Wednesday, May 8, 2013

that lusty month of may

Let the planting begin! Outdoor flowers bring me so much joy.
These were the first flowers I planted about 3-4 weeks ago when it was still
quite cold here. I always get so excited when I see pansies at the garden centers ~
it means spring is on the way!


 I went to Home Depot today and bought annuals and more herbs.
I normally don't care for marigolds because of their scent, but I thought they'd
look sweet in this little wooden box, and I was right.


I think this large pot on my patio will end up being my favorite.
It's holding assorted colors of gerbera daisies, a few extra marigolds, and
sweet potato vines - which will be beautiful once they start growing over
 the sides of the container. See those stalks poking out of the ground in the
background? Those are hostas - which grow so huge every year, that they
come up over the patio.


Dianthus and more basil...


A hanging basket of gorgeous begonias...


The awesome beauty of an unfurling hosta leaf...


My lilac bush is ready to burst into bloom...


OK, technically these are weeds in my lawn. But, aren't they pretty?
We obviously don't use any chemicals on our lawn.


In case you were wondering where the title of my post came from, it's
from a poem by Sir Thomas Malory (an English writer in the 1400's).

The month of May was come, 
when every lusty heart beginneth
to blossom, and to bring forth fruit; 
for like as herbs and trees bring 
forth fruit and flourish in May, 
in likewise every lusty heart 
that is in any manner a lover, 
springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds.  
For it giveth unto all lovers courage, 
that lusty month of May.




29 comments:

  1. You have such a head start on planting...I'm envious! I love your big pot...the one you call your favorite! I love gerbera daisies. And begonias...sigh. I am SO ready to start getting my hands dirty! Way to go, Mel!

    XO,
    Jane

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    1. Oh honey, you've had way too much going on with getting ready for the wedding - the flowers will still be there in the next few weeks! It'll be great therapy for you later. :-)

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  2. One thing I am looking forward to in retirement is working daily in my garden. I am learning so much about flowers from blogs. I have never had luck with marigolds - the flowers look so raggedy. What are hostas?

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    1. Hostas are a very popular perennial plant here in northern IL. I have them all around the house - they grow huge!

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  3. I think we are finally safe to plant outside! It's been crazy! Your flowers look so pretty. Enjoy!

    Judy

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  4. It has been so cold here, I have not had the gardening bug. But I think I finally got it from your pretty planters.

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    1. I hope it warms up in your area soon, Rhonda. That's crazy - it's May!

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  5. We don't use chemicals on our lawn either... there's enough chemicals on the loose in this world. Marigolds are great for keeping bugs away and they don't smell good... maybe that's why the bugs stay away. LOL

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    1. An even better reason not to use chemicals on our lawn - we have well water. The chemicals go down into the ground and then into the water! Even if we didn't have well water, I certainly wouldn't want to be breathing in those chemicals or walking on them. That is true about the marigolds - the scent helps keep mosquitoes away!

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  6. Melanie-
    You have such a happy collection of some of my very favorite plants! I put my marigolds in a couple of weeks ago-we have had such high winds and cool weather that it has stunted them a bit. However, yesterday was 80 plus, so I am sure they will get with it now! I am a fan of miracle-gro, and a organic root stimulator. They really support strong and healthy plants.
    Happy Gardening!
    Jemma

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    1. Thanks, Jemma - I especially love the gerbera daisies. They're so cheerful!

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  7. my son lives in Northern Illinois and he said his gardens are really coming in this week. His patio with the ferns and hostas is just beautiful. We were lucky to be there last Mother's Day. Your flowers are looking so pretty and I love the wild violets in your grass. They are so sweet. My chickens ate my hostas right down to the ground :( I don't know what possessed them to do that this year. They have never bothered them before.

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    1. Small world that your son lives in northern IL, too! Interesting that your chicken ate your hostas - I had no idea that they do that!

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  8. Pretty, Melanie! Makes me want to get out and garden...and I think it finally is spring here!

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    1. I certainly hope so, Linda...seems like it should be warm everywhere by now!

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  9. Used to be a variety of marigold that didn't stink so bad. Don't know if it is still around.

    Your flowers are lovely. We're hoping we finally have spring to stay. Been hesitant to plant anything.

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    1. Spring has been crazy here too...hot last week, now cold again. Nights are in the 30's! But yet high 80's in a few days.

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  10. So pretty! We don't use chemicals on the lawn either. I love the little violets. Now that our winter is fianlly past (I hope) I am ready to go shopping for annuals and herbs. Maybe I'll find a bit of time this coming week?

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    1. I hope so - it's so rewarding to see beautiful flowers and so much color around the house again.

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  11. May is indeed a Joyous Month bringing new Blooms , I love Pansies hardy little plants , and Begnois are really lovely they just keep a coming. Hope you don't mind I am a new follower here. Pretty containers to which are a great compliment to your flowers.
    Sheila

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  12. Thank you for becoming my newest follower, Sheila - I really appreciate it! :-)

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  13. Isn't nature wonderful! Your plants are all so lovely. Sadly, our growing season is coming to an end and the heat is setting in. Over 100 degrees today and boy did we feel it when we got into the car after school. Ouch!

    Going vegan has been easier than I thought. All of the changes I've made over the past 8 years have been a progression and it seems that when things are right, they come naturally. I am doing it from my heart and soul, so that seems to make it all the more doable. How ever long I am here, I want to do all that I can to be healthy.

    Happy Mother's Day! Tammy

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    1. I love the heat but over 100 is way too hot for me, too. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

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  14. Hi Melanie,

    How DOES your garden grow! Love all the pretty colours and shapes! I am especially enchanted with your patio pot, too, so happy and vibrant! I am awaiting your post on those ready to burst lilacs!

    Poppy

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    1. I can't wait until those lilacs burst open either, Poppy!

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  15. You know me, the lusty month of May is my favorite! I just love how every day has something new for me to enjoy. Flowers everywhere! We might get some frost tonight, so I had to protect all of my babies, hope about you?

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    1. Yes, it was the same here, Robin. Chance of frost overnight last night. I had to move my plants into the garage! But yet tomorrow is going to be 85 degrees. Crazy weather!

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  16. Pretty flowers! I can't wait till ours start. We've had such a long, cold winter and spring. Thank you for sharing it at to What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great week!

    Hugs,
    Deborah
    Green Willow Pond

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Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment - I read and appreciate each one!