And this too shall pass

Took Friday off to turn this Patriot's day weekend into a four day weekend. Gorgeous and warm. Used it to get out into the garden for the annual spring chores. Got Dahlias in on Fri.; hoping the earlier start will lead to earlier blooms. Visited Volante farms and took advantage of my being alone to take the necessary time selecting the prettiest violas. No Bellis at Volante; made a trip to Russell's today for those.

It's a bittersweet time. Spring has arrived, the Lilacs seem poised to put on a show. But there are constant reminders that this property has become a burden to keep up with. And when the rabbits eat the masses of crocuses down to nubs, and the daffodils fail to return in full force, one wonders, "why?" Hope springs eternal that the roses will do better than ever, that the particularly dry spring will lead to healthier peonies. But Wellesley - living "in town" within walking distance of train, shops, etc. - is looking more and more attractive.

As the earth warms up and plants emerge, I feel a melancholy consciousness that I am really in the middle of middle age, just another stepping stone to the fall/ winter of life. The osteoarthritis in my hips is acting up more and more from activity like this, and I'm wondering how much can I really keep doing this? And we were saddened to learn this morning that Greg's brother will be moving to a condo and his mother to a nursing home or assisted living facility. There will be no "home" in Westfield any longer to go home to. Lots of memories. Another chapter ending and lives that will never be the same.

Pruned and fed roses Sat. Hope to finish cleaning up perennial crowns and feeding on Mon. Greg to plant onions.

Post Labor Day blahs

Obviously I haven't posted for over a month. I haven't been able to bring my self to work in the garden, let alone blog about it. August's heavy rains left the roses in various degrees of decay and disease. I do have some pictures that I need to upload and caption. I've come to the conclusion that our yard is just too big -- I need a smaller garden. Never thought that would be possible, but I'm more and more convinced that a "Beacon Hill" garden is not such a bad thing. Greg just remarked "huh, it's dark at 7:15."

July turns to August

I'm ba-a-a-a-a-ck... It's hard maintaining a blog, I tell you. And the more you procrastinate, the harder it gets. Embedded here is a slideshow of pics spanning the month of July into August. The flea market plant stands referenced in the slideshow are cast iron pieces we bought at the flea market in Rowley -- two aquarium stands, and a grate and a griddle.



And the reason I post now? I'm on vacation, so have found a moment and the energy to do this. Anyone out there interested in some daylilies? We really need to divide them this year, and I don't really have a place to plant the divisions so take your pick... (pos. 1 & 3 no longer in bloom). First come, first serve:

Pimm's and fava beans

With borage in full leaf, Pimm's season can now commence (though one can cheat and start drinking Pimm's Cup before the borage is out...). Very refreshing during this muggy weekend. Saturday did some much overdue deadheading and planted some larkspur seedlings. On Sunday weeded cutting flower bed and finished mulching some of the bare spots; installed some plant supports; nearly passed out from the heat and humidity. Greg seeded some late crops (collards, etc.). Greg thought the favas were ready to harvest, but after having resolved to harvest and build a meal around them (and some escararole), there weren't really as many mature pods as initially thought. We forged ahead and supplemented the favas with peas. All turned out well and we had a delicious meal. Lettuce heads are fully formed and cut and come again is beginning to bolt -- hard to keep up with some crops!

Here's a limited slideshow.


Phototaking is something I'm also behind on. What photos are missing? The red Shakespeare roses in full bloom complemented by the lavender. The pink Geoff Hamilton roses in full bloom complemented by the Siberian iris (and the delicate cloud of blue creeping veronica flowers that preceded them). Brilliant blue delphinium bouquets. The vegetables' progress.

Zinnias, sweet peas, cosmos and larkspurs starting to bloom. Not enough for big bouquets yet though.

More on Pimm's.

Spring photos

Finally, am updating this blog with some photos. (Click on the slideshow/photos and you will go to Picasa and see the slideshow in a larger size.)

Rainy sunday

Yesterday was beautiful and we spent the active part of the day weeding the vegetable garden. I finally got around to mulching the herb section -- what a mess it was, but now it's tidy. Today we awoke to heavy rain; we were supposed to weed the shrub and flower beds. My vote is to have Strawberry Hill (our lawn service) do it.

Last weekend we had to go to New Jersey because Greg's brother Ron had bypass surgery. The weather here and there was quite hot (high 90s) and the peonies pretty much peaked this week; not much left. Last Friday I brought enough with me to NJ for two big, gorgeous bouquets. This past Monday I brought a big bunch to work and have rotated through a few bouquets in the house. God I love peonies. Also Siberian iris have pretty much peaked. So gorgeous. Asparagus season is over. Got some peas at Volante farms yesterday; delicious cooked simply with butter, salt, white pepper and some windowsill chervil.

The roses are blooming like crazy. They'll probably keep going at least a week or two more. Plants in the cutting flower garden are doing well, though the Teddy Bear sunflowers are down to about 1-2, and some sort of disease got one of the delphinum.

I have tons of photos but haven't had time to download, upload, caption, arrange, etc. Hope to get to that this week (mabye).

First Peony Harvest

It's been really busy lately, didn't get to do much gardening last weekend. However, couldn't resist sharing the first peony harvest of the season. Here they are with a couple of Siberian Iris.