What is Gone

Three fourths of the winter pansies are gone. Depending on the heat and rain, one pot of pansies still blooms forth.  The May and June weather we’ve enjoyed lengthened their growing season. They had quite a run – September through June!

What is Growing

The marigolds and bachelor buttons have sprouted and grown; but some of the cannas transplants have not appeared, and probably won’t.  The transplanted daylilies, though, are waving.  (If I had killed them, it would have been akin to killing the Black-eyed Susan’s, which are promising a lavish summer show.)

A sagging begonia found root room in a larger pot; as did a white geranium that was exceeding blooming expectations. And yes, I deadheaded  it. I won’t soon forget last summer’s visual: Geraniums and the Remedial Lessons They Taught Me.

Annuals can be pinched back to induce busy growth. Many transplanted perennials should be given the same treatment. (The Gardener’s Bed-Book~ Short and Long Pieces to be Read in Bed by Those Who Love Green Growing Things.  Richardson Wright, page 155)

I wish something so simple as a pinch would keep me growing — but I bruise easily.

The knockout roses are knocking themselves out in all this cool moist weather. Unfortunately, some insects, beetles perhaps, are enjoying their abundant foliage.

Why don’t garden pests eat weeds?

Half a dozen or so of the sunflowers broke out of their seed casing and now wave frail pale green shoots. Here’s hoping I avoid crushing them when I water – I tripped over their marker in the dark last night.

Yes, I was gardening  in the evening.

Saturday past was splendid in every way – sunlight at 7:30 pm seemed to say, “Come on out – there’s still time to get dirty”; which I did. Even weeding was less tiresome.

What’s Going

Something invigorating happens when I putter around our garden – well, flowerbeds. I am not sure what happens or why; I am glad for the experience.  Perhaps it is that for days I see a garden chore I am ignoring – like removing the languishing pansies, transplanting a wilting plant.  Suddenly, trowel and shears in hand, I conquer the irritation!

I wish all stewardship issues were as simple.

What’s Growing in the Garden