial Purchases

Purchased at Coleman's Market yesterday:

Sempervivum archnoideum or Hens and Chicks cobweb.  These are ground cover and are great for rock gardens.  I have no idea when they will bloom.  We planted them on the south side of the water fall hill.

Lupinus polyphyllus Gallery white; common name Lupine.  these will grow to 20" and have big white blossoms.  We planted these in between the deep purple iris and the rose bush.

Delphinium White Swan;  18" tall with full white blossoms.  They have fern like foliage.   We planted these just west of the iris in the perennial garden.

 Scabiosa japonica alpine "rita rose";  8" tall with pink pin cushion flowers.  We planted these west of the new delphiniums.

Dianthus carnation grenadin pink; grenadin is a whole variety of dianthus.  20" tall with pink flowers.   We planted these around the waterfall on the north side of the rose bush.

Rudbekia hirta, Indian Summer--three plants; two to go in front one on the south.  I want something to bloom in late summer, but I may have chosen poorly as these are suppose to have huge blossoms.

In Bloom

The transplanted chives have done remarkably well on the waterfall hill and are in full bloom.  There are buds all over the brand new rose.  And the dark purple iris is in bloom.

In front the Weigela is blooming.  The spirea and starting to bud out too, but still several weeks away from blooming.  

South Side

I walked along the south side of the house.  The mother of thyme is a beautiful rich mass.  I pulled some grass out of it and disturbed a little toad living there.  

The peas are up and growing and so is the rubarb swiss chard.   Wayne dug a number of trumpet vine shoots out of it.  

The tulips have all faded and are drying out.  The weather was not good for them.

The catmint is as big as ever and there are lots of lilies up.

In Bloom

The light lavender iris around the back of the waterfall are in bloom.   They are wonderful and look really spectacular there.

The clematis are also blooming, but the warm March and cold April have wrecked havoc with them and they are generally pathetic.   Hopefully they will rebound. The bridal spirea is blooming, but those plants are also in poor condition due to last year's die back. 

In front the lilac and moss phlox are fading.   However, the weigela is starting to bloom so hopefully that will make up for the lack of color there.

More Purchases

We purchased another dianthus (scent first passion), a light lavender moss phlox (emerald blue), and 6 pkg periwinkle (bowles variety)to go on the back of the hills side.   All of these will go around the water fall.

White Moss Phlox

Name: Moss Phlox
Variety: Phlox subulata
Type: Perennial
Height: Ground cover
Light: Full sun
Flower Color: white
Location:  Pathway under the lights
Bloom Time: Late April

We purchased these last year and they did well last year although they grew rather slowly.  This spring they have all bloomed and as we push the mulch back they will fill in the spaces.

Tasks

We got the lawn mowed and the new plants in, but we didn't get any pruning done.   We'll have to carry that forward this week.   We also go the waterfall running so the granddaughters could play in it.

New Plants

We purchased another rosemary--same kind to go on the opposite side of the waterfall in front of the outlet, hoping to hide it.   We also purchased more moss phlox--same color as last, so we still need some in light lavender.  We purchased a peony, but didn't get that planted

We replaced the dianthus with another plant.  I love the dianthus because it blooms and blooms and has the same lovely fragrance as carnations.  There is nothing quite so wonderful as a bouquet of carnations.   We planted it on the east side of the waterfall.

In Bloom

The shade garden is looking so beautiful.   The bleeding heart has filled out, the candy tuft are abundant.   And now the columbine is in bloom.

Yesterday I also noticed that the red bud tree is leafing out nicely.  Wayne also noted that the white moss phlox in front are growing well.  He pushed back the mulch and they have already filled that space. 

Tasks Completed

Wayne pruned the polish clematis, weeded around the garden, and fixed the garden edging.

More Rain

It rained steadily all day yesterday and is raining a little today.  We didn't get out to get anything done yesterday.  Pooh.  The weather is still cool but suppose to warm up enough to get outside to eat this week.

Compliment

Penny came buy to pick me up for VT.   She said how really wonderful the yard looked.   It is really beautiful this time of year with the pink and white moss phlox in bloom plus the lilac trees and the spirea is still a brillant orange.

Projects Done

We got the shrub althea planted and the spireas pruned.   We also did a little weeding.   We got most of our task list finished this week despite cold wet weather.  It started raining so we had to come in.

The new Livin Easy rose is doing well and the transplanted JFK is also doing well.   I'm really pleased with the result.   I've lost all my peonies except 2 plants.   We need to do some reconditioning of the area.   I've also lost the dianthus.   I'm going to purchase several new for the water fall.

Projects Completed

Last night it was really cold and windy again.   I could hardly stand to stay outside at all.   The bleeding heart has filled out and so has the candy tuft.  I feel like I am missing it all.  

Projects we finished:  mowed lawn, sprayed insect repellant around the house and along kitchen mudroom baseboards.  This is suppose to stay for a whole year.  Hopefully it will get rid of the ants.

We transplanted the JFK rose to the area in between the water fall and the tree.  Hopefully it will survive.  We also planted the new Livin Easy rose in that place.   I sprayed the three older roses with insect spray.   It's suppose to last 30 days but doesn't cover the new growth so it has to be a weekly thing.

We didn't get the Althea planted because it was too cold.   We'll try that again later.   The cold weather has been really a detriment to working outside.

In Bloom

The lilac bushes are now in bloom in the front.   They really don't seem to have been hurt by all the cold weather and frosts that we've had.

The grape hyacinths are up, but we still need to move them to a better place.   They look great, but we can hardly see them.

On the other hand the tulips on the south side look rather ratty.   The white, yellow and pink ones are up, but it's not a great show.

In the back the lamium is blooming as it always does.  I need to clean up some spots and work on others.

New Plant Purchase

Two plants purchased at Bordine's Nursery in Brighton on Friday.

Name:  Livin Easy Rose
Variety:  Rosa Floribunda Livin Easy
Type:  Shrub
 Light:  Full Sun
 Size:  3' x 3'
Bloom time:  Summer through Fall
Flower color:  orange to peach
Fragrance:  Medium fragrance
Plant location:  front north of rose bush garden

Name:  Shrub Althea, Chiffon White
Variety:  Hibiscus syriacus notwoodtwo
Type:  Shrub
 Light:  Full to Part Sun
Size:  8' x 6'
Bloom time:  Mid Summer
Flower color:  White
Fragrance: None
Plant location: North East Corner of the house

In Bloom

The bleeding heart and candy tuft are in bloom in the back.  However, they are not the usual lush foliage and blooms we usually have.  Maybe as the weather gets warmer they will fill out more.

New Plants

Purchased from Lowe's today.

Name:  Blue Ice Bog Rosemary
Variety:  Andromeda polifolia Blue Ice
Type:  Perennial
Light:  Part Sun
Size:  2' x 3'
Bloom time:  Late Spring
Flower color:  light pink
Fragrance  Leaves have rosemary fragrance
Plant location:  on the ne side of the waterfall

 Name:  Blue Rug Juniper
Variety:  Juniperus horizontalis Wiltonii
Type:  Evergreen low growing shrub
Light:  full/part sun
Size:  1' x 8'
Plant location:  On the east side of the waterfall

In Bloom

The moss phlox are in bloom.   The forsythia is fading and so are the pear trees.   The temps have been much cooler and so the growth rate in the yard has slowed down considerbly--fortunately.   Still the phlox are blooming three weeks early.   This has been one strange spring.

Planting

We tried to work more outside but it was too cold in the back yard.   However, we did plant a package of bush peas and one of red swiss chard in one of the south side planters.  They will get lots of spring sun, but be gone before summer heat hits.   Hopefully they will produce lots of great plants before June 1.   They are both about 60 days to maturity.    Wayne also worked on getting the bird bath put in.   I was too cold and went inside.   In the house we also finished putting the new fabric on the four deck chairs.   It was a much easier project that I had thought it would be.   Hopefully they will last  for 10 more years and then we can purchase a new set.

The red bud tree is now in bloom.   So are the Adrem tulips on the south side of the garage.   I just wish it were warmer so we could get outside and work more.

  

More Yard Work

Last night we took about half an hour to do some work.   It is light now until after 8 pm and so we could work outside.   However, it is still rather cold and we have to bundle up.   We both pulled some weeds and Wayne pruned the dead wood out of the south bridal spirea and pulled up the grass around it.   We also dug up one of the peonies to discover that the roots had rotted.  the problem with that area is that it is way to wet for plants.   We need to do more digging and get better drainage.  Wayne also put some dirt around the burning bush to cover up the roots.  

The forsythia and the pear trees are still in bloom.  We have buds on a lot of other things, but the temperatures has slowed down anything blooming.   Tonight is suppose to be more cold weather.   I just hope things don't freeze.

The barbary and the lemon spirea have burgundy red and tomato red foliage on them.   The cool weather has slowed down the growth of the foliage, so the front yard is ablaze with color.

Around the water fall most everything we planted last fall has come up--even the hostas.   The ornamental grass is still dormant, but everything else has green on it.   I look forward to lots of blossoms.

Yard Update

Wayne mowed the lawn for the first time.  It is still pretty ragged looking.   He also spread the fertilizer.   The pear trees and forsythia are still in bloom.   All the rose bushes have leaf buds.  The Julia Child has leafed out quite nicely.   We sprayed them for insects and mildew.

End of March

March was so gorgeous all month long, but here at the end we've had cold rainy weather.   It has curtailed the quick bloom of lots of plants and while many things are still in bloom, we've not had the daily blooming of plants that shouldn't be blooming for another month.   Snow is predicted but so far we've only had heavy rain and cool weather.

No Damage

Well the freezing temperatures came and everything survived in perfect condition.  There wasn't even frost on the grass or windshields.  So much for the anticipation.

Freezing Temps Coming

The temperatures are going to get down to below freezing tonight.   I think that is going to destroy the lilac flowers.   Everything else should weather the cold ok, but we may not have lilac flowers this year or perhaps for a few years to come.  Oh well.  Such is life.

Pear Trees in Bloom

It's only the end of March and the pear trees are in bloom.   It's a little unnerving because of the implications for other fruit trees.  But they are lovely.

Rain

The weather has been so warm.   Flowers are popping out everywhere really prematurely for the season.   It rained last night and cooled things off a little.  Hopefully that will slow things down a little

Outside Chores

Last night Wayne put top soil around the small burning bush on the north side.   He also worked on getting the bird bath sunk in the bed.

Forsythia In Bloom

The forsythia is in full bloom--what a treat to see this patch of sunshine in the back yard.

Trimming In the Yard

Last night we trimmed the front trees and deadheaded the spirea.   There is growth pertty much on everything.

Spring At Last

Last night was so gorgeous so we took a walk around the yard and also did some work.

WEST:  Daffodills and Day Lilies are up.   The moss phlox is recovering and there are tiny signs of mums.
SOUTH:  Tulips are all up.   We cut down the cat mint.   The buds on the lilac bush has some green.  There are large fuzzy buds on the pear trees.
EAST:  The waterfall sustained some damage.   One rock around the pond was completely destroyed and several others has pieces broken off.   We will have to replace that one rock.  The iris are up.   Most of the other plants still seem a bit dead.  There are buds on the burning bush that we transplanted from the northside to the eastside.  They will make the transition.  We uncovered the roses.  There are buds on the Julia Child.  The other three bushes are dormant but still have green on them.
We uncovered the small burning bush that we transplanted on the east side.  They need mulch and dirt around them.  However, they also have buds and sustained no damage from the winter.  
The bleeding heart is up and the forsythia have buds.
We untied the arborvitae.  One on the south of the stairs has winter damage.  They all need to be pruned.

Winter In The Garden

We finally pruned and wrapped up the roses on Christmas Eve. There was no snow and the weather was rather mild. However, it has since snowed and everything is dormant until spring. Next post will be in March.