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.
Showing posts with label larkspur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label larkspur. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
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.)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Daffodils & Asparagus
What is up with the Daffodils in my yard? This particular clump is blooming well but...
Other clumps are kind of pathetic; weak sprouts, few blooms. We've planted several daffodils since moving here, and in years 2-3 following initial planting, they seem to kind of crap out. I need to research this. Too much mulch? Some kind of subterranean bug? It's not the deer or rabbits.
Accomplished a lot this weekend and last. Planted out larkspur and sweet pea seedlings (direct sowed additional larkspur last weekend, including Sydney Blue Picotee seed purchased to replace the plants sold by Parks). Planted dahlias last weekend (0rdered new tubers from Swan's). Weeded cutting flower bed and mulched seedlings and young perennials with Mainely Mulch. Put soaker hose irrigation systems in veg and flower gardens. Sprayed vulnerable plants with copper soap and deer repellent. Thinned phlox to reduce mildew. Bought a rose (Falstaff) to replace one of the pathetic tree peonies. Still so much to do! Delicate balance between enjoying the work and doing everything that needs to be done; gardening is peaceful and fulfilling but can easily tip toward feeling stressed out about not getting key tasks done in time. Too tired to do the copper spray and deer repellent? Then you'll be crying when your peonies rot or the deer devour your tender plants and rosebuds.
First meal-size portion asparagus harvest of the year tonight. This is what it's all about!
Other clumps are kind of pathetic; weak sprouts, few blooms. We've planted several daffodils since moving here, and in years 2-3 following initial planting, they seem to kind of crap out. I need to research this. Too much mulch? Some kind of subterranean bug? It's not the deer or rabbits.Accomplished a lot this weekend and last. Planted out larkspur and sweet pea seedlings (direct sowed additional larkspur last weekend, including Sydney Blue Picotee seed purchased to replace the plants sold by Parks). Planted dahlias last weekend (0rdered new tubers from Swan's). Weeded cutting flower bed and mulched seedlings and young perennials with Mainely Mulch. Put soaker hose irrigation systems in veg and flower gardens. Sprayed vulnerable plants with copper soap and deer repellent. Thinned phlox to reduce mildew. Bought a rose (Falstaff) to replace one of the pathetic tree peonies. Still so much to do! Delicate balance between enjoying the work and doing everything that needs to be done; gardening is peaceful and fulfilling but can easily tip toward feeling stressed out about not getting key tasks done in time. Too tired to do the copper spray and deer repellent? Then you'll be crying when your peonies rot or the deer devour your tender plants and rosebuds.
First meal-size portion asparagus harvest of the year tonight. This is what it's all about!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Cherry crostata
On Saturday I baked a cherry "crostata" -- a free form tart with some leftover frozen sour cherries I ordered from Michigan last year. Yumm.
On Saturday I also potted up the Johnny Jump Ups and Bellis Perennis. Cleaned up and fed the Hydrangeas. Planted the mail order plants and some plants picked up at garden centers (Quince Toyo-Nishiki, Helenium something or other, Party Girl miniature hollyhock, Hellebore). The Hellebore were probably planted in a spot that is too sunny. Forgot that I had intended to use them in a shadier spot to replace Tricyrtis that are out of place due to height. So, sigh, will have to move them. But the good news is we have a fairly sunny bed that we had underappreciated as such. Room for more perennials!
Tues: Ordered seeds for Delphinium (Annual Larkspur) Sydney Blue Picotee (plants from Parks were a total bust, should've known, will get refund); Dahlias (Lauren Michelle and a 2008 introduction, Rawhide). Friday (4/25) received shipment from Brent & Becky's. Nice plants and bulbs, but bulbs packed in box on top of plants and crushed the leaves.
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