Not the winter has been such a long one, per se…but it has been a grey and wet one complimented with periods of unusually strong wind. I am ready for a sign, and there are signs, albeit discreet. Here is what I am seeing: This Galanta sort was the first to bloom in my garden. It was gifted by Nettie right before she passed away. The Winter Aconiet is always a pleasure to see. This one by a neighbour lady. The daffs are not far behind. The first crocus sort is this one: Down the way, the first hazel hangers are hanging: I could not just go and take pics, there was work to do…there is always work to do. I made the first move in the greenhouse by schoffeling the few weeds away. The soil will have to be removed when the outside soil is less wet. Then there were the big grass plants. The cut grass went onto one of the paths: The three small Spirea japonica bushes had to be pruned and shaped to the Bride’s specifications. After a busy day there were these waiting at home:
@Sjoerd This is so beautiful to see Sjoerd. I love the flowers. I was happy to see the Spirea - I have one that is 5 years old that I just started pruning last year. Do you still get flowers when you prune?
Ahhh spring is coming nearer here too. My garden is at the same stage as yours. Isn't it lovely to see new life appearing after all the short days and bad weather? You must be happy to be getting to the lottie again. Thanks for all your great pics.
We have a new hour of sunlight and since Jan 15 have been on the uphill track for the rising temps that max in 6 months from now.
Mel, this spirea is not the more common white one…it is the pink one with chartreuse leaves. But to answer your question— yes, they do bloom after a rigorous pruning. I took off about 1/3. Gosh Mel, you have such nice things to say. You are a kind person. You are welcome, Eileen. It is great to be going to the lottie more regularly now. It is indeed good to see the hints and colours of Spring. I hope that this coming year will be good in all respects, but the first signs of goodness is to be seen in the garden.
You have me cackling, Loggie. Your secret is safe with me. I am so sorry to hear that, Netty. I recall now that your seasons are behind me here. Hang in there, mate. Eileen, that is so unfair. How can our weather conditions be so different.
We are having signs of spring here as well Sjoerd. The grass is greening up, even though in patches. I guess in about a month or so, I will need to get outside and mow it. My wild elderberries are beginning to put out leaves. My tame one has no sign of life yet. I did take cuttings from the wild elderberries, and they are putting out lots of leaves in my kitchen window. I started some rosemary, and it is doing nice as is the oregano starts. I have a white spirea, and it is is putting out little buds. The lilacs have little buds too. The daffodils are up, and putting out buds. They are not blooming yet. Lots of things like lilies, irises, alliums, and ? others are up and green. The stores have seeds and plants for sale now. I bought another Concord grape vine, and another blueberry bush yesterday. My one grapevine from last year might be dead, but not sure yet. I hope not, but it kind of seemed to die last summer/fall. And some of my blueberry bushes are piddling and might have died too.
