In the garden today, it is very breezy bordering on windy. While I tidied things, I took some photos of what it looks like on this second, very warm day. Yesterday was 88°F which is about ten degrees warmer than it should be this time of year. Today is a repeat with the wind added in for extra measure. Honestly though, I am enjoying the heat as I stop to pull weeds, or tuck in a plant that heaved itself out of the soil. We are supposed to get yet another cold front tomorrow night with lows in the 30s. This makes me want to curse like a Greek fisherman. I’m not sure if Greek fishermen curse, but I like to think they do especially when the weather won’t cooperate. Fishing, like gardening, depends upon good weather.
The daylilies are all very fine in their foliage. So are the roses and peonies. The tree peonies are blooming which is a miracle considering how many late freezes we’ve had. I have a theory about why the garden isn’t in worse shape. Because spring has been so slow in coming, plants have unfurled their leaves over a long period of time. Not much is blooming. Only the early spring crowd. We’re down to the last of the late bulbs, and I’ve never seen the tulips prettier. As for the Spanish bluebells, they are spectacular. I’ve never grown them before, and I don’t know how well they will return.
Everything is doing a slow dance through spring, and that’s just fine. I only wish I hadn’t planted so many tropical foliage plants in pots and elsewhere. I ordered more row covers for them, and these should arrive from Amazon by tomorrow.
My greenhouse is supposed to be here Thursday or Friday. Bartlett Bench is shipping it today. We are bringing a skid-steer with forklift attachment to the house tomorrow in readiness. I’ve wanted a greenhouse for so long, and it will soon be a reality. Bill is excited at the prospect of building it. He loves projects. My son has offered to help although he also mentioned that I’m obsessed with flowers.
“Guilty,” I said, “along with vegetables and fruits. Don’t forget those.” I then reached up to ruffle his hair. When did he get to be taller than I? I find, like Mary, I often “treasure these moments and ponder them in my heart.” My children, along with the garden, are growing into mature adults. Diva is twenty. Bear is fourteen, and neither of their nicknames fit them anymore. They’ve cast them off like old clothes. My son, Brennan, long ago quit being an air soft warrior. Megan studies social work at the University of Oklahoma, and Bear, the youngest, who is still going to be home with me for four more years, is growing tall like a young sapling.
Time does fly.
I need to plant the sunflower seeds in the vegetable garden. I’ve held off on the bean seeds, but soon, they must be planted too. We are in the crazy days of late spring where everything must be done at once. There is no time to spare, and I have two children graduating on the same day in May. I need a boost of Vitamin B. Instead, I’ll just say a little prayer and hold on. What must get done will, and what doesn’t didn’t matter so much anyway.
Happy spring everyone. I hope your weather isn’t as crazy as mine.
Your garden is gorgeous – and so is your new greenhouse. Congratulations! So exciting. In no time I’ll bet you’ll wonder how you lived so long without it. Enjoy! 🙂
I used to think only the cold climate late spring was hectic, but now I read that yours is, too. Like you, I’ll try to be philosophical about it.
Dee I saw the crazy weather you are having and hope your garden comes through OK.
It snowed here in Utah today! Spring blossoms and sunshine yesterday… snow today. I know all about flaky weather… Love the green house photo, I’ve been thinking about installing a portable climbing wall in my backyard for my kids and I but honestly a greenhouse may be much less expensive. Anyways, great photos, keep ’em coming!
Hi Tim, I guess, the entire country has had a weird spring. Oooh, a climbing wall. I love those, but greenhouses are even more fun. Just kidding. I do love climbing though.
You’ll get it all done, Dee. :0) “In a world of mere mortals you are a Wonder Woman.” ~Queen Hippolyta
Now, Randy how did you know that Wonder Woman was my favorite superhero? I’m not kidding. I loved her and read all of the 1950s comic books that were re-released in the 1970s. You made my day. Sometimes, I feel like we’re all garden superheros out here. Which one do you want to be?~~Dee
I’ll just be which ever one is immune to aches and pains caused by aging! LOL
Love your garden and since I too live in Oklahoma…my poor plants don’t know what to do…I’m a little worried about my hydrangeas and them setting blooms…oh well everyday is an adventure! Your new greenhouse is wonderful! Glad you are going to have one…I think there are a must for serious gardeners….especially OKlahoma gardeners! Enjoy!! I love your garden!
Miss Bloomers
Sonia, I’m worried about my hydrangeas too after this latest cold snap. Only time will tell. My husband is so ready for that greenhouse. He’s tired of the plants going back and forth, inside and out. It will get warm again. It will.
As your fellow Okies our weather is the same. After two beautiful days, we are looking for rain and cold today. Our trees were severely hit by the drought and are slow coming back plus many will not return and will have to be taken down.
Granny Annie, I hope you aren’t hit too hard by the frosts. I’m hoping that getting so warm today will mitigate that cold front. It’s happened before. Have a great day today. Wonderful weather for the next few hours at least.~~Dee
Thank you for taking us into the garden today. It has been a strange spring all over the world. I agree with your assessment of the blooming peonies…they are used to the cold. Hardiness is acquired and lost over time and this cool spring has been wonderful for the flowers. Enjoy the day and remember, we need step by step construction photos.
See Layanee, I knew my theory had a scientific basis. I think people are the same. We are all cold in spring, but those same temperatures in fall don’t bother us as much. All living creatures are similar in so many ways. Thank you dear. I promise more construction pics than you can imagine.
We have a hard time getting above 60 consistantly though the garden here really seems to like the weather and the blooms seem to be normal. Your greenhouse is amazing. I am so envious.
Hi Charlie, yes, every storm that comes sweeping through the plains seems to start right where you are. I hope it warms there and here quickly. I need that warmth. I bet you do too.
What a beautiful greenhouse! I love to “play” in mine during the winter and you will find it fills up quickly. Your gardens look great too. We are predicted to get possible freezing temps later this week with a possibility of snow. Nooooo! I don’t ever remember snow in May in Arkansas.
Hi Brenda, I think I have it already filled in my mind three times. I’m sorry about your freezing temps and snow. Maybe we’ll slow the storm down a little bit.
Happy Spring to you my friend. You have the best attitude about this crazy weather and wanting to curse does not diminish it at all. The greenhouse is going to be a busy place all year long.
Thanks Gail for understanding why I want to curse. What a crazy spring, but I am getting more muscular from hauling plants in and out. Ha!
Just in time for lots of seedlings and cuttings before hot weather, that greenhouse! Oh, the fun you and Bill will have, getting it assembled and outfitting it. Everybody needs a greenhouse.
Nell Jean, your greenhouse looks wonderful!
What a lovely and thoughtful post, Dee. From gardens and plants and greenhouses to kids growing up into fine young adults. It just doesn’t get any better!
Thank you dear Frances. I want to go see your red leaves now.
I enjoyed seeing your garden. How exciting to get a greenhouse!
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Lea
Lea’s Menagerie
Thanks Lea. It is so very exciting. I can’t wait to build it. I hope you’re having a splendid day too my friend.
Dee,
You’ll be pleased to know I’ve forwarded your post to the Greek Fisherman’s Union. With the inflammatory slurs contained within, I think you should receive a curt response in short order.
Congrats on the greenhouse. No one deserves it more, my friend.
Best,
Patrick
Patrick, you’re making me laugh. Thanks so much for that!
The phlox and Kerria are a wonderful combination. I know what you mean about kids. Mine are now 23 and 26, and three to five inches taller than me. Seems like they were toddlers only yesterday.
Jason, when they were little, I thought they’d never get bigger. Now, I wish I could reach back and visit that time again.
this post was very funny with the cussing like a greek fisherman thing. I feel the same way. My second major year of gardening and i keep letting everything die in the cold snaps. UGH! Surely soon we will have some spring????? I live in eastern oklahoma so i feel your pain!
Christina, hang in there. Things will get better. Try covering those tender plants with an upside down pot. It really does work. I keep larger nursery pots just for this purpose. At least we’re getting rain. 🙂
Looking forward to hearing more about that greenhouse! It’s beautiful!
I almost can’t wait for it to get here Connie. I’ll take lots of photos as we put it together.