The weather here continues to be "perfect" - in the 70's and 80's with low humidity.
We had one rainy day this week, but we really needed it. I worked in the yard for a
little while this morning, went to physical therapy, came home and worked in the
yard for a few more hours. It feels so good to be outside on days like today.
This little area in front of our house has always been my "sore spot". It's right there
when you're walking up to our house and is against the garage. It only gets partial sun,
so the plants and bushes that we've tried along the years have never thrived.
We had hydrangeas for a couple of years, but that's as long as they lasted. We've tried
growing clematis up the "trellises" - fail. These "trellises" are actually the side
pieces to an iron arbor that we used to have. Until one harsh winter where it fell over
and broke into pieces. Instead of putting the two side pieces in the trash, we decided
to upcycle and use them as trellises. The two green plants in front are some kind of
native prairie plant. Can't remember their name. In July, they produce the most
beautiful flowers. Anyway, for now I'm sticking with some potted flowers instead
of sticking more bushes in the ground.
So here's what it looks like as you're walking up to my house. The walkway to the
patio is on the left.
In the back yard, the butterfly garden is really starting to take shape. Nothing is
blooming yet except for the columbine (back, left) and that's so short-lived. I tried
to fill in some bare spots today with a few zinnias - they add such a beautiful
pop of color, too. Looks like I need to find something else to plant in the bare spot
in front, but I don't want to spend anymore money on annuals. I'd love to plant some
bee balm, but that really spreads. I'll think of something! Oh - one mistake we made
when making the border out of wine bottles, was to not soak the labels off the bottles.
We thought that the rain and snow would soak them off naturally. Not so! Stuck on
forever. We'll have to replace those ugly labeled bottles with ones where we've soaked
the labels off. I've seen other garden borders where people have used glass jars
and have even glued marbles and stones on top of the jars.
Speaking of columbine, I got a good close-up shot the other day. I just love these
flowers.This one had a cottonwood seed stuck to it, too. Those suckers have been
blowing all over the place lately.
This little circle garden in the back yard has two plants that were divided from
the butterfly garden (the two tall ones - and of course, I can't remember the name -
they will have beautiful purple flowers on them soon), straw flowers, rhubarb, and a
new rose bush (thanks to my mom!). I still need a few more rocks to complete
the border.
About 13 years ago, Brian and Phil planted these arborvitae trees when they were only
three feet tall. I'm so glad we chose to do this instead of installing a privacy fence. The
trees are much prettier! And give a lot more privacy than a fence, too. We're trying to
disguise the compost barrel...Brian transplanted day lilies around the barrel last fall. We
also put down grass seed a couple of times last month, but there's still some bare
patches in that area that needed tending to.
My little veggie garden against the back of the house...tomatoes, zucchini,
Brussels sprouts, (half dead/live hydrangea in the middle), and peas
climbing up the upcycled crib springs trellis that aren't doing so well.
I didn't get a photo of my entire herb garden...I planted two small rosemary
plants today. But I got a photo of how the lemon balm and mint are taking
over. I always have to dig some out every year, otherwise it would consume
the entire herb garden.
Have a great weekend!
