It’s been raining for days with almost no break- 2.27 inches since Sunday. It’s still too wet to even check on slug damage. If only it could rain just at night. Though I could use some sun, I have to admit, the garden sure looks lush from the perfect growing weather (50’s and rainy) and I can’t wait to get out there to take inventory of how things have grown. Perhaps tomorrow! I’m looking forward to a sunny Memorial Day weekend for lots of gardening. I just know I have weeds to pull and kill not to mention the fountain which needs to be finished. The solar pump arrived via UPS this week and we are ready to go!
Since it’s pouring rain (1.15 inches so far today!) and I won’t have the opportunity to “play” outside I figured I’d take the time to post some pictures of my garden and various items I have mentioned in the past. Most of the pictures were taken at the end of April and I will try to get some more current pictures up soon. Yes, as far as a garden goes, one month in the spring is out of date as the garden doesn’t look anything like the pictures anymore. Everything has grown leaves and even more flowers. Anyhow, Enjoy!
Car wash tree
Primula collection, pre-bloom
Right-side raised bed
Amelia’s Azalea in bloom
Herb garden
Left-side raised bed
Interesting rhododendron in full bloom
New fountain foundation and base, still incomplete though
The garden looks amazing after a weekend spent spreading 12 bags of beauty bark and installing our new fountain. Of course, the fountain includes new plantings thanks to my pick ax wielding husband and 10 new holes to welcome the plants. I also planted some annuals mostly in the front yard. These include petunias, snapdragons and impatiens. The fountain plantings include 3 hybrid tea roses, 4 Sarcococca (Sweet Box) shrubs and 2 clumps of Dierama pulcherrimum (fairy bells). There are still some plantings to add once I find some river stone to shore up the bottom of the planting beds as this is all on a slope.
Otherwise, the slug patrol continues and in addition to my ammonia dilution, I have resorted to slug poison around the newly sprouting dahlias otherwise there would be nothing left of the new growth. No shortage of slugs in my backyard!
Finally, here’s an update of what’s blooming:
- weigela
- lilac
- poppy
- saxifrage
- all rhododendrons
- species primrose
- blueberry bushes
- Fothergilla gardenii
Just a little weeding and plant relocation in the front yard. K was drawing with chalk on the driveway and I got some work done. She drew a real-looking fish for the first time! I also have a very good little weeding helper. I loosen the weed and K pulls it out and carries the bucket.
As a mother to two toddlers I am quite busy and so I was thrilled that my wonderful husband gave me two wonderful Mother’s Day presents. The first was time with my pick-ax in the garden. I was able to remove a dead rhodie and plant a wonderful new lilac in its place- all without having to mind two children. I also moved a Maltese Cross, planted some lime grasses and pulled a weed or too. Then, it was off to the concrete store. Yes, you heard my right! My second Mother’s Day surprise was picking out a fountain for the back yard. We also got a very nice Japanese pagoda lantern for the flower bed and a little bear figure for the kids. The fountain will take some setting up, but everything else has a home and looks great. Finally, I was also honored with a bouquet of 30 cheerful tulips and some very nice cards. It’s hard work, but very satisfying being a mother. To all you mothers out there, may you be as satisfied and happy with your roles as I am!
