I continue to work hard in the garden whenever I get the chance. This weekend was productive since I got my husband to help me clear away the ivy from the old stump and cut it partially down. The camellia was also pruned, though it needs a little more work to shape it better. At least now it is no longer overshadowed by ivy.
I also did a little pruning on an old deciduous azalea by cutting away some dead wood. It is still blooming so I was not too aggressive. Some weeding was done. I am constantly surprised by my garden’s resilience. The roses pictured above are true survivors. The Golden Showers rose has been with me for over 20 yrs. I used to have four trellises full of them. They have a complicated history in my garden, and the trellises were removed many years ago. Three fothergillas were planted in their place. They are a slow growing shrub, though now since it has been several years since I planted them they are much taller and fuller. They are much easier to care for than the roses, however, I have two rose climbers left. One section of Golden Showers is still with me, and a Stairway to Heaven rose that has been with me for about 15 yrs. I did not want the work of roses, especially since they are on a side of the house that gets ignored by me, and they constantly have to withstand my husbands desire to put tools and equipment in their area. They are true survivors.
I posted the picture of the sunflower from several summers ago since I love its golden color, and the birds and bees love it. I will have to plant more this summer.
Speaking of ‘golden’ reminded me to make a book recommendation to any readers out there that might read my posts. Right at the beginning of my spring vacation, which is always the week before Easter, I read the book Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. It was just what I needed to get me ready to tackle my garden and pond during my break. It uplifted me and made me realize that there are many kindred spirits in this world of ours. I would definitely recommend this book. It focused on the important things in life, and was a study in human personality and connection.
Have a great week and stop to enjoy the beauty of our natural world!
movingforwardslowly 