Friday, May 21, 2021

Garden Friday

 
 
 
Happy Garden Friday!
It's been  a gorgeous week here in the Piedmont,
although we are creeping closer to summertime weather patterns.
 

 
 The front porch bed is about to explode with 
Black-Eyed Susans!
They surround the bird bath and we look forward
to all the color in the space.
This will be one of the perennials that gets divided
after blooming is complete.
There are plenty of spots on the property 
that could use this cheery pop of vibrance.
 

 
The salvia are happier than I've seen them in a long time.
This brilliant blue butterfly magnet has been blooming for months
and shows no signs of slowing down.
The plants I use in all of my flower beds not only attract pollinators,
but are drought tolerant once established as well.
 

blue salvia

 
It was so thrilling to see the Shasta daisies come to life.
I don't remember this plant being as prolific
as it has been so far this spring.
These make great cutting flowers for the house.
 

 
The white yarrow is another perennial that is doing better in its second year.
There are constantly bees covering the petals,
and I know the butterflies also find it enticing.
 

white yarrow
 

 
The butterfly bed is filling out with things that are coming back,
as well as with a few seeds that were sown directly.
I'm thinking if I find myself a good plant sale somewhere,
I might need to bring a few home to fill in the bare spots.
After all, if we don't cover Mother Nature,
she will find a way to do it for us,
and that means W-E-E-D-S.

 
The dwarf Joe Pye Weed is growing each week,
despite our lack of rain.
Some of these plants are absolutely amazing
in how much neglect they can take.
Once this starts blooming, the butterflies will be all over it.

 
The lavender is getting ready to bloom,
and with that comes the lovely fragrance like nothing else.
I've taken to rubbing it on my mattress when I change my sheets
to create the sweetest of dreams.


A friend had given me some spider wort,
which I tucked in under a grouping of trees.
(Click on picture to increase the size.)
This is one of those plants that keeps making new starts,
so you will always have some to share.
(The flags help Big K know that these are not weeds when he is mowing!)

 
The apple tree is once again putting out fruit,
although we don't partake of it.
It is left for the birds, deer, rabbits and squirrels to enjoy.
I'm considering using it for homemade apple cider vinegar,
should we get enough fruit.

 
Can I just tell you how much I love this Dutch clover?
It is the best ground cover.
It's easy to grow, low maintenance, and the pollinators love it.
So do the rabbits and chooks,
so it's a win-win-win!
Here's an article extolling the benefits of using it in your lawn,
(or in place of your lawn, should you be so moved.)


 I find these sweet little saplings all over the property.
They offer hope for the future,
and it is so delightful to watch them mature.

I hope your weekend is filled with wonder
and an appreciation for all that you have in your life.




8 comments:

  1. I had to laugh about the flags, as I have lots of them around here too. Unfortunately, some things still get missed. Two saplings were mowed, in different places, already this spring. You do what you can! Lavender on the mattress is a nice idea. The salvia are such a gorgeous color. Enjoy your weekend!

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    Replies
    1. I put grapevine "cages" around my beautyberry plants, as they are out there where nothing else is growing. Simply stick the ends of the grapevine or willow into the ground, forming a cloche-type formation around the plant.

      Thank you for visiting!

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  2. Flags are a great idea! Every year we have the issues of potentially losing precious flowers while my husband gets busy weed wacking or mowing.... All of the color looks so nice! Our spring colors are gone and I'm (patiently) waiting for some of the summer color to arrive. I added more daisies, black eyed susans, and salvia to the front flower bed this year. You are so right - if I don't fill it with flowers and bushes then mother nature will surely fill it with W-E-E-D-S!! :) Have a wonderful weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like you have a wonderful summer of color coming up!

      Enjoy the transition.

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  3. Beautiful, as always. I love your salvia. I planted some but it didn't get any flowers. It probably didn't get enough sun. Sigh.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it's important to put the right plant in the right place and it will thrive. I'll bet you could have a wonderful shade garden with hostas, ferns and ground covers.

      Enjoy your weekend!

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    2. Apparently all we can grow is shade plants. =( I keep trying in sunnier spots, but it's almost never enough. I do get a little bored of hostas and ferns.

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  4. Woodland gardens are some of the most diverse and fascinating places to be! Maybe you could call or visit your local Extension office for a list of shade loving plants. There are more than hostas and ferns, I'm just not an expert at shade gardening. ;0D

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