Sunday, April 29, 2012

Woodpecker Luncheon

Crumbs from left over biscuits…. pennies.

Placing crumbs on deck railing….. zero.

Watching the woodpecker luncheon…. priceless.

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Blackberry Winter

Blackberry Winter is the last cold spell of the season. It arrives when the blackberry vines are in bloom, hence the name. (Dogwood Winter is a bit earlier, while the native dogwoods bloom.)

Tonight a strong north wind is blowing and a bit higher up on the mountain a light dusting of snow is expected. The blackberry vines are in full bloom. Tomorrow night the tender plants will need protection and the houseplants will need brought back inside.

Further north a huge winter storm is beating down on the northeastern states. I feel for those folks. I’m glad I don’t live that far north.

My order of seeds from Parks Seed Company: Black-eyed Susan Vines and hibiscus in various colors, Cherokee Purple Tomato, okra, and various peppers arrived yesterday.  After this cold spell I’ll be playing in the dirt with a passion.

This afternoon I took some pictures of what’s blooming now:

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The clematis is beautiful. It was moved to this location about 4 years ago and has finally regained its former glory. My new “baby” clematis is still getting used to its location, but has blessed us with some blooms.

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My iris are blooming, even the white one (she went on strike last year).

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The Weigelia I rooted about 7 years ago is blooming. A pretty pink, but someday I want a red one.

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Hopefully nothing will be nipped too badly over the next few nights. I’ll let you know if it does.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Spring Cleaning

Last Saturday I began cleaning up the yard and checking out my flower pot stash. Two contractor size trash bags later the front yard was neat and clean. A little later the pots ready for occupancy.

Sunday was spent preparing and filing taxes. I’m sure the Infernal Revenue Service was glad to get our hard earned cash. After all, those GSA agents have another conference to attend and need the money.

There’s a lot more work to do in the gardens this year. They are neglected and overgrown. Even in a slightly out of control state, however, they are blooming and beautiful.