One thing I like about gardening is watching nature's seasons unfold. I hardly have time to mourn the dying back of the daffodils and grape hyacinths and suddenly the iris and peonies are blooming. Here's a picture (clockwise) of the cat mint, virginia sweet spire, false indigo, and cottage pinks/dianthis all blooming at the same time.
On the other side of the path is my peony plant. I fell in love with peonies when we lived in Montana. We bought our house from an old bachelor who had let it go for 30 years after his mother passed away. While cleaning up the flower beds I pulled dozens of reddish shoots before realizing those "weeds" must be flowers. They turned out to be peonies! I treasured the remaining bush during the years we lived there. Anything that can survive complete neglect for 30 years is my kind of flower.
As soon as we bought our house in Louisburg I planted a peony. The key to peonies is plant shallow and then leave them alone! That's what I was told by a woman who had them lining her driveway.
The peonies are done now, and the seasonal rhythm has moved on to roses and lavender. I can already see my daisies and echinacea getting ready for their chance to shine with their summer blooms.
Last night I split my daisies, after the bumblebees had gone to bed.
Gorgeous! I am determined to plant perennials from now on so I can watch the show. Your flowers are beautiful. THanks for the tip on peonies. I will remember that.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Look around at what grows in your area for the "easiest" perennials, and then target your favorites for each season. That way there is always something you love growing in your garden. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThose are all beautiful--makes me miss my flowers now that I am in a small apartment. Time to get creative with potted plants, I guess.
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