Mid May Thoughts

The pasque flower and the Darwin tulips in the miniature evergreen garden bloom together this year. It will be interesting to see if they always do.

Well, today is the 19th, and we had frost or very near it last night. I guess there have to be some frosts later than May 15th in order for that to be called the "average date of last frost" for this region. But I really hate to see it get that cold this late. I had to stuff everything that was still in pots into the little greenhouse and then hope like heck that it would make it through the night. Can't really heat that house, have to depend on the ability of all of the soil and pots to hold the heat stored over the daytime.

This morning things looked like they survived, even the cannas that I had no room for in the greenhouse and had to just cover with a little burlap. I do hope that is the last time I have to be so careful this year.

I was off for a three day weekend and of course the weather wasn't as great as I would have liked. Used the first day to shop, doing my annual trip down to Fernau's in Oshkosh. I really like that place - everything seems locally grown and well cared for. Even given that, the prices are lower than they are at most of the "bring 'em in for the season and staff the joint with people who don't care much" places. Stopped also at some of those and bought most of what I'll need for the initial round of planting at least.

Saturday was my annual plant giveaway day. Several people from work were able to stop and pick up the extra plants that have sprouted around the yard. I really like to do that, and people seem to like to come. In between I was able to do some weeding and bed preparation. Getting ready for the transition from spring to summer. Bill roto-tilled the vegetable garden. We got all of the major pots filled with good soil ready for nice plantings. I really should do something to mark the places that need new tulips and daffodils so that I remember next fall. That chore always seems to fall through the cracks though, there is so much to do.

We ordered 8 yards of bark chips on Sunday, for delivery some time this week. That should be enough to get things going this year, though we will probably need another 8 yards or so later. There will be plenty to do this weekend.

The picture here is of the tree I call the 'mystery' tree. It grew on its own, and is now about 9 feet tall or so. Pretty white racaemous blooms in the spring. 5 petals, like an apple or cherry or?? Beautiful redish leaves in the fall. I haven't been diligent in keying it down, and I don 't know what it is. Maybe a wild cherry? Maybe this post will force me to figure it out before someone puts up a comment that makes me feel stupid.

One evening this weekend, can't remember which, the light was so beautiful at sunset that I had to take some pictures. Dark clouds to the south, but bright sun coming in at a very low angle.