I was outside by 8:30 to see how yesterday's transplants were faring. The nasturtiums in the right-hand corner were growing in a large pot on the back porch; nasturtiums don't appreciate being moved from where they are seeded, however I think with a little coddling these may survive. The thyme set in along the left edge spent the winter in pots lodged by the greenhouse; they came originally from the plant/produce auction and were passed along by son-in-law Matt. I had a large clump of thyme [provenance unknown at this point] that was stuffed in a planter, root-bound. I was quite ruthless with this, pulling it apart into several divisions. Heavy spring rains have yellowed plants that were sitting about in tight quarters; I think that having room to spread and grow will see them shortly reviving to a healthier green.
Hyssop which has been in a pot, a clump of dianthus hoicked out of the older raised bed, basket flowers started from seed this spring and more than ready for transplanting.
The Flying Pig was an anniversary gift from friends almost a dozen years ago. She is now standing watch over a dwarf nandina which Jim helped me relocate. The shrub was set in the rather disappointing back garden effort, hidden by a militant proliferation of monarda and lemon balm.
J. noticed me heaving dirt about and took over.
I am always impressed by the ability of a male to wield a shovel or garden fork with an efficiency that I can't manage.
This area outside the greenhouse door has been a 'catch-all' spot for self-seeding catnip, various mints escaped from pots, the achillea seedlings that I rescued from the turf surrounding the bed by the front steps. If my plans come to pass, the achillea will be moved to the strip that is meant to be worked up where the sunflowers are now growing. That being so, I will allow the various mints to run rampant along the wall.
Achillea has a tendency to flop, but I've never seen a dwarf variety.
Pale coneflower started from seed during the spring of the wildflower experiment.
Two hours of moderate garden work, coming in at 10:30--shirt soaked and clinging unpleasantly.
I changed from the skin out; brewed a jug of lemonade to extend the daily jug of iced tea. A nearly noon meal concocted when J. returned from an errand; cats and their litter boxes tended.
It is overcast now. There are so many outside tasks that want done: cutting away the rain-damaged leaves from the clematis vines, pruning the roses now that bloom is past and time for pesty bugs to appear. Weeding--always more weeding!
I will likely make garden rounds again in the evening--these lengthy twilight hours moving toward the solstice are lovely for lingering outside.
For now, I think I'll move downstairs to my long-neglected sewing.
Well done - that is going to be lovely. Currently weed free too - long may that last! I hope everything survives and thrives.
ReplyDeleteMy rose arch is now "planted" - my farmer neighbour offered to do it for me, bless him. Just need to put the short stubby screws in which stop the side struts moving (my back was aching too much by that point). Then to train the clematis over it (Montana rubens included).
Jennie; Still an area in the center to be planted--I need to consider what will best fit there. When we have recovered from this bit of work I'll probably get some mulch to spread around the plants to prevent rain spatter. weeds? I hope this will be fairly weed free! At least working on it will be easier than needing to crawl about.
DeleteHow good that your neighbor offered to set the rose arch in place. So many jobs need four hands--and a bit more 'oomph' that a farmer man can provide!
Lovely photos. The flying pig is delightful!
ReplyDeleteLinda; the Flying Pig languished in an over-grown spot last season--I think she likes it better by the new raised bed!
DeleteThe garden demands so much of our time and energy at this time of the year. I'm still very much "into it" although my DH is not ( not surprising as he is 82). So I try not to ask him to help. After all I do have my grown kids who live close and can always be depended on to help.
ReplyDeleteG. M. I spent years--and hours--grubbing in the garden on hands and knees--my knees will no longer oblige. Jim has almost completely taken over the veg garden although I still choose the varieties that are planted.
DeleteEnvy you the work and worry of your garden, I am gardenless but getting too old to do much anyway. But it is lovely to see the flowers come and go over the year.
ReplyDeleteThelma; I expect that as long as I can totter about I'll have gardens for flowers. In the past several years, more of my gardens are in big tubs and containers--getting down on the ground--to say nothing of getting up again--is not an option. Jim has taken over the veg garden and is quite possessive of it!
DeleteI enjoyed this garden walk very much. Your beds are looking good, and I think your plants are going to thrive in them.
ReplyDeleteHot as can be here too. I planned to work in the garden this evening but it's 8pm and 80° so nope, not tonight!
Granny Sue; We're heading into the long months of summer--and its difficult to find a slot of time when working outside is halfway comfortable. We water in the evening if there hasn't been rain, I tweak out a few weeds in the plantings near the back porch clothes line. Jim labors with the tiller and hoe--we gardeners love the 'punishment' that goes with the projects!
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