The Constant Gardener

Sight Word Testing Day

2012-02-10T16:10:00.001-06:00

he's on #26 now!

Crocus

2012-02-08T22:22:00.001-06:00

early-blooming crocus have been a serious challenge for CG.

One is better than none:

back with saffron

2011-11-02T16:05:00.003-05:00

CG wonders about a lot of things. After looking back through the blog, he wondered why, after planting less than a dozen smallish unique bulbs, would he apply the label 'Will Trade'? After all, it takes a few years and a more substantial initial planting before a gardener is ready to trade.

Turns-out that CG should be more trusting. While researching to find tips/tricks on how to harvest the saffron threads (and then what to do with them), CG read that people have been trading saffron for more than 4,000 years.

To this day, saffron is among the world's most costly spices by weight.

From what CG can research on the blog, these crocus were planted in September 2010. They sprouted less than a month later, but never bloomed. CG might remember to order & plant more of these next Fall. They might grow well in the Farm Bed.

It may take a few years, but CG is bee-termined to have more saffron than he knows what to do with

(that may already bee the case- 12 saffron 'threads' were harvested today,

-they're drying on top of the fridge now)

(CG has no immediate plans for the saffron)

(except that they may have already served their purpose-

by allowing CG to correctly claim that he has grown

and harvested his own saffron)

Why the long dry-spell between blog posts?

The drought that hit was damaging not only to the plants.

CG was hit hard as well.

Not being able to keep-up with watering,

there was a lot of stress.

Some plants seemed like they were unable

to survive the incessant heat -even with ample water.

This time next year...

2011-11-01T17:00:00.008-05:00

establish a spot where saffron crocus have plenty of room to spread-out
plant at least 40 more dwarf iris
have 100% of cannas remove from the cut flower bed
establish a butterfly garden
re-install & maintain bird feeders

Landscape Notes

2011-10-28T16:53:00.011-05:00

planted 60 dwarf iris
planted 40 daffodils
improved plantings of 7 forsythia
completed Fall fertilizing
Fall color of burning bushes was 'good'
thinned-out cannas (40% complete)

A Cattail

2011-06-25T13:00:00.004-05:00

can be found in the bog bed. It's of the miniature variety (maybe 8") and has multiplied since its initial planting last Spring. Louisiana iris and the mini-cattails have worked hard to fill-up the bog bed. It's something different that CG Jr enjoys.

elsewhere...

the mail-ordered daylilys that were planted this spring are blooming:

(thanks to the help of CG Jr)

April 18

today

the sky above

2011-06-22T19:06:00.002-05:00

Morning Walk Around

2011-06-17T20:59:00.001-05:00

Front Sidewalk

2011-06-12T12:33:00.000-05:00

Saturday Blooms

2011-06-11T09:59:00.006-05:00

Morning time is the only productive time that can be

spent outside in the oppressive, humid heat.

On cloudless mornings, the summertime sunlight
can be too intense, even for photographs

the river birch planting area is holding-up well

(the white aster is blooming- keeping the bagworms far away)

the front south side planting area-

low-growing crepe myrtles have naturalized nicely

view from the back fence of the south side planting area

(red carpet stonecrop & ajuga are being established as ground cover)

creeping jenny has worked well

in the back part of the burning bush planting area

daylilys are in full bloom throughout the landscape

Cut-Flower Bed

2011-05-30T09:04:00.002-05:00

The cut-flower bed's perennials are nearing maturity.

The planting area has filled-in nicely and will require extensive thinning in the Fall.

(plenty of iris to trade/give away)

A crepe myrtle (Acoma, semi-dwarf) was planted in the middle area of the bed a few weeks ago.
This will provide some fast-growing height and structure.

Elsewhere: an autumn fern has been established

under the canopy of the burning bushes

and, under the most dense part,

(very shaded -had to utilize a flash)

-a sprig of irish moss (Sagina subulata 'Aurea') is being tested

...hopefully, it will find the conditions to its liking,

and thrive & multiply!

(a few more sprigs will be added next Spring if all goes well)

Finality

2011-05-25T14:28:00.000-05:00

(the final iris bloom of Spring)

Asiatic Lilys

2011-05-25T10:08:00.001-05:00

Bog Planting Area

2011-05-15T18:51:00.003-05:00

The bog planting area is enjoying its first-ever blooms!

The two different varieties of Louisiana Iris have really taken-hold.

Maybe a later-blooming variety will be added in the future.

But these still have at least another week of color.

CG is very pleased with the results.

By late July, August, CG will have to divide these

and have some to trade/give away

(will be looking-up this variety of L.Iris)

afortunado

2011-05-13T21:00:00.002-05:00

Satisfied

2011-05-13T19:30:00.002-05:00

CG did not have anything bloom in the bog bed last year.

Finally, some satisfaction:

-with the bloom of the first Black Gamecock Louisiana Iris.

(a view from directly behind the bog bed -looking towards the back of the house)

in a few more years, the burning bush in the background will make

the front of the house area more complete

the fabulous Bleeding Heart

the Bold Pretenders are in full bloom!

the ideal balance of durability & delicateness

Finally Sunshine

2011-05-07T10:14:00.002-05:00

After back to back weeks of torrential rain,

a cloudless sky was warmly welcomed.

Early May is the beginning of some of the best blooming in the River Birch planting area!

left -Louisiana Iris Bold Pretender

right -Feng Shui Zen Rock

a feature in the backyard-

a dark blue Siberian Iris

but, CG's favored nod goes to the Louisiana

also in the backyard,

a variety of perennial ferns have been introduced to the burning bush bed

moving a few BPs to the bog bed is also an option

the variety of bearded iris has increased in numbers over last year

BPs are hardy, durable, colorful wonders.

Need hundreds more of them!

Natural Pesticide

2011-05-05T10:15:00.006-05:00

Be Green!

Aphids beware!

Lady beetles are voracious feeders and may be numerous where prey are plentiful and broad-spectrum insecticide use is limited. Lady beetles need to eat many aphids per day so that they can lay eggs. The convergent lady beetle may eat its weight in aphids every day as a larva and consume as many as 50 aphids per day as an adult. Sevenspotted lady beetle adults may consume several hundred aphids per day and each larva eats 200 to 300 aphids as it grows. Once the adults and larvae have eliminated an aphid colony, they will search for additional food.

Rainy Walk Around

2011-04-23T10:45:00.003-05:00

the iris are having much more favorable blooming weather

(unlike what the daffodils had to endure)

lots of blooms per stem (and nice color) on this iris

diminutive iris blooms paired with newly

emerged crepe myrtle leaves

-possibly the last hooray for the daffodils-

big, bold color

possibly a re-bloomer

Gingersnap iris are at the front of the sidewalk

the durable 3 for $5 Wal-Mart iris are a good match with

the burning bush backdrop

(siberians would be nice in a solid mass- not quite there yet)

(forgot the name of these)

Gingersnap iris do indeed have a light, refreshing

root beer fragrance

Love those...

2011-04-22T17:06:00.006-05:00

white iris!

Old House Gardens

2011-04-18T21:35:00.002-05:00

CG ordered some heirloom daylilys & iris that arrived today

they passed the sniff test

and CG Jr was happy to help plant them

maybe, they'll bloom this season!

-always in need of non-blue/purple iris

Monday, Monday

2011-04-18T04:44:00.004-05:00

a view from the back fence towards the back porch of the house

(creeping jenny & dwarf burning bushes)

a re-blooming variety of iris:

Immortality

Morning Walk Around

2011-04-17T09:34:00.001-05:00

each morning without fail,

every garden,

no matter the size,

is full of new sights, sounds,

different aromas, emotions,

and budding potential

transitioning

2011-04-16T10:29:00.001-05:00

Iris blooms are beginning to be the center of attention in the garden

although blues and purples are not well received by CG,

a few have proven to be highly photogenic

a fun, whimsical bloom

with the feng shui boulder nearby,

this iris plant has developed excellent mojo

the front corner river birch planting area-

perhaps CG will have hundreds of iris blooms this season

(front yard looking at the sidewalk with the front door to the left)

the liriope border is gaining strength,

nandinas have lots of new, bright-green growth,

and, on the opposite of the sidewalk, last Fall's $1 daylilys

have fully filled-in their area

(still have daffodil blooms in the backyard!)

Visitor

2011-04-09T10:04:00.004-05:00

Garden visitors such as frogs and toads

can be very effective predators of biting insects!

Be Green:

make better backyard habitats

(click to visit the external link)

Before & After

2011-04-09T09:54:00.001-05:00

CG is pleased with the photo-editing capability of today's computers.

What would take hours (and could be fairly expensive)

can now be done in minutes with free software.

CG can take his Canon S3iS digital camera outside,

and, within 10 minutes-

upload the photos to his computer,

edit (using Picasa 3)

and publish to his Constant Gardener Blog.

(CG can usually find a weed or two that needs to be pulled as well)

textures, colors, endless options

enjoyable fun!

New Home

2011-04-09T09:26:00.001-05:00

for the piece of river wood

it almost blends-in too well behind the La. Iris in the foreground

the driftwood (or current wood) came to the garden in April of last year:

CG Jr picked it out of a pile on the banks of the Arkansas River

(wouldn't fit in the trunk)

First Iris 2011

2011-04-03T16:19:00.005-05:00

The first iris of the season!

and, it's not purple!

a nice transition from the daffodils,

this early-blooming iris in the sidewalk bed is a keeper!

Looking Back

2011-04-02T10:26:00.001-05:00

iris on the way

2011-04-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Back of the House

2011-03-31T09:04:00.003-05:00

The dwarf burning bushes have fully committed to Spring weather

Had a good number of daffodils, just not too long-lasting

The forsythia peaked early last week...

they still need another few years to fill-in

Front of the House

2011-03-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

Not too bad for late March.

The daffodils haven't been lasting long with the extremely dry weather. Difficult to imagine, but there are less than two weeks of bloom time remaining for them. After months of work, and they're fading so fast. It's disheartening, but it only means that next year can only be better -with more daffodils and longer-lasting blooms. On the positive side, it will be less than two weeks before the first iris bloom!

The liriope grass was trimmed-up over the weekend (maybe a few weeks late). It has come a long way in becoming a nice, solid border. One of the key features of the border is that it's maintenance-free (no edging required). A 5"x5" concrete-filled trench allows a lawnmower to run right alongside the liriope, and it keeps the bermuda grass out of the planting bed.

The nandina bushes are performing well. Maybe another couple of years before they grow into the desired single, naturalized mass. Still, they have a big impact during winter with their bright red leaves.

The azalea bushes...so frustratingly slow-growing...

All of the bearded and Louisiana iris have taken a strong foothold in the river birch area of the front bed. The bearded iris will need to be extensively thinned-out in August (any purple-blooming iris will be 'dispatched' at first sight).

pairing

2011-03-20T10:19:00.002-05:00

imperfection

2011-03-19T22:18:00.000-05:00

clarity

2011-03-18T17:32:00.002-05:00

simplicity

2011-03-17T08:28:00.000-05:00

necessitation

2011-03-15T11:57:00.002-05:00

CG is not a fan of growing tulips.

The main reason being, they are the exact opposite of daffodils.

Tulips are fragile, finicky, and unforgiving.

CG Jr, however, loves tulips.

A few weeks ago,

CG bought some greenhouse-grown, ready-to-stick-in-the-ground-and-bloom

red tulips.

the natural structure of stature

2011-03-14T11:36:00.008-05:00

warm sunshine

2011-03-13T11:23:00.014-05:00

the sun-orange center of this bloom has a nice, warming quality

-even on a cloudy day

the signal

2011-03-12T11:11:00.031-06:00

that frigid-cold mornings will soon be a thing of the past

With the early-blooming yellow daffodils, it's possible (and likely) to have additional snowfall.

Now, with the beginning of the progression, all of the different types of daffodils signal warmer times to come.

It almost seems like the warmer the weather, the more color & complexity is coaxed from the ground.

How Small are They?

2011-02-23T17:28:00.000-06:00

Dwarf Iris

2011-02-20T18:39:00.002-06:00

These dwarf iris were mail-ordered and planted in October.

CG never expected these to start blooming this Spring.

He would have been content with mini-iris greenery in the first year.

So, it was a very nice surprise to see such splendid color & structure this early.

First Daffodil 2011

2011-02-18T18:39:00.078-06:00

For CG, it's a special moment that happens once a year.

It's a compressed moment that represents all of the planning and work from the previous year.

The daffodil blooms may progressively continue for the next six weeks.

When compared to last year, there will be more of them, too.

There will be nice surprises from new varieties.

Large blooms nearing 6" across, intricate doubles, majestic solid whites, and bold orange colors.

However spectacular, these cannot compare to the smallish, pale yellow that managed to become -first.

First Winter Snow

2011-01-10T19:33:00.000-06:00

a very light snow, but amazingly, it managed to shut everything down

(nandina bushes are doing well, but the azaleas still have a long way to go)

Landscape Notes

2010-12-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

has been an extremely dry month
forsythia bed only lacks ~24 daffodil bulbs
~40 cannas will need to be transplanted
burning bush bed has a nice branch-architecture appearance
will consider installing the foundation for the north side planting area this Spring

done.

2010-12-10T22:57:00.001-06:00

For the 2010 Fall planting season.

The last 16 daffodils were planted this afternoon (temp in the low 50's).

Hopefully, conditions will be adequate for this last batch to bloom 4 months from now.

While the final tally of daffodils planted this Fall is being calculated, CG believes that he is approaching 75% capacity.

Front Bed Make-over

2010-12-04T09:18:00.007-06:00

The front bed has received a make-over with rocks imported from Eureka Springs.

CG likes the more natural appearance.

early?

2010-12-02T09:09:00.000-06:00

CG just happened to notice these daffodil shoots yesterday.

They're located in the sidewalk bed, amongst the hostas that are still green.

(checking the dates of first daffodil shoots of years past)

Landscape Notes

2010-11-21T19:29:00.000-06:00

planted ~100 daffodil bulbs this weekend
all of the dwarf burning bushes have dropped their leaves
forsythia bushes have about 40% of their leaves
semi-sheltered hosta plants are still green
Louisiana iris bed is approaching capacity
weather has been mild & fairly dry

war

2010-11-14T12:48:00.003-06:00

CG has realized that most of his forsythia are having problems with clay-heavy soil.

A few weeks ago, he experimented with 3 different ways to win the war against bad dirt.

            1. Forsythia A:
                completely dug-up, rinsed all clay/dirt from root system
                used 5ft of 6" edging material to form above-ground circular planter
                filled planter with premium home-made dirt
                re-planted forsythia and re-mulched (edging is hidden by mulch)

            2. Forsythia B:
                completely dug-up, rinsed all clay/dirt from root system
removed 4ft diameter circle of clay/dirt (4" deep)
                back-filled with 5" of premium home-made dirt
                re-planted forsythia and re-mulched

            3. Forsythia C:
                completely dug-up, rinsed all clay/dirt from root system
back-filled hole with top soil
                packed 3" of premium home-made dirt on top of back-filled hole
                re-planted forsythia and re-mulched

Each forsythia was marked with its corresponding letter. Hopefully by the end of March, the best approach towards winning the war against bad dirt can be identified and implemented before the Summer's scorching heat begins.

Saffron

2010-11-12T11:01:00.000-06:00

the fall crocus got a late start,

they were planted towards the end of September

CG had given-up on the chances of even seeing a sprout,

so even if there's not a bloom this year-

it has already been a pleasant surprise.

Maybe in a couple of years,

CG will be able to trade saffron for non-purple iris

Landscape Notes

2010-10-23T10:05:00.001-05:00

above-average heat for this month
fertilized azaleas and forsythia
daffodils planted: ~60
last pass for the year: mowed grass yesterday (long-sleeve black shirt)
raised stepping stones in the south side of house bed (ready for more rock now)
daylilys in the front sidewalk bed have recovered nicely (100% capacity)
special-order iris tally: ~25
transplanted nandina bushes...will be 100% naturalized mass no later than Fall 2012
lost 1 azalea bush over the summer, replaced by moving its neighbor (filled-in nicely)
dwarf burning bushes are close to averaging 5'

change

2010-10-12T09:23:00.002-05:00

The dwarf burning bushes are having a good year.

Some years, prolonged drought cause them to drop leaves early, and their spectacular red fall color is short lived. CG expects at least 2 more weeks of autumnal splendor from this non-invasive variety.

Simultaneously, the canna lilys are thriving in the October heat.

To the south in Little Rock, it has been a prolonged summer of humid heated misery:
a total of 117 days of at least 90 degrees this year

Habaneros for Everyone

2010-10-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

Out of the half-dozen different pepper plants for sale, the habanero variety was the smallest.

With all of the plants being the same price, there were plenty habaneros left at the nursery.

After close inspection, CG picked 3 different pepper plants, one of them being the tiny habanero.

The plant looked like it might be able to produce one, or maybe two peppers.

The plant grew three times the size of either of the other two plants, and produced more than 4 dozen peppers.

Autumn meets Summer

2010-09-18T09:27:00.001-05:00

a wonderful sign that cooler temps are on the way is when the sedum changes color,

but there are still plenty of reminders of summer sizzle with canna lily blooms!

For the Birds

2010-09-08T10:37:00.003-05:00

During the drought, one of the honeysuckle bushes dropped a lot of leaves and was over-taken by a morning glory vine. CG considered pulling the vine, but decided to wait.

This morning it was in bloom.

To the delight of a hummingbird.

Cannas are another favorite for the little fellas.

CG hopes to upgrade the backyard bird habitat this fall.

(sedum is a plant of choice for the occasional butterfly)

front of the house

2010-09-01T08:31:00.001-05:00

not looking too bad

after a late summer drought

it's been one of the better years for the river birch trees

(hoping they are close to reaching their maximum height)

the liriope grass seems impervious to low rainfall conditions

nandina bushes are semi-drought tolerant

a few azalea bushes were literally burned-up from the heat

Iris Mart

2010-08-31T09:36:00.000-05:00

CG has a wide variety of iris plants.

Many are gifts from family, some are traded from other gardeners.

It's also enjoyable to find on-line sources, place an order, and have the plants arrive on your doorstep within a week.

3 Spades for Iris Mart

(out of 5 Spades rated on the Can You Dig It Scale)

Iris Mart lists hundreds of different iris on their website, but too many were 'unavailable.' One type that was 'available' and ordered, did not get shipped (card was refunded).

Prices at Iris Mart are reasonable, with a lot of iris costing less than $5.

Shipping costs may seem high, but the order is pulled and packed within 24 hours, and on its way -so a few extra dollars for promptness is copacetic.

If Iris Mart had 'real time' product availability for their plants, and gave customers a choice between premium and 'low urgency' shipping, it would be CG's preferred on-line source for tall bearded iris.

Picking Peppers

2010-08-18T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's prime pepper plant picking!

From the 3 different pepper plants,

CG Jr will have plenty of pepper picking

to do in the next few weeks

HOT

2010-07-22T09:56:00.002-05:00

How hot is it?

It's so hot....

CG is concerned that even the mild peppers will be muy caliente.

But at least it hasn't been too dry.

We've had over two times the average amount of rainfall for this month.

CG believes that the C.poppies drowned, and may not ever return.

Good news is that the river birch trees look great for this time of year-

and, no bag worms!

(other trees in the area have been heavily infested)

low growing crepe myrtles

2010-07-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

if it weren't for the color, these might be one of CG's favorite plants

but these are a perfect fit for a wide, colorful border on the south side of the house

After a few years of being moved around to different spots, the three plants have grown together, and maturing nicely.

favorite

2010-06-15T09:45:00.003-05:00

these daylilys are CG's favorite

(and he still doesn't know what kind they are)

they were marked as Joan Seniors

(and they bloom the same time)

elsewhere...

lots of cannas didn't survive the extreme cold snap,

but there's still enough left of each variety-

so soon there will be plenty

the dwarf burning bush bed and the back corner bed are looking good

but the forsythia bed has a long way to go

Hemerocallis, et al

2010-06-01T09:30:00.002-05:00

Currently, the daylilys have center stage in the garden.

Temperatures are consistently in the 90's, so much of the tending is done prior to 8am.

(some extra time can be spent in the splendid AC'd comfort of CG's abode editing photos)

-farewell to the PD's...

and green thumbs are crossed that CG will be able to locate all of them when September comes!

elsewhere

2010-05-29T09:28:00.001-05:00

An aster is primed for full blooming

(bagworms beware!)

Be Green:

Pepper plants are new for this year...

so far, so good!

Home gardening is fun, tasty, & great for the environment!

Welcome to Peru

2010-05-29T09:18:00.002-05:00

The Peruvian daffodils are back! This was the first year they wintered-over (indoors).

The blooms are definitely not proportional to the size of the bulbs.

But they range in height from 24" to 32"

peak time for asiatic lilys

2010-05-26T09:27:00.001-05:00

these were $1 walmart specials a number of years ago...now, they're ready to be thinned and spread their bold yellow color elsewhere in the garden

the red asiatic lilys are peaking and filling-in nicely

Asiatics and more

2010-05-13T08:16:00.000-05:00

the asiatic lilys have just started blooming

a nice deep red color

lining the front sidewalk

they have fully recovered from the ravage rabbit-attack a few years ago, and have multiplied nicely

elsewhere...

a deeper shade...almost black

the clematis is in full bloom

a hardy perennial

California Poppies

primed

2010-05-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

profile

2010-05-08T09:41:00.000-05:00

Peruvian Daffodils

2010-05-07T10:17:00.026-05:00

After wintering-over in the laundry room, the Peruvian daffodils were planted less than a week ago. Without the threat of a late freeze, they are growing full-force now. Intermixed with the peruvians are some lycoris -something new for this year. The chosen planting area is small -only 4x6 feet, but that should hold all of the bulbs and their offspring for the next few years. Soon thereafter, CG will begin trading them for non-purple iris.

Louisiana Iris

2010-05-07T08:45:00.002-05:00

Bold Pretender

These are just starting in the front River Birch planting area.

Last year, there were over two dozen blooms.

They are undoubtedly the highlight of all the blooms in the front yard.

CG has more of these planted in the back bog bed.

Maybe less than a week away from full, bold color.

therapy

2010-05-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

CG believes he has found the most effective therapy.

Fresh air.

Nature.

amazing

2010-04-25T09:35:00.003-05:00

CG didn't even take his camera for his morning round thru the backyard.

What could possibly change after a cloudy, rainy day?

After taking a second & third look at the California Poppy, CG had to go back for the Canon S3.

Truly amazing. First, surviving a harsh winter outside of its climate zone.

Second, thriving to surpass all of last year's growth in 5 weeks.

And, amazingly -now, it's setting buds.

CG would like to claim credit for part of the plant's success, but he can't.

Over 2 dozen of the annuals didn't bloom last year.

CG did however, adhere to the 'not all in 1 basket' mantra.

The poppies were planted in 3 different areas that received varying degrees of sunlight and windbreaks.

CG is considering planting back-up poppy plants, just in case of an unforeseen botanical tragedy.

{CG also considers the return of this poppy to be a sure sign of pending economic recovery.
California, having taken the brunt of the recession, is primed to lead the way out of the depression
-at least according to one amazing little poppy plant}

uhh, Dad...

2010-04-23T09:44:00.002-05:00

I don't think this is a good idea...

As a souvenir from our trip to the river, CG picked-out a piece of 'current wood' (assuming drift wood is of the salt water variety). The plan was to place it in the trunk for the ride home. The problem was that the ideal piece of current wood didn't fit. Settling for a smaller piece was not an option. CG Jr voiced his opinion about sharing his space in the car with a large, foreign object. CG gave the 'no telling Mom' look and made the getaway. The circle of trust was established over frozen treats.

New home for the current...maybe 'white water rapid wood' sounds better.

the iris beds are getting less purple every day!

They Might be Giants

2010-04-21T09:58:00.008-05:00

even though they are CG's non-favorite color, these are keepers

the blooms are giant- easily double the size of other iris

these are a large, royal presence in the front river birch planting area

-elsewhere in the garden

lots of new growth from this aster

Be Green:
Never use chemicals to control bagworms.
Plant asters (perennial) instead.
Asters attract micro-wasps (harmless to people & pets) which prey naturally on bagworms.

only a few daffodils remain, a few are budding, and some are still just pushing-up

cannas are coming back

Iris Time

2010-04-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

full speed ahead

2010-04-20T17:49:00.001-05:00

It's only the second of (hopefully) many non-purple iris.

With temps in the 80's already, it's full speed ahead with another growing season.

Some of what CG will be monitoring in the next few weeks:

forsythia- continued strong growth will help sustain them through the summer

asters- needed to keep bagworms out of river birches

although this soon-to-be jumbo purple iris has some potential intrigue

CG will have to do some Spring harvesting from the farm bed if he wants to have any room for $1 specials this year.

overwhelmed

2010-04-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

Last year, CG vowed to thin-out the purple bearded iris.

It didn't happen.

Now, the cut flower bed and the back corner bed are awash with purple.

The excuse last Fall was that none of the iris were marked, and CG didn't want to risk giving-away some of his rare non-purples. So, the plan this year is to mark/tag only the non-purple iris, and give away 75% of the purples. CG could also consider installing a new planting area of entirely purple iris with purple-blooming ajuga and liriope as ground cover.

yea! the first non-solid-purple iris have started blooming!

2010 Azaleas

2010-04-15T19:05:00.001-05:00

less pink...still weak...years away from a naturalized mass...the north-facing farmbed azaleas already look better than some of these east-facing siblings

First Siberian

2010-04-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

Misty Glenn

2010-04-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

(not too impressed- center of flower was supposed to be very green)

While these might have under-achieved, there were many over-achievers.

-And, the Misty Glenns are a perfect combination with the Lemon Glow variety of dafodils. As the LGs begin to fade (large, long-lasting blooms), the MGs were just beginning. It's as if CG knew what he was doing.

First Iris/Triad Motivation

2010-04-09T13:42:00.012-05:00

this year's first bearded iris bloom

it's 2 weeks later than last year's first iris

motivated

for another full year

of planning, perusing, and planting

Flower Record

2010-04-08T13:52:00.010-05:00

a nice first-year patch

(CG needs this same result [times 100] next year)

Mount Hood

2010-04-05T20:41:00.003-05:00

While the daffodils thicken-up over the next few years, CG has the opportunity to work on his photography skills of singular blooms. There is a 10 minute window in the late afternoons when the sun is just right for the perfect warm, glowing results. Still, quantity helps as well -for every posted photo, there are ~100 that get deleted. Furthermore, there's only one out of a thousand that will compare favorably to this one.

Nature, though, gets it right every time.

Iris on the way/Dwarf B-Bushes

2010-04-05T20:40:00.003-05:00

first bearded iris bloom is not too far away

(purple ones are first again)

-will try in the Fall for some to find/plant some earlier blooming ones

dwarf burning bushes are getting ready for another nice year

River Birch Green

2010-04-02T09:34:00.002-05:00

The landscape is greening-up really fast. Almost overnight, it seems like sometimes. There aren't any signs of greenery from any of the crepe myrtles, however. For the past few years, the crepe myrtles have been the first to green, only to be zapped by a late frost. The danger of a late frost this year is lessening every day (fingers and greening-up thumbs are crossed).

CG will be planting some Spring bulbs this weekend, with the remainder of the plants (mainly bagged daylilys) being planted the middle of next week.

More than a boxcar load

2010-03-31T16:12:00.004-05:00

When a bag of 100 daffodils was purchased last Fall, CG thought he might have a problem finding time or the space needed to plant all of them. Once they were all in the ground, it was a big sense of accomplishment. A small drop in the proverbial bucket when compared to: Helen Lee's Daffodils

Ice Follies

2010-03-31T13:21:00.000-05:00

Dutch Master

2010-03-31T13:02:00.000-05:00

Carlton

2010-03-31T12:43:00.003-05:00

Ice King

2010-03-31T11:02:00.000-05:00

Fortune

2010-03-31T10:59:00.000-05:00

Salome

2010-03-31T10:30:00.001-05:00

narcissistic

2010-03-30T11:29:00.003-05:00

英语

2010-03-30T10:56:00.004-05:00

conspicuous

Sir Winston Churchill

2010-03-29T21:06:00.001-05:00

Lemon Glow

2010-03-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

Forsythia Bed

2010-03-26T19:37:00.009-05:00

The forsythia bed is entering its second year of maturity. Maybe by this time next year, it will have a substantial showing.

There are more than 8 first year forsythia and 90% of the daffodils are newly planted. By next year, the plants should have seasoned-in better.

much anticipated blooms

2010-03-26T19:31:00.007-05:00

A single five minute stroll through a few dozen early blooms was worth the countless hours of planning, procuring, and planting hundreds of bulbs.

The toils and troubles during a long dark winter are vanquished by the bright, simple perfection of nature.

Perfectly Generic.

(not regretting the bulk purchase of generic yellow daffodils)

even imperfections are fascinating

Remembrance.

Mid March Landscape Notes

2010-03-15T16:50:00.040-05:00

Average rain/temps for this time of year
Spring plant purchases have been completed
This time next year- no more missing an entire weekend of gardening every month!
Weeding the front yard is going full tilt
Need to start some mondo grass in the farm bed
Will begin vertical fertilizing the river birch trees in a few weeks
Wine colored iris in front bed have been positively ID'd as Louisiana Iris
Only two more bushes need to be installed in the backyard (dwarf butterfly bush in the cut flower bed and a Natchez variety crepe myrtle in the corner bed)
Will mark areas that need daffodils with white-dotted rocks
Several areas need to be re-mulched