FLOWERS OF SPRING

The rain did stop yesterday morning, and it cleared to be one of the most beautiful days that we've had in a long time. Temps in low 80's with low humidity and the nicest breeze. Today should be a little warmer and just as beautiful. Shame I have to work this morning.

I decided to attack my perennial bed first. What a mess! I was a lazy gardener last fall who didn't get around to cutting down any of the spent flowers. So between that job, "harvesting" all the wild onion, routine spring wedding and cultivating the soil, it took nearly all afternoon. I didn't take any pics of that garden though, nothing's blooming yet, so not much to show. I will absolutely get photos when my most favorite flower,

The Peonies,

start to bloom.

Got some work done in the herb garden, too, yesterday. Another mess. And this spring I'm paying for a big, big gardening mistake I made a few seasons ago.

Mint.

I planted that baby right in the ground. Now, I know better. Mint is big-time evasive and will spread everywhere. I've planted it before by sinking a bottomless pot in the ground to greatly deter it's spreading nature. A couple years ago when I planted a new plant, I just got lazy. So I spent most of my time out there yesterday pulling and pulling and pulling out mint. I'll be finishing up that garden today after work . . . hopefully . . .

When I was giving my poor old back and knees a break yesterday, I snapped some pics from around the yard. I can't wait to share more with y'all as more plants and flowers come into bloom.

Awww, isn't this little wild violet cute?

Cute maybe, but my biggest enemy. If left alone, these "cute" little plants will literally take over one's gardens, and they almost did in all of mine. It took me literally years to almost eradicate these little warriors from my gardens.

They have to be one of the most prolific self-seeders of any plant. Not only do they spread seed by their blooms going to seed, but their tuber-like roots contain seed too. Whenever I see any of these sweet little plants pop up anywhere, they get dug out immediately! But, be careful, if you break open those roots when digging them out, their seeds will be left behind.

This is my favorite hosta of the ones I have planted. It's called Stiletto. As you can see, it's planted at the edge of our little fish pond. The fish were being shy, and wouldn't let me get a shot of them. I love it's thin, wavy leaves. And the name . . . so neat!

This beautiful, majestic weeping cherry has put on it's breath-taking spring show for

many years. We did almost lose it one year, but it survived and has been thriving ever since.

A view from inside the tree.

Another showy tree/bush. This is a Purple Leaf Plum Bush. It's not quite a tree, not really a bush. The tiny flowers are so delicate, and super-fragrant.

Watch out for the bees, though. They love those sweet-smelling flowers too!

Lastly, a few different varieties of daffodils still blooming. Every spring I tell myself I should have gotten out there last fall to plant more bulbs.

Maybe this fall I'll actually do it!

One last little note. I'm not sure if he does, but just in case he reads my blog, I want to wish my big brother a very Happy Birthday today!

Funny story . . . my older brother is 7 years older than me, but all the while when we were kids growing up, I insisted I was older because my birthday came first (my birthday was 4/1). Funny how little kids rationalize things sometimes!

Happy Birthday, Curtis!!!

Thanks for visiting!

Leave a comment so I can get to know you.