My birthday month! Hubby’s too! I will celebrate with hosting an early spring garden party on March 3rd. I’m getting up there in years, Ha!
A fave hellebore in my collection. Don’t ask. I didn’t write it down, but purchased from Pine Knot Hellebore Farm
It was a hard decision, but we had to take down the southern magnolia that was here when we bought the house 26 years ago.
Bellevue walking with the giraffes!
It took me a long time, years, actually, working in the Mixed Border. I have been moving things around, adding more shrubs, and taking out perennials that weren’t doing well where I had them, but I finally did it! The Mixed Border is pronounced with structure shrubs.
Before leaving for South Africa, I got the garden in order, and then I reached a point where I said, “I think it has finally come together!” Yes, it took a while, but it has been a good journey.
The Mixed Border after returning from a 2.5 week in South Africa. The mulching and care are the same as it was before I left!
True to my hope, the garden needed me once I returned, but nothing more than manageable maintenance. This frees me up for the beach, travel, and entertaining in the garden.
Some of the garden books published in 2023! I’m a GardenComm judge for the book category.
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The story of lesser celandine (also known as fig buttercup or pilewort) is the classic story of an invasive species. Native to Europe, northern Africa, western Asia, and Siberia, it was brought to the United States as an ornamental plant. While here, this species found that it had a huge competitive advantage and it took over.
March
The Back 40 (ft)—I ordered five native azaleas from Taylor’s Nursery in Raleigh. In late February, I pre-dug the holes. When they arrive, I will be ready to plant.
Gazebo Corner
The Epimedium Patch—I can’t keep up with the spraying; the rabbits won’t leave it along. I plant to put fencing around it.
The Wildflower Patch Extension
The Wildflower Patch
The totem by Anne Terry is complete! I love it!
South Side—Cornus mas
The Ostrich Fern Garden—Ready for spring
The Front Fountain Garden—The new fern frons are emerging.
The Food Forest—I’m still waiting for the asparagus roots to arrive.
The Food Forest Extension—Buds on the blueberries are showing.
The Parterre—The crocus are taking center stage!
The Raspberry Patch—I cut back canes in late February
The Girls Garden—
The Pollinator Garden—Ready for spring!
The Wildlife Pond—I need to clean out fallen leaves but want to wait until it is warmer.
Mixed Border—I was pleasantly pleased and surprised to find the Mixed Border looking as good as I left it. Note above where I mulched this with composted leaf mulch before I left for South Africa.
SNAKES: WONDERING WHAT SNAKE IS IN YOUR BACKYARD? CLICK HERE FOR AN EASY ID.
GLOSSARY: I added a few new words.
Until soon,
Helen
#WeCanAllBeeBetter!