Monday, April 12, 2010

what's new

Spring is such a cool time of the year. A winter of anticipation is at an end. All the worry of whether something is going to come back is answered. Spring also brings pleasant surprises such as finding a brunnera in a railroad tie. Hope springs eternal for more than just baseball fans. Seeing our hard work poke through the ground brings a smile. The aches and pains of yard work disappear.

We got this guy is from the Wilmot Nature Center. They have a native plant sale every year combined with some great seminars. Lots of hiking trails, so bring a camera if you ever visit.

Our lungworts are a year old. They shriveled up after we planted them last year, but have come back rather well.


This brunnera seeded itself. I always wonder what to do with plants like this, leave 'em or move 'em. it looks really cool in the middle of the myrtle.


About half our hosta has broken through. Even though I know they will all come up, I still walk the yard every day looking. As if by my force of will, I can make all our plants come back. Pat just chuckles and reminds me that I do this every year and every year the plants come back.

We inherited the quince. It's planted near the house facing north. So it gets no direct sun. How it got so big is a wonder to Pat and me. It is about 5 foot high and 2 foot across at the base. We have no experience with quinces. When should we cut it back and how do we promote more blooms?





OK. I need help. Once again I saw something at a nursery that was calling my name. Problem is that I forgot the plant label, so I am clueless about what it is. I know that there are those amongst you that think I've lived most of my life in blissful cluelessness, but I really want to know what this guy is.


Just so you don't get the idea that my forgetfulness is an isolated event, I have another plant that I can't identify. This guy is supposedly related to the astilbe plant. We bought this plant at a garden club plant sale. One of the major dommos said that it was a ground cover. We planted one last year. This year four popped up.



13 comments:

Christine B. said...

All your aches and pains from yardwork have disappeared? You must have better meds, posture, or restraint than I;) Looks like we are about a month behind you...love the brunnera!

Christine in Alaska

Jim Groble said...

Christine B, So maybe there is a little hyberbole involved. jim

Sylvana said...

I think that trillium is no trillium - may be a hepatica. Trilliums have three petals.

the mystery flowers? Well, I am not sure which pictures you're asking about. The one above your first question of "what is it" is a primrose. The one below that question is a viola. I bought that variety a few years ago but can't remember what it is.

The other I think you are thinking of an astilboides (I have one - absolutely fantastic plant), but the astilboides leaves are like umbrellas - like nasturtium leaves. I don't know this variety.

Good luck!

Sylvana said...

I took another look at the trillium pic - definitely a hepatica. I can see the distinctive liver-shaped leaves on the ground.

Shyrlene said...

Jim - when I read the part of your post about walking the yard each day, checking on the growth of your hosta, I had to smile! You have a kindred spirit here in IL! I relocated some Patriots last fall to the front garden -- I've been watching like a hawk, but nothing yet!

Gunilla said...

Hi Jim

I like when my plants get seeds and pop up .

I only know the name of the viola.
Viola Labradorica it has dark leavs.

Have a nice day,
Gunilla

The Idiot said...

There's a lot going on there. I still only have a few weeds, but I figure something has to grow soonish!

Joanne said...

Hi Jim some lovely photos of spring flowers. Yes Hostas in pots help keep the slugs away but with our bad winter some of my clay pots cracked which is a nuisance.

Floridagirl said...

I love that lungwort! Your garden is teeming with flowers right now. I know what you mean about the hosta. It is wonderful to see those first shoots. Back in the days when I grew hosta, I was out there checking everyday as well. I was always amazed by how huge they would become by summer.

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful to see everything emerging in your garden Jim. But I am quite taken with your soil, it looks so lovely and organic...all the 'sweet peet' I take it?

Kyna said...

Lungwort is pretty cool. I had it growing in a shady spot in my front garden last year. It really pops in the shade :D

Amber Pixie Shehan said...

You have a gorgeous garden waking up this spring! I found you from Blotanical...take care! :)

Unknown said...

Oooh Jim, look at all the lovely things in your garden. I love the shot of the duck on the roof! Too funny! have a super spring! UDG