A few months ago, I was asked if I'd like to visit Little Rock and P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm, a/k/a the Garden Home Retreat. How could I refuse? So, this week, I drove five hours (after my airline canceled my flight), and I joined a group of bloggers who visited. A lot of writers have asked me why only certain bloggers were invited. I suppose we were a cross-section of the country in region and style. There were even behind-the-hand hints that we were being used. I found none of that on my visit. As at the GWA annual symposium, there were sponsors. The trip was paid for through them, but there were no restrictions on what we were to write. I believe we were asked because Allen is launching a new blog and television show, Garden to Table. He also sent us his latest cookbook, P. Allen...

Ah, blessed rain fell all day Easter Sunday, and thick fog layered itself over the garden this morning. Although the roses bow their heads, they are thankful for the moisture. Raindrops definitely are the order of the day creating creating silver, crystalline surfaces on foliage and flower. A flash of mercury highlights if you please. I know the farmers are rejoicing in the fields. Now, Lord, if we could just a bit more in say a week? Thank you.  

Although the garden as a whole doesn't have a lot of color, if I lean in close, I find so many things like this little skipper on 'May Night' salvia. The salvia is blooming earlier than I ever remember. I don't like its foliage as well as that of S. farinacea 'Victoria,' but 'Victoria' is barely up let alone blooming its little head off. Another early bloomer is this heirloom dianthus which I purchased from Steve and Ruth at Bustani Plant Farm a few years ago. He got his plant from Dr. Dirt awhile back. I added one more plant of this dianthus to another space in the garden last year. It blooms with the 'Karl Rosenfeld' peonies. The bright color echo is exactly what I wanted, and that makes my heart glad. So many times we plan certain things, and they just don't come to fruition. Then, sometimes, they...

I feel like the blue in this dianthus' foliage. I'm cold. After several days in the mid-80s, we've dropped to a chilly 48F. However, while I shiver, I remember it's been too warm for much of April. Therefore, the lilacs and tulips are mostly not themselves. The spinach is trying to bolt, and I was almost tempted to plant green beans and corn. I stopped myself although I did set out my tomatoes. I like a bit of a gamble I guess. Tonight, we're supposed to get down to 35F. All of the tropical color plants I bought at Bustani Plant Farm are going to come inside for the night. This weekend, we should be out of the woods. Although it isn't a freeze, it is too cool for a tropical, Southern Hemisphere lovin' coleus or variegated tapioca. Spring is a fickle friend, which we should all remember. On the...