The 2024 Garden Year
January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...
Breathtaking. I think I need more hydrangeas.
ReplyDeleteI am also a Hydrangea fan. Yours do pop in all that shade.
ReplyDeleteThe rose climbing through the crape myrtle is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI only have one (oakleaf) hydrangea at the moment.
I'm with Jean -- I probably need more.
But I don't have much shade. And hydrangeas need at least some afternoon shade in the South, right? (Unless you want to be out there everyday with a hose.) At least that's what I've heard...
Aaron, the rose combo was an accident! I have seen oakleaf hydrangeas growing in sun but they prefer some shade, especially afternoon shade.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, I love your garden, I think we have similar tastes in plants, although I only have 3 hydrangeas! You are a few months ahead of me though as my New Dawn has one flower open so far. I have been looking for a hydrangea for a shady corner. I was thinking of Annabelle, but not sure of the shade factor or of the droopy blooms
ReplyDeleteClare x
This is beautiful! Would love it if you would share this and your upcoming posts at my 'Home Sweet Garden' party! Here is the link to this weeks party... http://creativecountrymom.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-sweet-garden-party-527.html ♥ Brooke ♥
ReplyDeleteClare, Annabelle blooms really well in the shade.
ReplyDeletePhillip, it's because of you that I started growing hydrangeas in my mostly shady woodland garden. I've been eager to see your hydrangeas this year, and of course they didn't disappoint. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful Phillip! My favorite plant as I have lots of shade. The Snowflake is my favorite. Have you been to Aldridge Gardens..it is also beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEdith, I have been there but it has been a while. I need to get back.
ReplyDeleteLast October, I visited callaway gardens (it was late October) and the one thing I noted more than anything was the hydrangeas
ReplyDeleteJealousy. I killed my only oak leaf hyrdangea, (or the excessively wet spring killed it) two years ago. Rot set in. I look forward to another in the future, and you garden gives me ideas.
ReplyDeleteRay
Beautiful woodland scenes, Phillip. My eyes are too accustomed to looking at drought.
ReplyDeleteI love hydrangeas. I have planted 2 this year and really want to add a white one. How can a pink and blue be planted side by side and maintain their colors? I have seen pictures like that and want to do that. I have planted one of each with about 7 ft between them. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteCarol, it is hard to control the colors but basically, adding aluminate sulfate will promote blue blooms and lime will give you pink. I have heard that it is difficult to do and have not tried it myself.
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