Mossy
pathways are changing to their spring green
Today's
photos, and revelations, come from June Smart down in Monroe, North Carolina. June
says, "Weeding my gardens is a source of great joy for me. Yes, you heard
me correctly. My delight ranges from seeing tiny blossoms underneath the
foliage of the Solomon's Seal and hosta shoots emerging in early spring, to
studying the intricacy of an aquilegia blossom, to finding new shoots of a
plant that is beginning to colonize, maybe presenting itself as part of a
layered group of several plants. There is always something new to discover when
I am focused on my work in the 12 to 18 inches directly above the soil. Weeding
in the spring, before all the newly-emerging foliage flushes to full size, is
the best time to find weeds, and to get to know how well my plants made it
through the winter. So, excuse me while I step outside to enjoy some more
weeding!
I have lived in this home 16
years, and retired from public work 2 years ago. About 6 months
after retirement I began to address the erosion issues on my property with
walls to divert and slow the rainwater, and 3 detention pool areas. I also
began amending the soil, and deciding to focus on an evergreen shrub border
inside the fence. The border is now in place, with some 30+ starter-size
shrubs.
Many of my original shrub plantings were relocated to become part of the border
along with the new shrubs. Doing all this myself has been much of the pleasure.
This border will be deep, and have graduating layers of height when
mature. My desire is for a small patio perennial area surrounded by a
shrub forest with only a few pathways through it. I am proud to say I use
everything my property gives me - good soil, challenging soil made better,
rocks, falling limbs, falling leaves each fall. Everything can be improved and
incorporated. There is still much to do to keep moving toward my goals,
but maybe it is not too early, in the life of my garden, to share some photos
with my fellow gardeners." I feel like going outside to weed right now,
June. That says a lot about your persuasive abilities....
Green, white, and pink
Just out of the ground a few days - will soon be very full
Light through the fragile new foliage
First day in Bloom
Aquilegia and 'Gumpo White' azalea
Carolina allspice buds
Dicentra blooms early here
One of my first azaleas, name unknown
Tender new foliage on the vinca
Phlox paniculata from my mother's garden
Tiny blossoms of the Solomon's seal