A Viola named "Freckles"

A Viola named "Freckles"
Originally uploaded by pjslomer.

This is the second year for this viola. I'm happy to say that it has multiplied and is doing well... despite the stange cold spell that we had a week ago.

Spring Finally!!!

Temperatures have warmed up and it feels like winter has finally finished. It was a busy gardening day today (Earth Day). Joseph and I trimmed the shrub that had been a msytery until last year when i notced the distinctive peeling bark of a birch. We "revealed" the tree within the shrub today. Leaving four stalks and a very pretty shaped tree.

We put the rain barrels out in anticipation of the rain that is moving in to the area tomorrow. I also put out the glass bird bath and repaired the ceramic bird bath. The statuary has also been moved outside... and there is room in the garden room again.

The "freckled" violas (shown here) are blooming in abundance.

Warmer Days

Lily
Originally uploaded by pjslomer.

Today the weather was near normal... we've not seen that in quite some time. Joseph pointed out the lilys in bloom and i grabbed the camera to get a few shots. I have a lot of these little lilys in the garden, but the deer have been very fond of them. They have even nibbled through the chicken wire to get at the lilys... must taste pretty darn good.

Also noticed that the freckles viola has buds. Quince has buds. We have one pansy in bloom.

Still Cold...

We continue to be in a cold spell... Today it was above freezing but not anywhere near normal. This evening it started to rain while the temperatures fall. The freezing rain mark is up near Slippry Rock to my north. I'm hoping that it stays there.
I continue to cover the bleeding hearts at night... taking the buckets off during the day so they get rained upon.
I've noticed my a lot of the daylily leaves are looking rather freezer-burned.
Anxiously awaiting Spring...

When will it BE Spring?

It continues to be cold, windy, rainy and grey... The bleeding hearts remain protected under white buckets. We uncover them during the day and cover them back up at night. The night temps continue to drop below freezing. And snow is in the forecast for this weekend. argh! I find myself not taking time to look at the garden as i scurry from the car to the house. Maybe tomorrow i'll be able to slow down and take it all in.

Happy Easter...

Egg 02
Originally uploaded by pjslomer.

Happy Spring!

Indoor Gardening

With the garden still covered with snow, i opted to do indoor gardening instead. I gave the african violets their special violet food today. All the other houseplants got a dose of miracle grow in their water. And that was the extent of gardening for today!