Ever have one of those moments in the garden where you spot something out of the corner of your eye, move in for a closer look and then gasp with excitement? Well I've had a few over the last couple of days. I'm growing garlic for the first time. I planted three rows last fall and crossed my fingers. It worked because the garlic has sprouted. A squirrel has done some damage already, destroying one plant. The squirrel will get a reprieve though, simply because I am so pleased to see the garlic.
I can't believe what's going on with the foxtail lilies. I purchased one plant years ago, marveled at its really weird, yellow root system, planted it and forgot about it. It did nothing for years. Now, it appears to be experiencing a growth spurt. Two years ago it produced a flower stalk much to my surprise. Last summer it delivered two towering flower stalks. This year it seems on track to grace the garden with three flower stalks. I don't know what's going on but I'm not complaining.
And check out this bud on the Hellebore "Ivory Prince." It's one of six buds that I counted. Six. SIX! That's more than last year. And as I recall, last year's blooms lasted just about forever. They were easily the longest-lasting blooms in the garden. It'll be a while yet before they bloom. In the meantime, I'll be checking on their progress...DAILY...until one day another gasp of excitement will fill the air in my garden.
Ever have one of those moments in the garden where you spot something out of the corner of your eye, move in for a closer look and then gasp with excitement? Well I've had a few over the last couple of days. I'm growing garlic for the first time. I planted three rows last fall and crossed my fingers. It worked because the garlic has sprouted. A squirrel has done some damage already, destroying one plant. The squirrel will get a reprieve though, simply because I am so pleased to see the garlic.
I can't believe what's going on with the foxtail lilies. I purchased one plant years ago, marveled at its really weird, yellow root system, planted it and forgot about it. It did nothing for years. Now, it appears to be experiencing a growth spurt. Two years ago it produced a flower stalk much to my surprise. Last summer it delivered two towering flower stalks. This year it seems on track to grace the garden with three flower stalks. I don't know what's going on but I'm not complaining. 
And check out this bud on the Hellebore "Ivory Prince." It's one of six buds that I counted. Six. SIX! That's more than last year. And as I recall, last year's blooms lasted just about forever. They were easily the longest-lasting blooms in the garden. It'll be a while yet before they bloom. In the meantime, I'll be checking on their progress...DAILY...until one day another gasp of excitement will fill the air in my garden.
7 comments:
That foxtail lily must be what we call a 'late bloomer'...taking some time to reach maturity. I'm glad it is finally performing for you.
Hellebores are something I MUST get for my garden. I have seen so many lovely photos of them on other people's blogs....a case of plant envy. :-) Be sure and post a photo when it blooms.
The buds on 'Ivory Prince are as pretty as the flowers and the foliage. I planted some last fall, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they establish this spring.
It's a good thing you didn't give up on the foxtail lilies, and give their space over to other plants. Sometimes it's hard to be patient with slowpokes.
When I spot one of those buds out of the corner of my eye, I jump up and down screaming, "I didn't kill it! I didn't kill it!!"
Come to think of it: where did my foxtail lilies disappear to? They used to be a fabulous garden feature. Most go and see if they have survived.
I love love love this time of year. I have planted floxtail lily once maybe twice: nothing. However, my winter aconite (second year that I've planted it) is blooming!!!!! Yay! Yay!
Garlic is up in our garden too. I put mesh over the planting just in case the compost at the back didn't provide enough winter nibbles for the darling rodents, or they get a hankering for a spring bulbing treat.
The squirrels have been at my lillies, but the hellebores are doing really well. The peonies are looking good are are nearly ready to burst into bloom - they must have liked the heavy snow this winter!
Thanks for your nice comments on my blog. Enjoy your day!
Good luck with the garlic! I'm amazed squirrels like it... surely the smell would put them off?
Post a Comment