The Second Act

After the 10,000 daffodils and equal number of minor bulbs of early spring, the Rhododilly of late spring is the next really big act. Its new companion the Phacelia is making an attempt to upstage the rhododendrons.



I am still waiting though for the peak, the crescendo of Phacelia when the entire ridge top garden is a solid carpet of blue. It could be at any moment now.



The rhododendrons won't be booed off the stage.



They make a nice backdrop for the Phacelia.



This year the rhododendrons don't seem to be quite as full of bloom.



Some are full. Some are not. That is not unusual. There are good years, bad years and average years. A dogwood tree that was absolutely gorgeous last year didn't really bloom at all this year.



No problem. There are no shortage of things to attract my interest.



And I really don't think the bulk of the rhododendrons have reached their peak. I need to look closer at one large group to be sure they intend to bloom.



The kalmias will be joining the show soon enough.



And this is just the second act of the ridge top garden. Summer brings an entirely new cast to the stage.



I have to throw in a different iris with each post for the absent gardeners.



There is no need to rush things though.



We are only now at the time of our last average annual frost date of May 15th. This weekend the roadside vegetable garden will be planted. It would be nice if I could say I was patient and mindful and waited until the proper time. The truth is I have been so busy I couldn't get to it. Good thing. The coleus I planted for the hanging gardens were singed in the low 30 temperatures last week. It's not like you can just give up the relaxing evening stroll either and work until dark.