Sunday, June 7, 2009

rhodies

mist maiden

The dry shade of our woodland garden is not an easy master. I have learned that when a plant is labeled as "tolerates shade" it does not mean it thrives in shade. It means that it copes. Usually it becomes anorexic, clings to life for a couple seasons and turns to compost. I stopped expecting massive, showy blooms and became satisfied with mere survival. The ones that do pull through, grow at a glacial rate. It seemed that we always had room for more plants and I have been plugging in new ones every spring. I was a member of the local horticultural society and bought tissue-culture rhododendrons, tiny plant sprigs, a half-dozen at a time. This year we have finally gained some momentum and are getting a payout on our patience.



percy wiseman

henry's red



vinecrest

Friday, June 5, 2009

rolling in clover


The bright green of spring doesn't last long. Right now the leaves are still perfect; soft and as yet uneaten by the borers and miners of summer. A new carpet of lawn has been rolled out all over the dingle park and the shutters have been drawn on the ice cream stand below the tower. Jigs makes a beeline for it every evening so I have an excuse for finding myself in line for a double-scoop of cookies and cream.