April 30, 2003
This past weekend was very productive for me. I planted all of my shade plants and mulched two beds. Now I have the sun plants left to plant and mulch the remaining beds.
Now...when I get a chance I'll post the photos.
April 25, 2003
Another day, another plant sale...
The American Horticultural Society is having their sale today and tomorrow near Mt. Vernon. They always have the best regional plant nurseries and independent growers.
Today's purchases...
Natives - from Doyle Farm Nursery
Blue Cohosh
Squirrel Corn
Ornamental grass
Asian shade plants - from Lazy S's Farm
Mertensia pterocarpa var. yezoensis TN Japanese Bluebells
Tricyrtis formosana 'Gates of Heaven'
Thalictrum reniforme 'Grandiflorum'
April 23, 2003
Yes, I've changed the design of my blog. I was feeling like the old one didn't fit my spring mood. This one is lighter...
As you may have noticed, I have yet to start planting my recent purchases. I think next week will be best after the LondonTown plant sale. That way I can plan around and not have to dig up things I've already planted.
On Monday, I saw our very first baby bunny. He was the cutest thing I've ever seen! He was hiding among the bushes and probably eating our weeds (I hope).
April 21, 2003
Yesterday I found to my surprise a group of Mayapples and Spring Beauty. All in my backyard!
I'll have to go exploring along the trail and see if other types exist out here.
April 19, 2003
Yesterday I noticed that some seeds have sprouted. That was quick 3 days and sprouts emerged!
Zule Prince Daisy
Purple Dahlia Zinnia
Teddy Bear Sunflower (different seed packet)
Now I should put the other ones outside for them to get a cold spell and then bring them in.
April 18, 2003
I had the great pleasure of visiting my local native plant nursery today, Lower Marlboro Nursery. Although it was cold and raining today I was still able to make it out there. The owner is very nice and accomodating. One can only visit by appointment.
She has quite a nice collection of native plants and less common exotics. Not too mention gorgeous land for growing the plants. It was very difficult to not buy one of everything. I got a small sampling and hope to visit again. Here's what I got:
Sun
Lonicera sempervirens (1)
Sisyrinchium graminoides (1)
Ruellia caroliniensis (3)
Iris cristata 'Alba' (1)
Penstemon digitalis (2)
Shade
Anemonella thalictroides (2)
Thalictrum polygamum (3)
Viola cucullata 'Freckles' (1)
Carex laxiculmis(?) (1)
Acorus gramineus 'Oborozuki' (2)
Juncus effusus (1)
April 16, 2003
I just got an email back from the owner of Lower Marlboro Nursery letting me know that they'll be around this Friday for me to visit. I can't wait to see what plants they have available for sale! Now - I've gotta control myself.
I finally got around last night to planting some seed packets. Here's what I planted:
Echinacea Purpurea
Zule Prince Daisy
Purple Dahlia Zinnia
Teddy Bear Sunflower (different seed packet)
Alpine Blue Columbine (from trade)
Black Barlow Columbine (from trade)
I found a great resource for organic gardening Seeds of Change. I had bought some seed packets from them and buy their packaged foods all the time. I just didn't know they had such a great Web site.
April 15, 2003
The never ending to do list needs to be started. First, I need to find an affordable rain barrel. Any suggestions on where to find one in Eastern US?
Ok - so, I've got to put together the to do list.
April 14, 2003
And here are the photos from the front of the house. These two borders are in dire need of some design:
I've finally got around to taking photos of our front yard. The photos show the two borders and the island bed. There's not much in them but at least there's some trees and shrubs. As you can see, they're basic and need some color and work.
I'm thinking of turning the island into a butterfly/hummingbird haven. The hard part is deciding which plants to get. I'll have to start my wish list....Check out the photos:
Island
I tell 'ya working around the yard can really break one's back. I finally got around to removing the nasty japanese honeysuckle from the side yard. Yucky mean stuff! That vine is very invasive and has done quite a number around the country side of the Chesapeake Bay.
Yesterday, I also got around to setting up my compost pile but the hubby deems the location inappropriate. He's worried that it's too visible. This week I hope to move it, plant some new purchases, and spread horsey poop.
April 11, 2003
There's some cool upcoming plant sales in the area...
Adkins Arboretum Native Plant Sale
I'm sure I'll end up buying loads of native plants as well as cool shade plants. Although I do need to concentrate on the front island and beds, which get loads of sun. I find the sun gardening not as rewarding as the shade gardening. Maybe that's just me.
local interests , native plants , shade plants
April 10, 2003
Well, as it turns out the previous owners of our new house placed weed material in their flower beds! AAARRGGHH....
Last week while cleaning out the beds (yes, I know, I'm behind) I encountered these idiotic black plastic sheets. The soil underneath was completed packed with very little soil structure. I can see this is the beginning of the long haul. Stay tuned.