Since we returned, I've posted a few entries on our California travels. But this being May, things in the garden have not stopped changing daily. Let's have a quick look at what's developed over the past several weeks.
Halmiocistus wintonensis 'Merrist Wood Cream' is delighting with its rich, buttery-yellow flowers.
After a bit of pruning earlier in spring, it's looking good in a bed with a cistus and Helianthemum 'Cheviot'.
I seem drawn to any plant beginning with an "H". After two years in my hell strip (good place for an "H" plant, right?), Halimium ocymoides is finally settling in with lots of foliage and the hint that blossoms may happen this summer.
Young Verbascum epixanthinum, from Ryan, looking velvety.
Sisyrinchium striatum is blooming.
I fell for this simple beauty last year at McMenamin's Edgefield and had to have it in the garden.
In other upward developments, a yellow Eremuris, one of three I planted last spring, is showing sure signs it will bloom. The other two, while clearly still alive, are holding their cards closer to the vest.
Last year about this time, I showed Ceanothus 'Joan Mirov' still in her nursery pot. She's enjoying life on the street now, while being protected from parking cars by stakes as she gains some stature.
Finally, in a bit of impeccable timing rain-wise (not!) we had three yards of mulch delivered this weekend. After remarking to the Mulch Man how light it was to move, I realized it was probably just because it had been so dry for the preceding month.
Yes, I know it's a bit late to be mulching the garden, especially in view of our surprise hot spell in April, but I was too busy enjoying the sun in California. I'll get back to sharing that fun later this week.
Meanwhile, I have some heavy mulching to do.
Halmiocistus wintonensis 'Merrist Wood Cream' is delighting with its rich, buttery-yellow flowers.
I seem drawn to any plant beginning with an "H". After two years in my hell strip (good place for an "H" plant, right?), Halimium ocymoides is finally settling in with lots of foliage and the hint that blossoms may happen this summer.
Young Verbascum epixanthinum, from Ryan, looking velvety.
Sisyrinchium striatum is blooming.
I fell for this simple beauty last year at McMenamin's Edgefield and had to have it in the garden.
In other upward developments, a yellow Eremuris, one of three I planted last spring, is showing sure signs it will bloom. The other two, while clearly still alive, are holding their cards closer to the vest.
Yes, I know it's a bit late to be mulching the garden, especially in view of our surprise hot spell in April, but I was too busy enjoying the sun in California. I'll get back to sharing that fun later this week.
Meanwhile, I have some heavy mulching to do.
How interesting to learn about the stately Sisyrinchium striatum! I'm excited to have some of its more diminutive cousins newly planted - Sisyrinchium bellum - courtesy of Ricki Grady. The flowers on either one are lovely!
ReplyDeleteAnna, I won't be surprised if the sisyrinchium needs dividing by next spring. You are on the list for divisions!
DeleteHalmiocistus wintonensis 'Merrist Wood Cream' had me swooning with it's sweet color and dark markings! I still have a truckload of mulch to spread and don't even have a fabulous California vacation to blame for it not being done.
ReplyDeleteThat halmiocistus is one of those rare plants that I actually tracked down - so glad I did!
DeleteI noticed that Joy Creek was just getting around to muching, so you're in good company.
ReplyDeleteDid you happen to notice their sore muscles, Ricki? ;)
DeleteAdd me to the list of late mulchers, it's scheduled for sometime this week (weather permitting). You should see the crop of weeds in my newly dug/planted areas, it's horrible. Lots's of work ahead, hope yours isn't quite so daunting.
ReplyDeleteWeeds come when (and where) they're least wanted, I'm convinced. Happy mulching!
DeleteOh, I love the Merrist Wood Cream! What a gorgeous plant. I, too, have mulching to do. April was a fluke. We're back to normal May weather now. Whew!
ReplyDeleteJenni, if you want one, you may be able to get the halmiocistus from the new Xera store, when it opens. Just guessing, though.
DeleteThe mulch maid mulches whenever the mulch maid feels like it! I'm glad you're back. :)
ReplyDeleteBut if the mulch maid doesn't feel like mulching, the pile doesn't go away...
DeleteSounds like quite a few of us are late to join the mulch party...I'm having some delivered tomorrow and will spend the day FINALLY mulching...it's been years since I refreshed the mulch...and I've moved so much around, the whole garden looks atrocious!
ReplyDeleteWe didn't mulch last year and a lot of the garden is totally hardpanned. Your garden will thank you, even if your muscles don't!
DeleteLooks great! Love the Ceanothus and the Helianthemum.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't mulched my garden. There were too many seedlings I was watching. I didn't want to smother them. Now, of course the weeds and grasses are having a field day. (Pun intended.)
ReplyDeleteYour mulch looks delicious. I love the Eremurus and Sisyrinchium. Your Ceanothus is way ahead of mine. Gorgeous!
Great post. Don't you love this time of year?
Your Ceanothus is such a bright blue, and so many flowers for the amount of foliage! Lovely. I'm getting mulch the hard way, I did 6 bags of branches through the chipper yesterday. And still a lot to go. Arggh.
ReplyDelete