The Gift That Keeps on Giving!

A Christmas gift from my aunt that last six months with a variety of bulbs arriving each month. The amaryllis bulbs were the hardest to sustain and I managed to save one that should bloom this Christmas.
 

I tried to photograph each month, but am sure I missed a few as there were some muscari that I do not see in the photos, but I at least have an idea of what is to bloom at the farmhouse next spring.

As much as I love receiving bulbs as a gift, it sure was a lot of work. This space had to be cleared of mondo grass, then I added manure and humus to the soil and bone meal for the bulbs.

Planting took a good day to complete, they are all in but I think I may have planted hyacinths too shallow as I already see leaves and dumped some more dirt on top of them.

Not much left in the garden, the last of the zinnias.

A forsythia was in bloom much to my surprise!

Last of the roses.  We were supposed to have a freeze/frost last week, but it never happened. The temps next week are low, so this may be the last of everything, even my beloved basil.

Drying hydrangeas are always as pretty as the first blooms.

Power Washing

While Bob recovers from surgery, I have been spending my time power washing the front porch of the farmhouse. Initially bought the washer to do the ceiling to get the chipped paint off to prep for painting, but started on the floor and couldn't believe the difference!

    Over 100 years of dirt and 100 degree days, perfect time to get wet. This is a messy job, but well worth the effort. We still have a lot to do at the main house, but once Bob is stronger he can do that.
 

Love the light scrubbed wood look, trying to decide if I should oil it or leave it alone.

Since my washer isn't professional grade, it takes off some of the chipped paint, but I will still have to scrap and sand. What a shame they painted the ceiling, the old pine wood up there is beautiful and it would have saved a lot of time and money.  Got to paint it Haint Blue, it's tradition in the South!

This beautiful butterfly/moth was trying to hide on the front door, but I spotted him!

Haint Blue

 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL-NyaJOstB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Spring is Here

  First come the azaleas. No frost, pruning and feeding are paying off!
 

  

                                             Bridal Wreath Spirea

   Then come the roses.  The Butterfly Rose is the first to bloom, the others are loaded with buds and ready to burst. One of the reasons I go to Roses Unlimited each year is to buy the Mill's rose food, which is so hard to find. I was told about it decades ago on a rose tour in Atlanta, a rose grower's secret!

     First bud to open on the Iceberg

   Found while pruning.

My beds are all planted, seedlings are sprouting. At the other end my lettuce is coming in thick. I think this is going to be a good year for my plants, I got a head start and had a plan!