Irises and Rhododendrons

Things are blooming here about a week earlier than last year.

These were given to me by a coworker. I have them planted in several different places. These get the most sun and bloom first.


These are really a dark purple. I've tried every setting on my camera to no avail. They were donated to a plant sale last year by members of my garden club and I was happy to buy them. I didn't know what color they would be and I am quite happy now that I know.


These were given to me by Kerri last year. I got them in very late and didn't expect them to bloom this year so I am thrilled that at least one is! My camera washed the color out of this picture too. They are really a delightful purple.


My daughter literally ripped these rhododendrons out of her garden and brought them to me. This year they are finally putting on quite a show!

Signs of Life

The temperature soared into the mid 60's yesterday and we finally had some melting. It's cooler again today and although temperatures are predicted to be in the 40's and 50's it's going to take awhile to finish melting what we have left. A mere 3 miles south and the snow is almost gone.

2 April 2008

John cleared off the rhododendrons as best he could.

30 March 2008

Strawberries at the very edge of the bed.

30 March 2008

There isn't much more showing yet. I'm hoping to see crocuses next week. I'm recording where the beds clear first so I can plant bulbs in the fall for earlier blooms next year!

A Bit of Progress

Every spare minute I've had lately (and there haven't been many!) has been spent in the garden. Four of the beds have been weeded and will need to be done again soon. I've painted the kero and propane tanks so I can get the new bed started. Several new plants have been set out and I've started wildflower seeds out in the clearing in the woods.

John took apart two of the corners from the old screen room. I think they'll make a great trellis set. I just want to touch up the paint a little and then get something planted. Maybe a couple of varieties of clematis?


My sister gave me three boxes of plants for the fund raiser on Saturday. And so far I've kept the other donations alive! She also gave me some chives and feverfew for my garden. :-)


I bought this hosta on ebay last year. It is called "Twisty," which I haven't found at Hosta library yet so I'm unsure of the "official" name. Twisty does seem appropriate. I'm disappointed that two of my hostas didn't come back this year. I really thought you couldn't kill a hosta.


The rhododendrons started blooming yesterday.


The pink azaleas are done. This coral colored one just started blooming. I love this bush and wish that I'd planted it on the other side of the house where we spend all our time.

Winter's Damage

The snow banks are shrinking back and starting to reveal the edges of the garden. What critter is living here and how many of my bulbs and plants did it feast on over the winter?I'm hoping there isn't more damage to this rhododendron. I still can't see any of my azaleas.
There are glory of the snow planted just under the bit of green at the bottom of the picture. Hopefully they'll be up sometime next week.


Three delphiniums and a datura germinated 3/23.
Only 1/2 of the marigolds germinated so I have seeded more.
One of the kid's zinnia didn't germinate so I added new seed to their pot.