I was just getting back into the groove of thinking about new garden additions and cleaning up after a long winter neglect when lo and behold, I am looking at triple digit temps for the weekend. What happened to time to plan and gradually build up to the big summer bloom and crushing heat? I went from Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival where it was barely spring at all, to being home and catching my breath before the Wool Market at Estes Park when I turn around and it is not just time to gasp at the cold splash of a spring pool but time to hit the water to really cool off.
After thinking my yard would never measure up to last summer, I dove head on into ripping out the old, pruning back the untamed and fertilizing the ones in need of a vitamin boost. Then and only then can I enjoy my most favorite summer pastime….scanning the aisles of a local nursery.
hmm, one flat....or two
Not just any old nursery but one that has the slightly unusual specimens to tempt my pocket book, and the best of all, one that has a sale of 30-50% off! This is the best!
After sauntering down the aisles several times, I finally make some decisions and have a plan. The bounty loaded and head to home. Such joy to put the plants in the ground and envision the promise of even more beauty in the coming weeks. I hope when we return from Estes, the baskets will be over flowing, the spreading rose will be taking charge of its locale and the Passion Flower vine will be firmly attached to the fence. I sometimes think I can almost see my plants growing. The morning inspection with the first cup of coffee of the day gives me hope for continued beauty and a peacefulness that carries me through the day…hmm, well, most days! I can look around the yard and wonder if I have a favorite plant of all and the answer is no but the one always makes me smile, is the big round, low pot of Purslane. Its perfect little hardy blooms never fail, require little more than water and give me a bright spot of color, all summer long. Let’s hear a cheer for the ever faithful Purslane.
Gotta love em
Two days ago, while dyeing yarn, I decide to do a more thorough inspection of the lime tree, known to me and mine as the Tequila Tree! I like the whole concept of growing my own limes for the occasional taste of tequila. I do a once over and upon my recheck, let out a shriek…… YES, there limes in the making.
Maybe pencil eraser size now, but just wait!
After allowing the tree to freeze in 2008, blow over in its pot several times in 2009, spilling several piles of potting soil and leaving its poor roots exposed, I was convinced that the fragile little blossoms had been shaken from their hold and I would have to wait yet another year for their “citrusy” goodness. But no, I was wrong, I had no faith! There are lots of these little guys and I will do my part to see that they are sacrificed to only the best tequila or Key Lime pies!
I must get back to the dye pots as next Wednesday will be here before I know it. There are always more white skeins waiting to make an appearance on the dye deck.
We will see you soon in Estes Park and don’t forget to join us on Facebook!
"Ellie" just hanging around!