What's Blooming

I don't have a lot of time, but I wanted to let the world know (if the world actually cares) about the plants that are blooming at my house.

The 'Rustic Rubra' magnolia is putting on quite a show with her big pink and white blossoms. I hope that today's hail and wind didn't ruin the tree.

Grape hyacinth are blooming among the daffodils, hyacinth, and squill. The crocus are just about done blooming, but the violets are starting to show their color. My tulips, what few the deer and rabbit didn't get to, are going to bloom within the next few days. I love to cut tulips and put them into a clear vase in the living room.

Today my weeping cherry burst into bloom. Its long, draping branches are covered in pink fluff.

The Grecian windflowers are open; their little heads are nodding in the breeze.

In the backyard, the Cleveland pear is just opening up. It will be beautiful tomorrow. I hope the weather will be nice so I can go outside and pull a few weeds!

shel

Chores Completed

The last few days have been windy but glorious nonetheless. I was able to mow the lawn (actually I just rearranged the oak leaves that had fallen last winter) on the west side of the house. All of the leaf dust brought on an asthma attack, but I survived.

Yesterday I planted two gallon containers of blueberry bushes. I will have to feed them well with an acidic mixture, or the bushes won't survive, much less produce. I put the bushes in the area between the Pekin tree (lilac tree) garden and my greenhouse. They should get plenty of sun there.

I planted huge bright yellow pansies and dusty miller in three containers outside. One is under the mailbox, the next is on the corner of the landing of the steps leading to the front door, and the third is in an antique wicker planter that is by the door. I also added branches from the red twig dogwood to that one just to give it some visual interest.

There are many bare spots in my yard thanks to the dogs and the moles, so I spread grass seed and covered it with potting soil to help it get a good start. This nice rain that we have today will be crucial in the root development.

I haven't gotten much done, but I do intend to work out in the yard more on Easter Sunday, after everyone goes home from our luncheon.

Oh, how I love spring, even if it means tons of work for me!

shel