Gruesome Gone

The gruesome illusion of a graveyard has been transformed to the reality of a garden.  Behold!

Much better!  White Dot is showing his feline approval.  In the bed on the left (or westmost), I've planted carrots (Caracas from Jung Seeds) in two rows planted with radishes -Cherry Belle from Jung's in Row 1 and French Breakfast from Seed Savers Exchange in Row 2.  Two rows of Red Romaine from SSE, then three lettuces - one row each of Bronze Arrowhead, Baby Oakleaf, and Red Salad Bowl (all from SSE).  I also planted nasturtium seeds:  Empress of India from Burpee's and Cherry Rose Jewel from Botancial Interests.  Obviously, this recording of planting is intended for memory enhancement purposes.  *ahem*  I also grew some plants from seed and those are getting accustomed to the cool and gray June weather on the front porch.  I'll provide details when I plant them.  I also have some seeds for climbing nasturtiums to plant, along with green (and purple!) filet beans and sugar snap peas.  Between my schedule and the rain, this garden will eventually get planted.

I should soon have some peony blooms.  Please excuse the photo--I must need to clean the lens or something.  These three peonies are growing in the box on the right in the "second" row.  I ordered a bunch of hosta, peony, and daylilies in late summer several years ago via the internet.  When they arrived, I didn't have the time or enthusiasm to plant them around the yard so I just designated that box and the one next to it as "nursery" boxes.  

I've had varying levels of success with my nursery box strategy.  The peonies are thriving as are the daylilies.  Although, once the daylilies bud, I fight with the deer for the blossoms.  Unfortunately, hunting season and daylily blooms do not coincide.   Therefore, I'll move the daylilies before they bloom this year.  Maybe I'll see what colors the blossoms are, finally.  The hostas had to compete with weeds last year but they're recovering right now with a bit of grass mulch.  Typing this post brought forth a vague memory of the hostas also suffering from deer attention, besides my inattention.  I may need to move them sooner and let them recover in the landscaping where they may have a better chance.  After the peonies bloom, I'll relocate them around the yard--maybe a month after?  I'm not sure about the timing as I traditionally add peony roots to the garden in very late summer or early fall.  Opinions, anyone?

Yesterday, I met with a new-to-me spinning group in Madison, the Fair City Spinners, and, later in the day, joined the Rio Library Quilt Guild.  Both are very nice groups of people and I learned a lot just yesterday--so much that I think my brain hurts from the learning and all the socializing.  Just one month away from daily interaction with groups of people and look what happens!  Obviously, ambiverts must have to keep their extrovert tendencies exercised or they atrophy.  Thanks to Carole for the invitations and the great conversation.

I'm spinning wool from that long-ago venture to Taos in a pretty peachy orange.  It was only one largish ball of roving.  Of course, I don't have any record of who I purchased it from.  Carrie, do you remember?

Comments

[Nancy Konrad]

I love reading your blogs. I feel like I just had a wonderful visit with you! Hope to see you soon...

[Marilyn]

Lots of wonderful things growing. Nice. I've heard that you're sposed to transplant peonies in September.
Slugs could be getting your hostas too...
Shoot the deer. Ask questions later. ;)

[Joy]

Slight variation on the 3-S method (shoot, *slice* instead of shovel, shut up)? Your lettuces sound lovely - didn't get going early enough to plant any here, it's already to hot for it to do well.

[gayle]

Don't you just love reading through the lettuce names in SSE's catalog?
Your yard looks much less spooky!

[Jean]

This looks wonderful. I stopped in to mention I'm making your Pork Roast recipe today (from June 2011). Just wanted to let people know it works great in a slow cooker, too.