Hello June

The sun returned, with a vengeance. The rains of May bolstered the plants, note to self; water more. I have never seen the kousa dogwood look so full. My shade garden, under 30 year old white pines, looks better than ever. Epimediums are lush, hosta have expanded in every direction, it's awesome. Any gardener that pays attention can't help but notice this exuberance. 

With the arrival of June, so many spring bulbs are done. They were also spectacular, lasting longer and bloomer larger. It's critical to plant them in the fall, a time that doesn't find us jumping for joy at the thought of digging in the ground. I'm grumpy after a summer of watering and sweating, pretty darn grumpy! We need "bulb planting go juice". A big can of "Bulb Plant and Grow", the gardeners "Red Bull", delivered with the bulbs. A nice mix of caffeine, pain alleviator, and visions of spring. 

My favorite bulb of spring was Mediterranean Bells or Nectaroscordum siculum sup. Bulgaricum. The foliage froze down completely in spring, my expectations were low but they delivered. A relative of alliums, they are spectacular with peonies and iris. 

The ornamental onions were also over the top. I hate to see them go. I have considered the old spray paint trick. Nice but not the same. 

I was so elated with my bearded iris that I ordered more. An email to Ginny Spoon of Winterberry Irises was full of thankfulness for the current bounty of glory! Please send more, money is no object. 

So goodbye to May, sorry I bitched so much about the rain. 

Comments

[Gina Cochran]

You're so inspiring Karen! And these are stunning images my friend!

[karen@windyhill.net]

Thank-you so much Gina. I have been lurking on your Etsy site lately. Plan on buying a piece, I love your new work!

[Casa Mariposa]

No need to apologize for bitching about rain! We'll about be bitching about the heat and lack of rain come July. Love the furry little tongue on that iris. :)

[Gina Cochran]

LOL, lurker! :) Thank you! I've had fun with the new stuff lately.