Morning sun

Morning sun
Originally uploaded by pjslomer

on the Mother Earth iris.

thirsty...

Today we went shopping for a few annuals to fill out some spots. This is a typical routine where we go to the nearest department store to "save" some of the end of stock plants. I was really dismayed to see how dry and in many cases wilted the plants were. I was happy to see a middle-aged man picking up the hose and start watering. When i was at the checkout the young man waiting on us made a comment that the guy watering the plants was doing so on his day off. I said that the plants sure needed the water. At that the young man reiterated that it was the man's day off... and i responded with "i'm sure that the plants appreciate it!" It was a curious exchange between one who thinks of plants as the living thing that they are... and one who doesn't consider the plants much at all.

Pots, Herbs & Vegetables...

Yesterday i pulled out the pots that had been overwintering in the garden room. I proceeded to add new plants in with the old ones. It felt good to finally be planting.

Today I planted the vegetables and herbs that i purchased earlier in the week. I was delighted to dig out some beautiful compost from one of our many compost piles. Deep dark black compost to add to the existing soil. I'm anxious to see how the plants respond to it.

Today i also created a bed joining the crabapple named Eleanor in the front yard and the smaller crabapple. There is a nice arching bed that i can now add plants to. The turf was extra hard to dig up... seems that the grass was thick and the ground moist. It made for some rough maddocking... and blisters on my fingers.

Mulching, mulching, mulching...

Today it wasn't raining or cold so i was able to get out into the garden. I edged and mulched the front flower bed. Digging out turf that is wet isn't too much fun and my back isn't too happy about the days events. sigh... i also mulched portions of the main flower bed. I'm sorry to say that there is no sign of my pink poppy... i guess the harshness of the winter was too much for it. I'm going to miss that beauty.

May in the Garden

May in the Garden
Originally uploaded by pjslomer

A Visit to Jesteadt's Greenhouse

Today I picked up Mom and drove out to a family owned greenhouse to purchase some plants. We've been going to Jesteadt's for many years and enjoy going to a family owned and operated small business. For the first time in many years their prices went up. It still is a good deal... especially the gorgeous fuschia hanging basket for $12. Other greenhouses were charging $20.
I purchased the following herbs & vegetables:

• Basal
• Tomatoes (3)
  
• Pepper
• Parsley

The following perennials:

• 2 Huechera with red flowers

The following annuals:

• Lobelia
• Alyssum
• Dusty Miller
• Begonia
• Cholea
• Various ivys

Now hopefully the weather will get warmer (not too hot) so these can be planted!

Potting oatgrass

Today in the midst of the on again, off again rain I decided to dig out some of the oatgrass that is growing in the garden. It had reseeded itself and was taking over. I decided to put some in pots and when the neighborhood has its garage sale in june i'll put some out for giveaway purposes. I just need to find it new homes!

I also received an order of plants today. Two huechera (coral bells) in caramel colors and a Delosprema. I received a bare rooted daylily called strawberry candy. The day lily has already been planted. The huechera and delosperma are waiting in the garden room to be transplanted. the weather remains cold and wet. I'll wait for it to warm up a little before planting them.