Continuing work in the beds. I have cleared out a lot of the shade bed. I wasn’t thinking I would get to much of that this year, but we have been making such great progress this spring. I had some astilbe roots to plant, so early in the spring I cleared a section and then finished the rest later. Here is what it looked like last year:
What a mess! There really wasn’t much salvagable in there. Lots of weeds and a couple grape vines, which were old and not great. The bush there on the left had been cut in half and was bare on one side, so that came out. I did keep a few daylilies and some Virginia creeper.
I also found a tick on me after working in this area. Not really a surprise there, but it is good to get this cleaned out.
Here is it cleared out. Still some stuff popping up after I got the beds cleared, but without mulch that is going to happen.
I was pondering what to do here and John suggested a water feature! I hadn’t even thought of that. It is close to the house, so running electric wouldn’t be too hard. That would be pretty cool.
Those hostas in the background. Now that they have filled out, I remember why I didn’t like them so much. They are huge and need dividing.
I thought I would show one of my favorite tools for gardening. It’s one that I use every time I go out for all kinds of stuff. You know how inside I love the taping knife because of its versatility. Same thing with this tool. It’s called a Cape Cod weeder.
I use it for more than weeding, but it does a great job at that. You can use the pointed end to uproot taproot weeds, or lay it on its side like this to scrape surface weeds:
See? Makes quick work of it.
It’s easy to get around and under plants with this.
My snapdragons are just starting to bloom in the front. I got the rocket ones, which are going to get several feet tall.
Geraniums blooming.
These are at the very front of our sidewalk. My hope is to put a peony on each side in this spot. Maybe this fall.
This weekend is the big craft festival in town. I can walk there this year, which is pretty neat. No worries about parking! I am going to look for garden stuff and a walking stick if that particular vendor is there this year. Have a great weekend!
OMG, I bet the neighbors across the street LOVE YOU. You are inspiring me to get off my duff and do a bit of weeding, mulching, and plant a few pots. Thanks for the nudge.
Thanks, Kim! They do seem to be glad to see the house being taken care of. It will take a long time, but I think in about 3-4 years I will have a great cottage garden out front. The back will take that long as well 😀
Looks great Lori! My you’ve been busy! I won’t be doing much gardening here… We have a herd of deer that move thru in the morning and in the evening munching everything in sight even though they have a huge state park to find food in and everything is pretty and green…I guess my yard tastes better and i love seeing them. I just don’t think i want to wage war with them over plants…They keep all the trees trimmed up nice…see i’m thinking positive. lol The previous owner had lots of Asiatic Lilies and when we first got here the deer left them alone..there they were in full bud then full bloom but then at some point they decided they wanted them and have mowed them to the ground… sigh… Ofcourse nothing is deer proof only deer resistant.. I may try a few things to see if i can find something any suggestions? Hugs! deb
Maybe plants made of iron? 😀
I like those hostas – they look so lush! Have fun at the craft festival – hope you find some good treasures!
I can send you some this fall if you want. They need dividing. If you have a shady spot, I would be more than happy to.
I will take you up on that offer! Might put them right outside my office, where I can see them. 🙂
Thanks for the tip on that tool. I’m going to see if I can find one. I have a few weeds…
Every house I’ve ever lived in, I’ve dug up the hostas. I don’t know why but I don’t care for them either. I think you’re doing a great job getting things in order. It will be fun to see this progress over the next few years!
Your snapdragon is beautiful.
I have a few hosta’s in my garden but they are not as huge as yours and usually don’t do it very well. They are often attacked by snails and I don’t want to use things against insects/snails in my garden because it’s a part of nature and Bella is in the garden all the time, won’t her to get sick. So I’ll just take it 🙂
Your yard looks beautiful!! I need one of those weeders- didn’t know there was such a thing!
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