"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings."

Friday, May 7, 2010

New surprises - Fertilizer Friday.

I've been looking longingly out the window most of this week, just dying to get outside and garden. I've been reading the forecast everyday, hoping there was some sort of miraculous change in the weather coming, but it never happened. In fact we set a record for our lowest high in May a couple of days ago, it only made it to 48 degrees (our average is the low 60's for this time of year). While yesterday was still cool, the sun actually came out and stayed there for most of the day. I could feel my mood lifting as the day went on, especially seeing that the weather should be gradually improving over the weekend.
I did my usual garden walk through and found some nice new surprises as well as getting a chance to enjoy some flowers that I haven't been able to take pictures of yet.

The big purple Rhododendron in the backyard has just started blooming. The Littlest Gardener calls this the plant with the "twisty branches" because of the unusual way it grows. When it's in full bloom I'll share a picture of the whole shrub.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a real favorite of mine in the path garden. The green foliage and bright white flowers really lighten it up. It does spread rather quickly, especially is the soil is moist. Luckily for me it's mostly in dry shade areas so hasn't been a problem.

One of the many surprise Columbines (Aquilegia). This is a new one to bloom this year, I haven't had any ruffled solid purples ones before. I love the surprises that come after years of Columbines mixing with each other.

This Columbine I remember planting at one time, but don't have the tag anymore. It's probably one of the few I've bought in a very long time, I usually have so many that have reseeded I don't need to.

This Columbine is the prettiest lavender color.

Very exciting is this Allium which is getting close to opening. It's quite a bit further along than the others which were planted right by it.

One of my favorites that I can always count on to bloom all summer is Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber).

This small Dogwood (Cornus florida) is having it's best bloom year yet which is surprising since I transplanted it in the Fall. I've promised the tree that this third spot will be it's final place. I've seen birds sitting in it's small branches. I always get excited when I see birds sitting in shrubs or trees we've planted, not sure exactly why, but I do.

This tiny Heuchera 'Petite Pearl Fairy' is doing great now and just starting to bloom. I was afraid it hadn't survived the winter. 'Marmalade' is right behind it. So far I've resisted any more Heuchera purchases this year, but it is only May...

Fertilizer Friday is hosted each Friday at Tootsie Time. Tootsie has an amazing greenhouse loaded with plants she's started. Visit her to see who else is "flaunting their flowers".
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45 comments:

  1. I really like the Red Valerian! I am trying to learn more about flowers. I need red ones that will bloom in the Summer. What kind of sun does it like?

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  2. You're right we did show a lot of the same plants today. Your Red Valerian is way ahead of mine but my Allium is opened farther than yours. That always surprises me because you bloom way ahead of me. LOL Beautiful yesterday - I got to work outside for hours. After Dr. appt. I plan to do the same today. Much nice weather coming so get ready to get down, dirty and have fun. The soil smelled soooooo good yesterday! Do you want some more London Pride? Mine is taking up far too much room now!

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  3. Good morning Catherine. I am sorry you had a bad weather week. We are getting it this weekend and more frost. Ugh!
    Your Columbines are all so pretty and so is the red valerian. None of my alluims came up this year yet so something must have eaten them.Have a wonderful weekend and hope your warm weather comes back.

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  4. The valerian seeds you sent me are doing well. I am looking forward to pretty red blooms and self seeding here in my garden. Love those columbines!

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  5. David - Mine grows in both full sun and part sun. It does reseed, but I've never had any problems with it reseeding too much.

    Linda - I'll be heading outside soon, I've saved this whole day for gardening. I'd love more 'London Pride', next time we meet maybe we can do some more trades.

    Lona - Hope the frost doesn't get your plants. I think we're all ready for some nice warm weather.

    Tina - So glad the Red Valerian are doing well, they should bloom this summer for you. BTW the Columbines seeds you sent me are finally sprouting in my path garden.

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  6. Glad you got to go outside, it does lift ones spirits...I love that sweet woodruff!

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  7. Hi Catherine, Your columbines are lovely! So is the shrub in your first photograph! I have 3 Gladiator allium that are about to open, too. I just planted them last year and am excited to see them. I had also planted some drumstick allium and they came up but without any plant spikes so doubtful they're going to bloom. Well, maybe next year. Have a great week!
    Beth

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  8. I like the Red Valerian too. How nice that it reseeds. Also love the Heucheras. Hope your temperatures improve soon.

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  9. More great blooms Catherine - can't wait to see what my columbine seed flowers look like this year too. I wish I could say no to new heucheras.

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  10. Your columbines are just beautiful. I love them, they seem so delicate.

    That nasty weather is here too. It may snow tonight but the ground is warm so it won't last.
    Marnie

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  11. I love the Sweet Woodruff too.....especially the delicate white blooms. I also love it when plants in my garden decide to "mix it up". The columbines are just gorgeous.

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  12. This was a very nice garden tour. Such pretty flowers that don't grow down here!! Thankyou.

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  13. Love those stunning columbines and the colors are so vibrant. Have a great weekend. I'm locking the office doors now.

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  14. Great display of flowers, Catherine. I know what you mean about weird weather too. Spring (warmer weather) has arrived - unfortunately the rain hasn't. Our average for April is 5 inches of rain. We've received none! And May, so far, hasn't produced a drop. What's going on!

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  15. I am going to be having spring envy of you who are still experiencing this fresh and wonderful season. We are moving into summer; already feeling the heat and humidity! I love, love your columbine! Most of mine are pink or pink and white, but occasionally I'll get a purple, which is always a delight. I hope you have beautiful weather for the weekend!

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  16. I didn't know red valerian would bloom all summer. That's good to know. Mine has been blooming for a month now. Will it need to be deadheaded? Or can I collect seeds all summer?

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  17. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
    And here we are in a "winter" weather watch with 4 to 5 inches of snow expected! I'm not liking it :(

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  18. I guess I didn't realize so many places still had the chance for snow in May. I know we're all ready for warm weather.

    Tom - I really never deadhead it, just leave it alone. I collected seed from it at the end of summer, but it goes to seed throughout the summer so I'm sure you could just keep collecting it.

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  19. Good Afternoon Catherine, Today you have featured many plants that I do not have. I love columbines but have not had good luck with them here. I have a few Heuchera but I truly love your Marmalade. It seems like your family took you to buy plants last Mother's Day - is that a possibility this year? If so, have fun choosing some new additions!!!!!

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  20. Everything looks great !
    Love all the different color Columbines.
    Now that I have a new added shade area due to losing a big tree...the Sweet Woodruff looks like it may work there.

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  21. Catherine, I can't believe you are having Chicago type weather. We are zone 5, but zone 8??? Tomorrow night we are expecting a frost so I have been covering all of the tender annuals we are usually safe putting out by Mothers Day.

    I love that blue columbine and your Heuchera look wonderful.

    Eileen

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  22. Oh dear, we must've stolen your nice weather down here, it's been gorgeous all week. I can't believe your high was only 48! Your Columbine doesn't seem to mind though, what a beautiful color the lavender one is.

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  23. I hope the weather warms up for you soon. I can't wait to see the whole rhodoendron, the color of the flowers is so lovely. I love the shot of the pink dogwood and your columbines are beautiful.

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  24. Catherine, your garden & pictures are amazing! I see details in the flowers that I have never noticed before. Wonderful!

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  25. Catherine your flowers are always so pretty! I like the little white blooms of the Sweet Woodruff. I will send warmer weather your way...we were up in the 90's today! It is heating up quickly. :/

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  26. The Heuchera 'Petite Pearl Fairy' is a real charmer. I love the combination of silvery green on top and reddish purple underneath of the leaves, plus the blooms look nice. Is it a naturally small grower,as its name suggests? The columbine with light pink and red is good looking, as is your lavender one.

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  27. Hi Catherine,
    Your aquilegias are spectacular! So is the Heuchera "Marmalade" - I've never had a lot of luck with heuchera but your colour combinations look so good that I feel like I'd better give it another shot :-)

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  28. This was just the inspiration I need to get out and WORK in those beds. Everything is looking quite weedy and seedy and the blooms are competing with not-so-nice things. Lots of work now, but I'll be stretched out on a chaise longue in a month, enjoying the view of my labours.

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  29. As always you have the most beautiful flowers. It is truly a treat to stop by your blog.

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  30. We have rainy, cold weather with some frost during nighttime also!
    Your Columbines are very beautiful! I hope the Columbines in my garden will be mixing with each other to,because I love the surprise of new beautiful flowers!
    Have a nice day!!
    //Margot

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  31. Your photo of the Sweet Woodruff is gorgeous. Our neighbor has it growing under a big tree and I took a picture of it to use on my blog. But....can't seem to find time to do a post.

    I planted some Allium (white) last fall and they are coming along nicely. Your photos always intrigue me.

    We had snow on the ground this morning and NO it didn't look pretty. lol

    Happy Mother's Day to you.

    donna

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  32. Dear Catherine, how magnificent your garden is, rododendro is sooo beautiful and the aquilegias, wow!! I have never tried them but for sure will do it this coming spring...and the blue wall color that I see in one of your pictures, loved it!!!!
    Cariños,
    Maria Cecilia

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  33. I'm rather jealous that your plants are somuch ahead of mine here in england! Lovely aquilegias

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  34. Really pretty over there, Catherine. I felt as though I were actually standing below your rhody! :-) Happy weekend.

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  35. This Spring looks lovely in your garden. How exciting! Please don't forget to post a pic of your Allium in full bloom in your future post!
    The Heucheras are lovely. I love their autumn colors.

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  36. Oh, how I love your flowers ... mine are just coming in beautifully, also.

    Happy Mother's Day.
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  37. Hello dear Catherine,

    I am sitting in the Denver Airport catching up on reading. Loved seeing the blooms, especially love it that you too appreciate sweet woodruff, which I think is too overlooked. It is a starry and sweet carpet and I always make spring wine with a flowering sprig included.

    I FINALLY had a minute and Jeff helped me add your blog to my roll. So now I'll see you pop up on the roll whenever you update.

    Happy gardening and I'll hope for warmer weather for you.

    Love,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  38. Hope that the weekend warmed up as it went along Catherine. You are doing well in resisting the urge to buy more heucheras but as you say it's only May - plenty of opportunity yet :)

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  39. Your garden is such a treasure and I learn so much from your posts. The alium preparing to open is a fantastic shot.

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  40. You have the best columbines! I love that purple ruffled one too. The pink seeds you sent are all doing well. I can't wait until next year when they bloom.
    I have been doing the same thing to our weather forecast ~ we usually get one (or two ~ if we're lucky) good days per week then the rest of the week is a complete waste. I will be thrilled when it warms up for good.
    Your garden looks good even with the cool weather (but it always does!)

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  41. Hi Catherine, I've never heard of 'Petite Pearl Fairy' but what a jewel it is! Methinks I might need to go shopping, again.... :)

    I'm writing to you on Sunday evening. Gardening weather has been fabulous all weekend unto a downpour just now. I have a feeling your next post will be all about your splendid weekend in the garden! Mine will be.

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  42. Love the rhodo blooms! What a lovely colour. I so enjoy seeing glimpses of your blue house, it provides such a beautiful backdrop for your colourful garden. :)

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  43. I really like the cheery columbine you have that turns to face upward. All of mine (shyly?) just look at their feet. LOL

    And, as always, your garden pics are beautiful and inspire me to do more. :-D

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  44. I am dying to get out and garden too....it is supposed to warm up here...your garden is still so beautiful!!! I love seeing your photos!
    I am so glad you have joined in on FF this week...thank you. I hope you will share with my meme again soon!
    Spring is finally showing herself here and I get to start hardening off my flowers this week...so soon I will have something growing outside too!

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  45. As a fellow NW gardener, I loved seeing what's going on in your garden and comparing to mine. :-) I hope you will stop by and link up some of your garden photos at a carnival I host called "Tuesday Garden Party." The Tuesday Garden Party starts every Tuesday at 6:30am (PST) at www.AnOregonCottage.com and runs through Thursday. I sure hope you'll share!

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