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There are lots of late winter/early spring weeds to contend with-- particularly something that I've identified as Poa annua, a.k.a annual bluegrass (which is apparently a very common weed in this part of the world). If it's just a tiny sprig, it's not hard to pull, but where it's more established, it takes up a layer of soil with it. I'm hopeful that these new flower beds will become progressively easier to keep weeded-- especially if I keep after it. Maybe by next spring it won't be quite so bad, after all the weeding and mulching I'll be doing this year. And maybe I'll get out there and pull the weeds earlier in the year, next time. (Anything's possible!)
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I'm trying to spread good performers around the garden, so I've been dividing some plants. I've also moved few other things where (I hope) they'll get just the right kind of sun (after less-than-perfect placement, the first time around). Such as the dwarf butterfly bush that didn't get enough sun in its old location. Then I thought the leucojum needed to move for two reasons. First, because it might benefit from more sunlight, and second, because new plantings threatened to block the snowflakes from view.
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A 'Peggy Martin' climbing rose (a.k.a. "the Katrina rose") is now getting settled in on the other (eastern) side of the arbor. If you don't know the story behind that particular rose, it's an interesting one, by turns sad and inspirational. This rose is known for its toughness and resilience as much as for its beauty. It's a repeat bloomer with clusters of small, lightly-scented double blooms of medium pink adorning nearly thornless stems. When they say "nearly thornless", the emphasis should be on the "nearly" part (which I suspect is usually the case with so-called thornless roses). There are some thorns, as I noticed when planting it, but they are as nothing when compared to the numerous, monstrous thorns of the 'Joseph's Coat' climbing rose, which grows on the other (western) side of the same arbor. Those thorns are downright mean.
Here's the only bloom we've had from 'Peggy Martin' so far. There are many buds, so we hope for more soon. The individual flower isn't spectacular. It's very small and not particularly eye-catching (compared to many other roses), but when there are clusters of them, I trust they'll be more impressive.
And here's the rose in its new home. I'm still in the process of deciding how to train some of the canes, but others of them are already tied to the arbor.
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Yesterday, I started tackling the problem area in front of the covered patio. This is the place I mentioned in an earlier entry. It's on the north side of the covered patio, so it gets a fair amount of shade, but in the summer, there's also a sliver that gets quite a bit of sun. Daylilies are doing okay in the sunny sliver, but I wanted something to fill up the middle and back of the bed-- and what I really wanted was something with four-season interest. Something that won't shed its leaves and be ugly all winter, since this is the main entrance to our home. An evergreen that will stay within the bounds of a modestly-dimensioned flower bed.
Then the obvious solution struck me: the dwarf gardenia ('Daisy') I planted there however-many years ago seems to be doing well. Why not plant more? So I've placed two similarly sized gardenias ('Double Mint', this time) on either side of the existing 'Daisy' gardenia. I'm crossing my fingers for success! There are still blank spots around the gardenias, but I can try to fill some of them in with easily-propagated perennials and annuals.
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Random Springtime Photos
Polka dot plant.
It's a tender/tropical plant, but I've had luck overwintering them in the garage. Apparently they are popular as houseplants, so no wonder. Also, last year, I had them coming up from seed, which was a nice surprise. I tried to let them go to seed again, so maybe more will show up.
Pincushion flower.
Still waiting for its permanent home in the garden.
'Ruby' Loropetalum. (At least, that's what the pot says...)
This little clearance loropetalum purchased last summer is still waiting for a place in the garden. I think I've finally settled on the general location. Front yard, keeping the Japanese magnolia company.
Golden alexanders.
Zizia aurea. This native wildflower is also waiting patiently for the gardener to decide its fate. Where will it land...?
Swamp sunflower seedlings.
I'm not sure it's even worth bothering with these seedlings, because the original plant has put out a good-sized clump. I've already transplanted several of them to a couple of new locations around the yard. But hey, I can't turn down free plants! And if these seedlings succeed, I'll have even more options.
Blanket flower seedlings.
These have been exceptionally fast-sprouting. I really do love blanket flowers. Okay, they can tend to flop, sometimes-- and alright, they are fairly garishly bright, if you don't like red and yellow right next to one another on the same flower. But they're so easy and cheerful and happy! The older I get, the more excited I am about easy flowers...
Purple coneflower seedlings.
I'm afraid that some of last year's coneflowers might not be coming back, but at least a few of them are... and there are seedlings, so I can't complain too much.
Roses have begun blooming again!
Double red KO rose.
Yellow single KO rose.
'Joseph's Coat' climbing rose.
And the azaleas are still in bloom.
'Georgia Peach' heuchera (coral bells) is blooming. This heuchera has fared better in its first year in our garden than the other one I planted at the same time-- 'Carnival Plum Crazy'. But they're both hanging in there!
The leaves of the 'Golden Angel' Japanese shrub mint are increasing in size and number!
Ah, and here are the first spring blooms of the blanket flowers! They probably would've keep blooming all winter if I hadn't cut them back. (g) Tough plants (and a very mild winter).
I have vague plans for the circle stone bed. Right now, it's a little sad-looking, but maybe later this year it will come closer to my vision of it...
The butterfly gingers keep growing...
Indian hawthorn.
I forgot that the blooms were so showy. There are other types with pink flowers, which are even prettier, but honestly, we value these as foundation plants for their attractive evergreen leaves and mounding forms. The flowers are just a brief springtime bonus.
Indian hawthorn and white/cream loropetalum.
One oak tree has just the barest of tiny baby leaves.
The other is ahead by a week or more. I wonder why... Different type of oak, maybe, or just different conditions, even though they're not that far apart.
The Confederate rose still looks happy in its new spot. Putting on new leaves and new shoots from the base. I'm feeling optimistic!
These double white clematis vines are so happy and fresh in spring. By far their best time of year, in my garden. Just look at those full buds! They look almost good enough to eat, they're so plump and ready to burst. (...Or maybe I just shouldn't be writing blog posts on an empty stomach!)
In closing, a photo of a fuzzy bumble bee enjoying the intoxicating aroma of the banana shrub's blooms. (Or maybe it's more attracted to the pollen than the fruity perfume.)
Spring is being very pleasant, so far. Rainy (and steamy after the rain), but sweet and soft.
