Here are the potatoes coming up in the new raised bed.  When they get up a few more inches I will add soil, so just the leaves are showing.  That is where the potatoes will grow, along the stems, into that soil.  Eventually, I hope to add soil almost to the top of the boards.  

 

Right now I am so happy to see them showing green.  

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Now that we have installed a gate across the steps to the lower level, the Clematis has grown back, and is fuller than ever.  It is planted under the deck in the shade, and the top is up two levels, and it is full of flower buds.  There must be a hundred.  

 

Last year the deer got in there and ate it down to the roots.  We weren't sure it was going to make it.  But it did, and it is gorgeous.  Yay!!!

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Going up the steps to our favorite Sporting Goods store, I noticed this periwinkle peeking out.  It was planted under the steps years ago, and now it has filled in the entire shady space.  

 

I love seeing it in bloom, and isn't it fun to say:  periwinkle.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

I thought you might like to see my Wisteria blooming all the way up in the trees.

 

We have seen them along the highway too, reaching up into the trees.  They are pretty, sure, but there is nothing quite like having my own Wisteria.  I love that it is close enough to perfume the air all around me.  

 

I am so happy in the garden.

 

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!

 

A few days ago in the park we noticed the Christmas ferns sending up new fiddleheads.  What a happy sign of spring.  

 

I hope you see some in your springtime travels.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

We decided to replace the Redbud tree that fell down last May.  

 

First, George came over and removed the old stump.  He loves any excuse to use the tractor.  And the tractor made short work of that stump.  That was so much easier than Jon (or me) digging it out.  THANKS, GEORGE!!

 

Next, we dug the hole a little wider, and a little deeper, and mixed in a bunch of mushroom compost left from the garden.  Then we planted our beautiful new tree.  Watered and mulched, and stood back and admired our work.  

 

 

And here she is:  ready to grow into her new spot.  What a happy, productive day.

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

Here is a close up picture of the Fothergilla in the park.  It looks like a bottle brush to me.  We love seeing this bush in bloom, and of course have to get up close and smell its soft fragrance.  If you go, it is right at the trailhead.  But go soon, because the blooms only last about a week.  

 

Then, spring is on to the next thing.  

 

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!

 

Last week we repainted the pallet flag, and when we got ready to move it back to its spot, I noticed a curious skink hanging out.  I guess he liked the job we did, because he stayed on it the whole time we were carrying it back.

 

We like it too.  

 

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!

 

Look how our neighbors transformed the haybale.  Life is good here in the mountains.

 

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!

 

Our best apple tree is blooming now.  Look how pretty it is!!!

 

I wish you could be here to breathe the air;  it smells like cloves.  We love it in all seasons.

 

 

HAPPY SPRING!!!