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 ...
The sun was absolutely wonderful today! That second iris picture is lovely. They look more like Iris reticulata than Dutch iris. My Dutch iris are just poking their leaves out of the ground. I love pieris. They're some of my favorite shrubs, even though you'll hear other lifelong residents of the PNW dismiss them as common. Mine are all really young, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, we had some sun and dry weather up here near Seattle today too, and I finally got some work done in the garden. I'll be achy for a few days but it was worth it.
ReplyDeleteThe little iris are always a treat during spring. Mine aren't up yet. Those a lovely blooms on the Pieris. We are back to winter here. There will be a lot of bud/bloom loss. Nothing like a whacky spring to make you look forward to summer.
ReplyDeleteHi, Phillip, three days of sun the whole winter?! I would be seriously depressed. Anyway, I am glad the sun came out yesterday for you and you got to work in the garden.
ReplyDeleteThe color of the dutch iris is simply stunning and you took some wonderful shots of them.
I love, love, love the pieris shrubs, especially the variety 'Valley Rose', I don't recall that I have them seen here in San Diego. I have to check, if they grow here I might have to get one. They are so beautiful!
To many more sunny days with plenty of gardening!
Warm regards,
Christina
It never seems to stop raining ! I did have a nice day in the garden yesterday though , I was hoping for more today , but it doesn't look promising .
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, especially that 2nd one with its delicious colors, the bokeh, the light pricking the edges of the blue...makes me feel happy...thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe have had some dreary days, but today was sunny, though cold. Freezing temps are expected this week. Of course, most things have budded out early this year. Azaleas are in full bloom. I have pieris planted in several areas of the garden. Last fall every one of them developed a blight. I cut away the affected areas and sprayed them. So far they look OK this year. They have always been one of my favorite shrubs.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeletesnow here, daffs are blooming trees are buding out and the freeze is going to kill a lot of things
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you've had such a grey winter, but as you say - sunnier days are ahead :)