Saturday, May 14, 2011
48° with a 3 mph breeze greets gardeners here on the mountain this morning. The weather folks are depressing us again with what will apparently be 7 consecutive days of rain. Have to get to the nursery right away and make the best of the morning for planting and then probably inside for paperwork this afternoon as the rain starts.
If you're out and about today, the pansies and violas look nice and make little children smile with thoughts of becoming real gardeners. They will. Gail has an assortment of hanging baskets that are very nice. Although I am not that keen on red, the large flowered geraniums are drawing in the very busy male hummingbirds in interesting numbers. Hummers are real competitors and stake out a plant they like and defend it from their bird friends.
The bergenias are opening. I should know the name of the red leafed variety that is coming into bloom but a short night is interfering with my morning memory. Maybe another cup of coffee with help.
Hostas by the thousands are beginning to unfurl. Hosta 'First Frost' is showing its early spring edge of yellow as we remind people this will turn to cream as summer approaches. Gail is planting 3-4 hostas of the same variety in 20 gallon pots so those who don't want to walk down the hill to the hosta display garden can get an idea idea of mature size.
Various epimedium are beginning to flower. The heat has held them back a little but they are growing well now and are a good ground cover type plant for dry, "under-that-tree" type locations.
My new honey bees should be available to pick up next week and already I am leery of this endeavor. I have never cared for a hive and I don't fear the bees or the challenge. I fear the possible interaction of the 3 year old black bear my friend Gerry, across the road, had looking in his window last Sunday morning at 5 . I'll keep you posted. But for now, it's off the the nursery. Log onto 2263 US Route 2 or Vermont Flower Farm on your GPS today, find us and stop by--rain or not, we'll be there.
Writing from the mountain above Peacham Pond where buds are forming on the beautiful yellow leafed bleeding heart, Gold Heart. Some available at the nursery, small but nice.
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
Vermont Flower Farm
On Facebook as Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens and also as George Africa
On Twitter as vtflowerfarm
Remember: At VFF, we help you GROW your GREEN THUMB!
If you're out and about today, the pansies and violas look nice and make little children smile with thoughts of becoming real gardeners. They will. Gail has an assortment of hanging baskets that are very nice. Although I am not that keen on red, the large flowered geraniums are drawing in the very busy male hummingbirds in interesting numbers. Hummers are real competitors and stake out a plant they like and defend it from their bird friends.
The bergenias are opening. I should know the name of the red leafed variety that is coming into bloom but a short night is interfering with my morning memory. Maybe another cup of coffee with help.
Hostas by the thousands are beginning to unfurl. Hosta 'First Frost' is showing its early spring edge of yellow as we remind people this will turn to cream as summer approaches. Gail is planting 3-4 hostas of the same variety in 20 gallon pots so those who don't want to walk down the hill to the hosta display garden can get an idea idea of mature size.
Various epimedium are beginning to flower. The heat has held them back a little but they are growing well now and are a good ground cover type plant for dry, "under-that-tree" type locations.
My new honey bees should be available to pick up next week and already I am leery of this endeavor. I have never cared for a hive and I don't fear the bees or the challenge. I fear the possible interaction of the 3 year old black bear my friend Gerry, across the road, had looking in his window last Sunday morning at 5 . I'll keep you posted. But for now, it's off the the nursery. Log onto 2263 US Route 2 or Vermont Flower Farm on your GPS today, find us and stop by--rain or not, we'll be there.
Writing from the mountain above Peacham Pond where buds are forming on the beautiful yellow leafed bleeding heart, Gold Heart. Some available at the nursery, small but nice.
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
Vermont Flower Farm
On Facebook as Vermont Flower Farm and Gardens and also as George Africa
On Twitter as vtflowerfarm
Remember: At VFF, we help you GROW your GREEN THUMB!
