Where did May go?

I know from comments in response to my recent Facebook status – something about giving up and going inside to lay down, instead of tackling the 5,000 garden tasks left undone – that many a HV gardener is struggling to keep up this season. Cold weather followed by torrential rains topped off with a few 90+ degree days in early June do not perfect gardening weather make. But that’s part of the fun, right? Rolling with the punches, feeling a little crazed each spring, and taking what Mother Nature hands us and making the best of it.

The garden is not completely mulched, the weeds are happy as can be and I’ve even missed out on some great photo ops that finished blooming before I could get out there. Despite these “obstacles” I am completely and utterly thrilled to open my eyes every morning and peek outside to see I am the proud gardener of a FINALLY four-year old garden. Plants have established themselves and no longer look like the babies that went in. Surprises are seeding in – and will bring some real fun next season. Last year I restrained myself from moving everything around for the third time, and the plants have thanked us by filling out and blooming splendidly so far.

• Amazing how fast things are changing out there - taken last week, 5/27

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• Dictamnus albus, aka Gas Plant (5/27)

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• I always have high hopes for the window box, this year includes helioptrope, scented geranium, sw. potato vine, petunia and trailing coleus.

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• Myrrhis odorata, Sweet Cicely - Ferny foliage is sweet to eat and likes light shade

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• Dianthus, with Geranium 'Nimbus' behind, is a great value sold as a pack annual. These beauties were planted 3 years ago, and keep coming back.

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• Road Bed plantings are filling in! Happy to see Agastache 'Black Adder' thriving, wasn't sure it was hardy here.

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• First year Eryngium 'Miss Wilmott's Ghost' is making a show.

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• Patio Garden

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• Failure at keeping the "work area" off the patio.

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• Iris 'Before the Storm'

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• My real work space, also know as the "holding area."

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• New potting bench! Joint effort between TF and myself.

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• Urn planting includes plectranthus, petunia and coleus.

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• This Iris (variety not logged) in bud reminds me of ballet slippers.

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• Rhodies making a comeback after being defoliated by deer.

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• Magic - I can get amaryllis to bloom in June! ;)

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• Schizophragma hydrangeoides, Jap. Climbing Hydrangea - 3 yrs growth.

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