Saturday, May 12, 2007
A bright and beautiful day today. A step outside is an immediate reminder that we were spoiled during the past week. Our thermometer reads 35.1 and there is frost on the truck windshield and on the lawn. 50 degrees is a nice temperature to wake up to.
The birds are busy this morning. I can hear loons on Peacham Pond and the tiny ruby throat hummingbirds which returned here four days ago are busy at the feeders and at the flowers. They especially like the pulmonarias and primroses but they compete with the bumble bees for any flower that's open.
As I walked down the back path, the maple leaves are obvious today despite the lack of rain and even the wild leeks (above) look a little lethargic. There is no doubt that a fire hazard exists and I sure hope no one decides it's time to burn anything. There's something about older folks who apparently included burning leaves, brush or fields in their youth that makes them want to throw away common sense and spark a match someplace. This is the wrong year to even think about what really isn't a good idea to begin with.
The luxuriant variety of bleeding hearts are blooming now. These are the small, fine leafed varieties which spread by seeds and rhizomes and cover quite an area in a couple years. The whites and pale red have just started to bloom and these will entertain us most of the summer. The notable bleed hearts along our fence are up about 6 inches. This time of year they grow by inches per day. I keep saying I'll buy some of the yellow/golden foliage types but still haven't.
The hepaticas are still in bloom and both Trillium erectum and Trillium grandiflorum are out. Trillium luteum, a yellow trillium with mottled leaves are up about 4 inches but some way from bloom. They aren't native to Vermont but Gail knows I like them and she bought me a dozen a couple years back. Our last native trillium, the undulatum, with it's pink fringed edge, will be some time in coming into bloom. Last summer I received a fifth variety from a southern construction site rescue but damned if the US Priority Mail failed and they were cooked before they arrived. I hoped for a bit of life from just one but luck is not always kind.
The birds are busy this morning. I can hear loons on Peacham Pond and the tiny ruby throat hummingbirds which returned here four days ago are busy at the feeders and at the flowers. They especially like the pulmonarias and primroses but they compete with the bumble bees for any flower that's open.
As I walked down the back path, the maple leaves are obvious today despite the lack of rain and even the wild leeks (above) look a little lethargic. There is no doubt that a fire hazard exists and I sure hope no one decides it's time to burn anything. There's something about older folks who apparently included burning leaves, brush or fields in their youth that makes them want to throw away common sense and spark a match someplace. This is the wrong year to even think about what really isn't a good idea to begin with.
The luxuriant variety of bleeding hearts are blooming now. These are the small, fine leafed varieties which spread by seeds and rhizomes and cover quite an area in a couple years. The whites and pale red have just started to bloom and these will entertain us most of the summer. The notable bleed hearts along our fence are up about 6 inches. This time of year they grow by inches per day. I keep saying I'll buy some of the yellow/golden foliage types but still haven't.
The hepaticas are still in bloom and both Trillium erectum and Trillium grandiflorum are out. Trillium luteum, a yellow trillium with mottled leaves are up about 4 inches but some way from bloom. They aren't native to Vermont but Gail knows I like them and she bought me a dozen a couple years back. Our last native trillium, the undulatum, with it's pink fringed edge, will be some time in coming into bloom. Last summer I received a fifth variety from a southern construction site rescue but damned if the US Priority Mail failed and they were cooked before they arrived. I hoped for a bit of life from just one but luck is not always kind.
Today will be a busy day for us as we finish up the planting and then start cleaning up the yard. The final task will be getting the signs out on each plant selection and then raking the place clean. Gail has a small crew of 3 or 4 coming and I think they will probably whip through the 200 hostas and 500 lilies left to plant. I'm only a couple weeks away from being able to begin work on the new land. Passers by remind me they want to see some action. I do too!
Writing from the mountain above Peacham Pond where bright sunlight jump starts lazy Saturday attitudes. It's a great day for a walk around Kettle Pond. Don't forget bug dope and water. If you're going to make the full circle, sign-in and out so the ranger knows that you made the complete trip.
Gardening wishes from a busy gardener!
George Africa
http://vermontflowerfarm.com
http://thevermontgardener.blogspot.com
Writing from the mountain above Peacham Pond where bright sunlight jump starts lazy Saturday attitudes. It's a great day for a walk around Kettle Pond. Don't forget bug dope and water. If you're going to make the full circle, sign-in and out so the ranger knows that you made the complete trip.
Gardening wishes from a busy gardener!
George Africa
http://vermontflowerfarm.com
http://thevermontgardener.blogspot.com
