Friday, March 27, 2009

Waking Up

Three days of rain to be followed by a fourth is conducive to the evil pleasure of long naps.



Interludes between showers have allowed some activity. A big patch of Puschkinia libanotica was admired on a moist evening stroll.



There are still daffodils in waiting. I'm not sure if I am imagining it, but it feels like this year's show is better. Bulbarella did express some concern that the Great Easter Freeze of '07' may have zapped some of the bulbs energy production for the 2008 show.



Live time radar on the internet also allowed me to see the big holes in the rain and go finish spreading the double ground hardwood mulch. The forsythia greets me coming and going.



I am certain this is blooming better this year because last year it was so meek I thought why bother with such a rangy shrub. I still feel a bit that way and think this is a plant best enjoyed in someone else's garden.



Two sessions of wall building have been done during the rains. My porch roof painting is on hold until the sun returns and the framing has a chance to dry.



It has been nice to spend some time with the wall and see it rise closer to completion.



I have long pondered what color should I paint the cement columns. Now I know it will be the same Molera Vaquero Red as the porch roof's framing. It will work fine with the color in the soil and the stones as well as make a bold statement against the future grey of the siding, the grey forest in winter and the green forest of summer.



The sack of daffodils bulbs that jumped in my shopping cart last fall are blooming nicely.



The sedum that traveled from Faire Garden Tennessee is sprouting.



The lupine that fell out of the ground across the street are greening up nicely.



These large ones have been joined by a half dozen more grown from seed. A new garden is waking.

5 comments:

lola said...

Fantastic Christopher. I was wondering what are your plans for the wall area when it's finished? It would make a nice place to sit when it's raining.

Les said...

I am with you on the Forsythia. I have always been glad to see it, but did not necessarily want to own one. That is until I was given a variegated form that is yellow and green. I plan on keeping my pruners close to it, as I don't want it to overrun the small spot I have it planted in.

Christopher C. NC said...

Lola, the flat area beneath the cabin created by the two walls is indeed a patio that is approximately 15 x 30 feet. It will be good for sun or shade, wet or dry sitting, as long as it isn't raining or snowing sideways.

Les, even though I do have the space, forsythia seems to want to sucker and spread into giant mounds, the snobbish gardener in me can't give up the room to such a common plant when so many other choices are available.

Siria said...

Hi Christopher! Your garden is really coming alive. I know forsythia is common, but it is such a bright spot in the early spring with its brilliant yellow flowers. I love to cut it and bring in the stalks of yellow blooms to bring color into the house. How high is your wall under the house going to be? What are your plans for the clay behind it? Are you planning a shade garden under the house or some type of creeping vine? Your kitties look like they have so much fun with you! :)

Christopher C. NC said...

Siria, the furnace and duct work, plus the main plumbing drain line will take up some of that space above the wall. Basically I just intend to gravel it and make sure it drains in the right direction.

Once all the cabin's mechanical works are in I will look at it to see what I can do to mitigate the ugly if possible.