This was taken a couple of days ago. I’m sure the blooms are fully open now. Even then, the scent was so intense. I’ll take some more pictures later today.
Day of rest today. Time to take a break.
Yes, we did mow on Monday and it was so satisfying! And miraculously, the lawnmower never clogged, even though the grass was very long. We were pretty tuckered out afterward, but it was such fun tag-teaming the job. We had just enough gasoline on hand. We need to get more.
Yesterday, I visited the nursery and all the plants I still needed to get were there. Whoo hoo! So I came back home and spent the morning potting everything. I also planted two more catmints, as my original catmint plants in the big garden bed were planted 19 years ago and are thinning out a bit. The heavy vintage planters for the secret garden were loaded one at a time on a dolly and wheeled to the entrance, then I walked them the rest of the way to that little cinderblock wall. It was windy, which means pollen was everywhere, so today I’m feeling the impact on my allergies.
Speaking of pollen, the trees have filled out so quickly! Suddenly, there’s green everywhere. The black walnuts and the catalpas will be the last to leaf out. Have you noticed the same thing where you live? Amazing and wonderful and a miracle. The hydrangeas have leafed out, the hostas have emerged from the ground, the daylilies, bee balm, baby zinnia leaves are all thriving.
Yesterday was in the 80s, but today will be cooler.
We watched Hoosiers on TCM last night. I love that movie so much. It’s one of my favorites. And, as you know, Gene Hackman was my favorite film actor. Both of us were in slightly edgy, irritable moods, and that movie lifted us up. It took us to another place. The look of the film, the slightly retro tint, the period look to everything – it’s a beautiful film about redemption and triumph.
Okay. I desperately need more coffee.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Good job getting all of that work done outside! I’ve been trying to get out to do a little weeding each day – even just an hour – adds up eventually. Today I think a walk to see the lovely fields of bluebells blooming in a forest preserve nearby is on the schedule.
Enjoy your day of relaxing, Claudia.
Have fun on that walk Ellen!
Stay safe.
except for the allergies, it sounds like you both had a good day. may the allergies subside and the good days and beautiful things grow (in more ways than one).
kathy
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Working in your yard is so uplifting to you. I miss planting some flowers each Spring. I need to add a few to some pots near my door. Flowers make me smile. My 14 year old Grandson is on his way to Washington DC for an 8th grade trip. He is so excited. Tiger loves history and is so knowledgeable and this is a perfect end of school trip for him. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Yes to pots near your door. That’s what I did when I had an apartment.
Hope Tiger has a great time.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — glad to know you all survived the mowing marathon !! amazing how fast the grass here grows. Our walnut trees are the last to get leaves but they are the first to lose them in the fall–guess they put more energy into producing walnuts. we have watched Hoosiers more than once (we are in BKB country after all haha)have always appreciated Hackmans talent — could not believe he was 94 or 95. take time to enjoy your hard work — glad you found plants for the porch should be all set for summer now. stay safe/healthy
Same with our walnut trees. Those leaves start turning yellow in August.
Stay safe, Linda.
Gardens certainly cheer the heart and soul. I’m glad that you’re enjoying getting everything ready for the summer.
We’re experiencing a spell of time weather in the UK at the moment, so I am making the most of it. I had a good clear out of garden stuff that was old and rusty. I left it out for the scrappies (guys who drive around in vans, mainly looking for scrap metal) on Monday morning and apart from two dilapidated garden tables, everything else has gone!
I’ve spent this afternoon making a start on repainting all my garden gnomes. I know that they can be regarded as kitsch but I don’t care because I like them, and I have the Seven Dwarves but sadly not Snow White.
Happy Wednesday
Oh, I hope you can find Snow White one day. Wouldn’t that be great?
Stay safe, Dee Dee.
Your lilacs are ahead of ours — that’s a good sign. They are so divinely fragrant! Well done on the lawn work.
Isn’t Hoosiers a wonderful film? I’ve seen it before but recorded it last night.
It is one of my favorites. So life affirming!
Stay safe, Jeanie.