I’ve been working outside pretty much nonstop, trying to get my flowerbeds cleaned up, everything fertilized, pruned, transplanted. Weed pulling, mulching, figuring out what died and whether to replace it. Voles ate almost all of my lilies — stupid damn critters — so I will be planting allium in the very back of the flower bed in an effort to keep them away. Don’t know if it’ll work.
I ordered 9 new fruit trees from an online store with certified arborists. Yes, I would like to buy locally, but the “local” help I received has been wrong several times (looking at YOU apricot trees, that haven’t so much as put on ONE SINGLE BLOSSOM in 6 years!) so I opted to go to experts on what trees need cross pollenization, which trees do well in this climate, etc. It boggles my mind that Lowe’s sells MAGNOLIAS here. In zone 3. SMH. I know I can’t control the weather, late freezes have been the death of any fruit yields, but when that’s not a problem, well, I know there’s another issue and I had to look at which varietals don’t cross pollinate. Sucks that I have 2 very healthy apricot trees but nary a bloom to be had. I did get blooms on the plum tree this year — fingers crossed I get some plums! And the pear tree had a shit ton of blossoms, so hoping for a better yield this year.
In the backyard, the hostas all survived, as did the rose bushes, 2 of the 3 clematis, the peony and the bleeding heart. Out front I lost lavender, blanket flowers and a Joe Pye plant–all had been established for at least 2 years. I replanted a couple of bushes too, but I forgot to take pics.
I haven’t planted my veggies yet, nor have I done much with annuals, due to the fact I need to stain the decks, but alas, I think that might have to wait until July, when the days are hot with no sign of moisture.
These are the replacements I bought for the lilies that were vole fodder– they’re not nearly as pretty as the 8 varieties of lilies I had, but I wanted something blooming now:
My irises all have buds, but so far this is the only one that’s bloomed: it is pale yellow and gray, such a unique combo
This is the tail end of the grape hyacinths — they last so long!
At the greenhouse I saw this beautiful coral colored peony and had to have it
I’m a bit scatter-brained if you can’t tell — maybe from breathing too much fresh air — haha. But I have to admit that dirt therapy has been good for me. It’s been wonderful to be outside!
If you’re a gardener, tell me how your gardens fared over the winter 🙂
L~
PS — CONTEST WINNER WAS DIANE DECKER and she’s been notified! Thanks everyone for coming to the blog!