Phase II – Planning the fall and spring garden

It is time to spruce things up in the tired and withered summer garden.  The mums have buds and will bloom in a few weeks.  I’m not sure if the astilbe made it or if I will have to re-think that choice next spring.  I have come to understand that gardening is an evolutionary process – not a cross-it-off-my list chore.

But now, it’s time to think of spring bulbs.  I want more daffodils for next year, and the Grumpy Gardener recommends February Gold.  So, I will order February Gold and more crocus.  I planted crocus 15 years ago, and they still bloom faithfully each year with no care at all.  In fact, the fall ones are blooming now, and they look great! I learned that squirrels do not like daffodils, so they are safe from the digging and storing problems that I have had with caladiums.

And, while I was out working this morning, Mr. Ruby Throated Hummingbird came and buzzed me.  I would like to think he was welcoming me home, but it may have been because of my red garden gloves.

Ahh…the coneflower

I realize that not all plants in the garden can be my favorite…but I really, really, like the faithful coneflower.  What can be said of it?  It’s hardy.  It blooms prolifically, even in filtered light.  It can withstand draught and take the rain.  It is beautiful, stately, dependable…and the bees like them. And,  they self-seed or clone themselves or whatever it is that results in more plants each year.  However, I did buy additional plants this year because I like lots of blooms.    Here, they grace our backyard garden with the blooming hosta plants.   I cut back the stems after the bloom is gone…but at the end of summer, I let them stand.  They offer texture and interest to a fading garden. 

Rather Dig than Dine?

 Me too!  

Just this morning I was in Lowe’s to pick up that “one last plant” I would let myself buy this spring.  As I headed down the aisle to the checkout counter, something new caught my eye.  Astilbes.  Tall, lush, pink and just what I had been planning for a certain bare spot in the garden.  Dang!  I just couldn’t pass them up.  What the heck?  I can eat soup this week, can’t I?  Soup is good. I came home with four plants. 

But don’t they look beautiful?