What better way to celebrate Mother's Day weekend than by making lots and lots of babies? Yesterday afternoon was the perfect time to pot up some succulents.
The various creeping Sedums are really filling out so it was easy to pinch some stems from them.
I've learned that if I plant the Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) in between the Sedums, they are quickly overrun. They are much happier being in pots and set in the Sedum this way.
Right now the pots still look a bit bare but give them a week or two of warmth and these babies will plump up quickly.
Surprise! Rounding the back of the pool garden I found one of last year's babies, merrily blooming along.
This morning is perfect for taking photos in the garden. It's damp and overcast outside so no shadows thrown by early morning sun.
Here's some photos I took today with the thoughts that ran through my head as I took them:
I'll begin with my favorite gnome, Claus who seems quite happy to be resting under a clump of Symphytum.
The Cotoneaster in my front bed is doing so well. I love how it softens the edge of the walkway although I have to remember every now and then to cut back the longer branches. I really have to get after those perennial seedlings that pop up from underneath.
Heuchera 'Caramel' once again doing it's magic. Need to get those Digitalis (fox gloves) out of there before they hide everything.
I just love the blooms and seed pods on Lunaria (honesty plant or money plant). I just wish it didn't always seed itself in the front of the border and hide everything behind it...kind of like the Digitalis in the photo up above.
Zizia aurea, given to me by a friend who said it seeds around in her garden. I've had it here for three years and although the plant itself looks happy, I have yet to find a seedling...boohoo...
Couldn't get the colors right on this one so you'll have to add a bit of imagination to it. Wonderful golden hosta with the most amazing blue Ajuga bloom coming right up in the middle of it. Can't get much better than that!
Pulmonaria 'Little Star' has my favorite foliage of any of the Pulmonarias. The white spots are just enough.
Corydalis and Iris cristata really are the perfect companions. I only wish the Alium foliage didn't turn to crap before the blooms even emerge. Maybe I'll go out and cut the foliage back.
This morning I'm going to try to do a little digging. Mom might be doing the work while I play supervisor. Can't do much yet due to some complications from my surgery but I'm trying! We'll be open for business this Friday 11-4 and Saturday 10-4. Hope to see some of you then.
While not currently in the plant sale business, I dream big so don't give up hope. Who knows just how soon Melanie's Perennials will be back in full swing!
Lecture time
Looking for a great garden lecturer?
For the past fifteen years I've been lecturing throughout the United States and Canada on various garden topics. Programs highlighting perennials, garden design, foliage plants, fun "junque" in the garden and more.
My fee is quite reasonable, $150 for a local lecture (on Long Island), $200 plus travel expenses for lectures off the island. If your club is within a 3 or 4 hour drive I'd be more than happy to come and speak.
Not only do garden clubs bring in garden lecturers, elementary schools, senior citizen centers, libraries, civic associations and other groups are ever mindful of bring "green" topics to their members.
Considering a fund raiser such as bulb sales for your PTA? Why not kick off the event with a lecture so the parents understand which plants will do best in their gardens? Happy customers equal return customers.
To contact me, just drop me an e-mail at melaniev380@gmail.com and I'll get back to you ASAP!
This blog is dedicated to the Long Island Gardener. That doesn't mean that the information herein doesn't apply to many other locations. For a more broad view on gardening, please visit our general gardening blog at www.melaniesoldcountrygarden.blogspot.com or just click on the watering can.
Pass Along Plants too!
Many gardeners and nurseries pooh-pooh the pass along plant with no name. Not here at Old Country Gardens. If I like it, I grow it, even if the name was lost many years ago. This beautiful Chrysanthemum was given to me by a friend many years go. It returns and blooms reliably. Who could ask for more?
What better way to celebrate Mother's Day weekend than by making lots and lots of babies? Yesterday afternoon was the perfect time to pot up some succulents.
The various creeping Sedums are really filling out so it was easy to pinch some stems from them.
I've learned that if I plant the Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) in between the Sedums, they are quickly overrun. They are much happier being in pots and set in the Sedum this way.
Right now the pots still look a bit bare but give them a week or two of warmth and these babies will plump up quickly.
Surprise! Rounding the back of the pool garden I found one of last year's babies, merrily blooming along.
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