Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,

How does your garden grow?

When we bought our house, our yard was all Cedars and ugly evergreen shrubs with nasty red berries that we either cut down or my brother pulled out with his truck. We also had hostas and fast moving ground cover. I'm gradually adding some color here and there. I'm trying to only use perennials in my make-over too. I believe annuals are mostly waste. I mean, they're pretty and all but if you're going to spend the money, get something that lasts. I do use some annuals for my containers but if they're going in the yard, I want them to stay.

I kept the Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Roses, and the pink Lily of the Valley the Brindley's had planted. I've added some Irises, a Lily here and there, Bleeding Hearts, amongst other things to them all and we won't talk about what I have killed. Oops! But, these are mostly Spring flowering plants so come summer, all I have is plain old boring green.

I got some new plants last night and I am very excited. I traded the last of my ugly-ass hostas for some new stuff. Why is it that old farts think that the only thing that grows in shade are ugly-ass hostas? I've dug up and given so many away - they were planted in every shady spot around our house. I'm planning to replace them with Trillium Lemon, and a Wood Poppy for now. As I find more shade plants that I like, we'll add those in there too.

Anyway, I was given some Zebra Grass, a butterfly bush, a chocolate lily, and another grass that grows to be 7 FEET tall! These are from a nursery and guaranteed! My neighbor came home during this trade and gave me permission to dig up a peony from his backyard. I've been coveting that line of peonys for what, 7 years now!?! :)

My sister Karen gave me some of her divisions last year (the year before too) and those are taking off nicely this year - just like she said they would. I do have to admit that I'm beginning to forget what is weed and what is plant! It looks awful - but I haven't been pulling any weeds until they flower - then I'll know.

I also ordered a Tree Peony for my front yard, a Double Knock Out rose, a Maximilian Sunflower, a Russian Sage and some Painted Daisies (shades of pink) for the side of the house. I was really looking for some things with height. I think I did okay.

Friday, Jeremy and I are taking a trip to the greenhouse for my annuals to do my front porch hangers and window boxes. I'll also pick out my hanging basket for the back door. I'm thinking shades of purple and yellow for this year as well as lots, and lots of Miracle Gro, hmm and maybe a vat of RoundUp too.

Saturday, I'll be playing in the dirt. All these guys will get planted. Of course, it's supposed to rain.

I'll get some pics out here soon - maybe some before and after...or before, transitional then after. Something like that.