Sad Iris

So after moving last summer my iris sat in a plastic bag the rest of the year and finally made it into the ground a few weeks ago. I had some very sad looking white foliage sprouting from the rhizomes. Well, Most of the foliage has turned greenish but there is NO chance of any flowers this year. I saw a neighbor had some beauties blooming in their yard and it made me pretty sad. So, I've focused my energies to clean things up.


My cheap answer to needing a potting bench

I planted some lettuce, Swiss chard, and carrot seeds last weekend. Since then it's been cold and rainy so I doubt I'll see any sprouts soon but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I also soaked some morning glory seeds from old plants that I had and they seemed to have started. Not bad since the seeds were probably collected about 2 years ago. I did get them in the ground but the over night temps have been in the high 30's. I need to focus on getting the violets in order. They are everywhere! I love the little purple and white violets but I'd rather have them where they don't want to be. So, It's a battle to see who can outlast the other. Right now they are winning.


Violets everywhere!

I had an old fruit container that I put some of the annuals in for a splash of color on the shady side of the house. I have plenty to spare to brighten up a few other spots as well. I need to buy some potting soil and mulch to get everything in order! And maybe another container or two although I LOVE reusing odd items around the house for planters. Which is good since funds are pretty limited right now.



Still the biggest issue is the plethora of rocks that are everywhere! Originally, I think they had a load of stone dropped off for weed abatement under the deck and then they just raked out whatever was left into little nooks and crannies. Now I need to remove them all. Easier said then done especially with nowhere to put them! I promise I will have pictures to come and I will even go back an add some that I have already taken at the beginning of this gardening season. It's just great to be back outside and slowly working away.

Looking Weepy

The pansies went in the ground last weekend and since then it's been chilly and rainy. So, i haven't had a chance to get outside to take a picture. But on the positive side, they are still alive! It looks like the experiment may have been successful. Only 2 more days of chilly rain and then sunny and in the 70's. At least 3 nights have dipped down below 37 since they went in the ground so they haven't gotten any bigger. More to come.

Here they are 1.5 months later!

The First Shovel-full

For the first time this year I pulled out the rake and shovel to begin the gardening! Last summer I moved into a new house with a small yard. I love flowers and full, lush, gardens but am still learning the ins and outs of gardening. Spring is in the air today, highs in the 60's and bright sunshine. Now the work begins, not only the arduous labor of raking, planting, and wedding but the mental planning of how I want it to look, searching for the best plants, and where to plant them to look their best. So, With all these adventures before me, here we begin. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes.

There is a small section in the yard, about 10' x 15', that I have decided to convert into a flower garden, in the English style. I want this area to be full of perennial flowers that fill up each corner with different colors and textures. This past fall I bought some leftovers from Walmart and put them in. It seems that some of the plants survived the winter. I'll have to keep my eyes on them to see how well they progress.

The biggest factor in how I progress is my budget. My plan is to trade plants with friends and of course shop for sales. While the back yard section mentioned above is maybe the one with the most work to be done. The front yard is the most problematic, with working around existing shrubs and having to fill a large area. I want the majority of the annuals with their vibrant colors in the front yard to welcome me home after work.

The plan may be to not have a plan. I want color. So, I think I might just go and buy some. It's still early in the year but I am thinking about putting in some pansies and see if they survive! In fact now might be a good time to go shopping, hopefully someone has some for sale. Stay tuned for pictures, numbers, and designs.