Look What I'm Up To Now!: The Fruits of My Labor Are All Flowers

Almost a month ago, I started planting my flowers. The front garden will look a lot better when the phlox and bee balm start blooming. It will take a while for the ornamental peppers to start putting out their colors, but it will be worth it come autumn. The marigolds add a lot of color. Unfortunately, the azalea was damaged by last winter’s never-ending snow. Half of it was broken and dead once the snow melted. However, what was left was pretty spectacular when it bloomed. Next spring, after it blooms, I will dig it up and turn it so the broken side is in the back. That should make it look prettier.

One part of the back gardens is coming along nicely. Along the fence I have bee balm; in front of that is white phlox; and in front of that is blue delphinium. Part of my patriotic garden. Then around the outside I have alternating upright fuchsia and tuberous begonia. That gives me the red and white, with the blue delphinium in the back…double patriotic.

The other side of the back garden is very interesting but not quite pretty right now.

The bleeding heart I transplanted from the front is not happy where it is. I think the soil is too wet and dense. I’ll see what they do next spring. Perhaps I will need to transplant them again.

I have added a couple of phlox (two different shades of pink). The sedum is going crazy and will have to be divided next year.

Now for all that weedy looking stuff that’s growing. I think it is safflower from the winter bird feeder. When I would clean out the bottom of the feeder and cast off what was mostly seed hulls…that is where I would throw them. Must have been a lot of willing seeds, too. I’m letting the “weeds” grow just to see if they are really safflower.

The hot pink watering can planter is just plain cute! However the flowers in that pot need to be transplanted to the ground. The pot is too small and the flowers need room. I hope to do that tomorrow morning. Then I will find something else to put in that planter!

Keeping one step ahead of the landscapers is an adventure! When I see their trucks coming on-site (which is usually before 8 a.m.) I dash to get dressed and get out there with my stakes and yellow caution tape. I stake off my gardens and, lately, my neighbors back garden too, so the workers don’t dare get anywhere near our plants. Last year they left a tall weed I was letting grow just for the fun of it, and they took out three ornamental pepper plants. They are not paid to think. How do you say in Spanish: Stay away from the crazy lady’s gardens!

Up on the deck I have the large pot in the corner with a spiky grass, New Guinea Impatiens and mini- licorice. The railing boxes have beautiful white and purple petunias and vinca vine. I decided not to grow tomatoes this year. I plan to raid my son Paul’s garden instead.

Enjoy the pictures. I love sharing my gardens with you.