Ground Rules

There have been a few problems in my garden this year because I thought the rules didn't apply to me. My plan for an arbor with purple wisteria on one side and gorgeous, white clematis on the other side is not to be, at least not in the spot I planted them.

Wisteria healthy and green.

Wisteria grows like a weed and doesn't always bloom where it is planted, especially when it doesn't get enough sunlight (current location). I thought I could plant it where I wanted to plant it (counting on its 'weedyness'), not where it needed to be planted.

*SIGH*

Wisteria shading Clematis.

Last week I admitted defeat and trimmed it back, I also plan to move it in December to a location where IT will be happy (I'll try to adjust). 

It's a good thing I got pictures of last year's beautiful clematis blooms because I got nothing this year. Too much shade - because of a wildly, healthy, weedy, green wisteria blocking out the sun and giving me a green/yellow, pitiful clematis this spring. Turns out the old garden rule of "heads in the sun, feet in the shade" is one I need to remember and follow, so maybe next year I can have beautiful blooms on my clematis and beautiful blooming wisteria.

After I trimmed up (cut down) the wisteria I added a few pots
so this corner of the garden wouldn't look so bare. (Notice
the clematis is all greeny-yellow and sad looking.)
 

I left a few leaves on the wisteria, and noticed new growth on the plant in less than a week. Now to keep every thing trimmed, mulched, and watered.

Gardening (and baseball) - there's always next year.

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Out in the Rain

Yes, I'm sending you a message - this doesn't happen on its own..
if it did, I don't think I would tell anyone.

Rain is gently falling in my part of the world.  It is beautiful and I am thankful for the great job nature is doing watering my yard and garden. 

I am a little disappointed that my wisteria never bloomed this year.  It is the second spring here at my garden gate and still no blooms.  Should I be worried?

My garden gate - June 2012

On the left side there is just a little reminder (that bit of green brown hanging on to the trellis) of the white clematis that bloomed in early spring.  I had planned for the blue wisteria (left) to bloom around that time and the red peony (front right).  This is the first spring for the peony, maybe, hopefully, next year they will bloom.  Also, on the left side I have a few moon flower plants just starting to grow - there may be color (white) here by July...

I noticed that an Oak Gall (Oak Apple to some) has fallen.  Landed on the sidewalk right in front of the door.  It is a little early, and really firm. 

Please note:  It's only shiny, wet looking because I just
brought it in the house to get a better picture of it.
(Yes, I did turn it this way to accent the "eye ball look.")

Usually they feel like dried out little puffs of nothing and leave dark brown spots all over the sidewalk and driveway, this one is like a little rubber ball or eye ball.

Yesterday there was thunder and lightning - it was beautiful.  Today this soft rain with its cool temperatures seems slightly perfect. 

I leave you now to go sit with a cup of coffee and just watch the rain. 



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Spring

I love this time of year. 

Longer days, shorter nights.

Warmer winds, everything trying to grow - all at once.

We have been blessed with just enough rain 

and  the earth smells wonderful.

My garden gate.

Clematis.

Roses.

Winter was so mild that morning glories are blooming in March.

 

The Onion Patch - March 18.

Onion Patch - March 24.

UPDATE:  Here's my terra cotta rabbit.  I got my husband to tip it over -
 no snake.  So I happily continued to weed this flowerbed.

I did find a little (about the size of a new Number 2 pencil -
only it was light brown instead of yellow)
 ground snake (aren't they all?) in the daylillies -
yes, that was me you heard screaming Saturday morning.
No snake picture. 
I moved the rabbit to remind me where the red yarrow is planted.
I have no idea where the snake went.


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