Although, we are not completely without frost risk until the 15th of April, the long range 10 day forecast is reassuring that there will be none. I have felt comfortable enough to begin plantings some of the hardier plants like snapdragon, yarrow and cleome. I have uppotted some tomatoes and peppers. They will be planted over the next 10 days.
Last years’ geraniums are trimmed and ready for setting out in containers. I have sunflowers, Mexican hat and zinnias ready to be set into the ground. It is a busy and exiting time.
It is Easter week and soon to be Master’s week, so I have some photos to go along with those themes.
The azaleas are in full bloom. I have some kurume type (coral bells) which are really beautiful and this one is a larger leaf evergreen variety which I am unable to name.
The spiderwort is a native which can be unruly but this grouping has kept by its manners.
The Columbine just began blooming this week alongside its native relative (Aquilegia canadensis).
Every Saturday morning, a group of gardeners from around the world post 6 photos for the week. It is a very interesting experience. Come join us and see for yourselves. Here is the link https://gardenruminations.co.uk.
The first two photos are of a Hyacinth orchid which is a terrestrial type of the genus Bletilla. This was a gift to me of several years ago. This spring, I refreshed the soil with a topping of compost and I edged the bed with stone. For this, the reward has been an abundance of beautiful blooms.
The Virginia bluebells (Mertensia Virginia) have also benefitted from the removal of some Southern shield ferns that had invaded the bed.
Finally, I found this little salamander friend as I was working yesterday. He was still a little sluggish and allowed me to get him to pose for this picture.
Happy Gardening!!
