Stepping Into May
Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8". It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
Beautiful roses! Years ago I tried to grow some hybrid teas but with black spot and Japanese beetles I gave up. In the last couple of years I've tried some English shrub roses but they still seem to prone to black spot. Are there any you grow that show any resistance? I am growing several of the knockout roses.
ReplyDeleteI'm all of descriptive words. I thought "Rhapsody in Blue" had to be the prettiest one until the page finished loading. Now I don't know. I think I love 'em all.
ReplyDeleteThat Rhapsody in Blue is much more blue than mine. I assume that's a camera/color thing? It's a blackspot magnet here in Kansas.
ReplyDeleteRhapsody in Blue looks unreal. I like the yellow one best I think. No maybe that one you liked. No maybe the last one. Heck, I don't know which I like best. Beautiful, all.
ReplyDeleteSue Ellen, I grow mostly hybrid musk, noisette, polyanthas, etc. They are more resistant than hybrid teas.
ReplyDeleteProfessorRoush, the color is enhanced a bit but it was pretty vibrant. It is like you said earlier, the roses out there just look different.
Lisa, I know, it is hard to choose just one!
Wonderful collection Philip and your photos are marvelous as always! Larry
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, those roses made me drool! Mine are all resting right now, so it was fun to see all of those pretties in full bloom.
ReplyDeleteCinco de Mayo! No, the next one, no, the one after that! Rose overload is right. Heavenly!
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