You all know by now that I haven’t really seen my garden in the spring since 2007. Starting in 2008, I had coaching jobs that took me away several weeks during spring and the early part of the summer. Though I was grateful for the work, I absolutely hated being away from my garden during what I feel is its most exciting time.

Before leaving, I would clean up the garden, mulch, and do my best to prepare the garden for spring bloom time. Sometimes, I slapped some new plants into the ground, crossed my fingers, and left town. This year – thank you, thank you – I am here for the spring. I’m getting reacquainted with my garden.

The other day, I noticed this mystery plant on the shade side of the large bed:

I remember noticing it coming up out of the ground right before I left for Hartford. I almost yanked it, thinking it was a weed. Caution took over and I held off. Now, I’m back from Hartford and it’s really big. I’ve examined it closely. It sort of looks like the catmint that surrounds it on both sides. But it isn’t catmint.

It’s awfully pretty.

I don’t remember planting it.

At first I thought it might be salvia. No. Not salvia. I grabbed my gardening notebook which has devolved into a place where I toss all those little identifying cards that come with plants. I finally saw one for “Veronica Austriaca” – Royal Blue, also known as Speedwell. Aha! That’s what it is. That was what I planted. And after researching it online, I can definitely say it’s Veronica.

When the heck did I plant this? It must have been last year. It’s gorgeous. But I can take no credit for it, I just stuck it in the ground. This happened without any effort on my part. Maybe good gardeners just get out of the way?

Bumble bees sure like it.

Have you ever forgot you planted something? Please tell me I’m not alone.

Be sure to scroll down for my book review. It’s a great cookbook and I’m giving away a copy, along with an apron.

And I have a Shop Update coming in the next day or so.

Happy Monday.