Gardening—not all it's cracked up to be



Today was the day—the first day warm enough to even consider spending outside. In Western New York, it's either late winter or early summer; spring's existence is confined to the calendar and the fact that tulips and daffodils are in bloom. So I ventured forth into the yard, where I:

-pulled out acres of English ivy, some of which I had actually purchased.

-stabbed at least 3 existing lily bulbs possibly to death as I tried to plant some new ones. Finally, I gave up and put the new ones in pots.

-pruned the roses.

-pulled out dead stalks and foliage from last year, stomping more bulbs in the process.

-installed a new trellis for the clematis, this wobbly sort of triangular thing. It could be cool, though.

God, it's a mess out there. On days like these, and there will be many more, I go outside and begin a long process of starting one thing, seeing another problem, working on that, running into the house or garage for tools, and then starting something else, with all the other things still in progress. It's rather harrowing, and very little seems to get accomplished. Also, this year I need to dig out a bunch of plants that are being displaced by the pond. This is a big deal for me, because I'm not one of those people who blithely move plants around all the time.

Above you see the erythronium foliage. This is one of the best, if not the best, spring bulbs for foliage; too bad it's out for such a short time.

Comments

Carol Michel said…
I agree, the first day out into the garden in the spring can be a bit "disoriented". But then you settle down a bit... good luck with moving those plants.
LostRoses said…
"God, it's a mess out there!" You've certainly summed up my feelings when I look at the huge amount of work to be done in my own garden. I think you've spoken for a lot of us! I just keep thinking, "I'll have it whipped into shape by Memorial Day!"
LOL Of course it's a mess in the garden after the winter season has finished and spring is finally there.

You need nerves of steel for gardening and to forgive yourself for the odd mistake or two that you are bound to make.

After more than 20 years of gardening I've found that it pays to finish one job first and then start with another, regardless of how tempting or in dire need that other job looks. You drive yourself crazy otherwise, because you end up with all those half-done jobs, which is very discouraging.

Good luck with moving your plants! If you are in need of something to calm your nerves, come to Bliss, we have just the right thing for you! ;-)
firefly said…
I feel the same way. I went out to take snaps of some tulips that have just started blooming, and what do I find? Millions of Norway maple seedlings. Millions. I am not making this up. Everywhere I mulched, it's like I mulched for the express purpose of preserving maple keys. Gah!

I pulled a fistful -- literally, a 4-inch diameter pile of seedlings -- and still, everywhere I look I see more.

Where are the slugs when you need them most?!
Jen14221 said…
I hope you can come to the hood on 5/19 (did you get the invite). I'll pour a glass of something enormous and you can walk me around my yard, telling me what is a weed and what is not. Because I have no idea.
Unknown said…
I really love those glossy erythronium leaves. I had a nice surprise when I visited a local park last week--hundreds of the yellow trout lilies were scattered across the floor of the woods there, and most were in bloom! I couldn't believe how nice and lush it all looked, given that kids and adults and dogs all trample about in that area 12 months of the year. They must be much tougher than they look!

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