Observations in the garden

We have had a wonderful spring ( actually summer-like) weekend, weather-wise.  So, I have been out in the gardens.  I can't work in the big bed out back yet  (and really that one just needs to be plowed under, but I digress)  because the back yard is still a swamp.  Have you ever walked in a bog?  That's my back yard.                                                

So, what have I found in the gardens?  Obviously, the early flowers are blooming.   The crocus will be past their prime in another day or two.  They come and go so quickly!  But I am grateful every year for the gift of their color after months of grey.  The rabbits or deer have been nibbling on the foliage a bit from the look of these.

  The first of my tiny irises was there to greet me this morning!  They also come and go very quickly.   Sadly, I have also discovered the results of the winter we have endured will linger in my garden all summer.  There were spots where the perennials were getting quite overgrown.  I hadn't done much about it because I don't know where to put the extras and I hate throwing them in the scrap pile.  I won't have to worry about that, I fear.  The candytuft and creeping phlox are mostly dry and brown.  The bergenia is black.   

 Other observations, in no particular order:

• Rabbits poop a lot, assuming that is who has been spending time in the front beds.  (Free fertilizer!)

• Teabags are not good candidates for "composting in place"- the lazy way.  You dump scraps in the garden under the top layer of soil, or your mulch, and the "bugs" break it down for you.  Slower, but less work.  Anyway, over the winter I have dumped the bucket of kitchen waste here and there in the gardens, figuring it would get stirred in when I rake and plant  this spring.  There are teabags everywhere out there.

• I am going to have to learn to love dandelions in order to save myself both heartache and backache.

• My cat is just as happy chasing dry leaves in the wind as she is chasing mice!     

            

 

 I did spend a little time in the sewing room this weekend and finally finished the banner for the EZ-up tent the guild uses for selling raffle tickets at summer events.  I had discovered already pieced strip sets from the brightly colored raffle quilt I designed for the 2012 quilt show and thought this would be a good use for them.  People will sure see it.




I have a new summer indulgence, assuming it wasn't a fluke that Tops had these.  If you like dark chocolate, you must try them!










My green thought for today will be to share other "lazy" gardening tips.  Some of them will allow you to use less chemicals, fuel in mowers, and put less into the waste stream.

I am grateful for:
A nice long chat with Guy.
Lucas' finger feels better.
The kittens' diarrhea seems to be gone!
Eating dinner on the screen porch.
Cooking on the grill.