Is there such a thing as a Gardener’s Life List?I know that birders keep life lists of all the birds they see and those they want to see. They get very excited when they get to add a new bird to their list or cross off a bird they were hoping to see.There are also general life lists which some people write up to set goals for what they want to do before a certain age or just in general.These lists are full of different adventures like “see the Indianapolis 500 race in person” (check), “attend an … [Read more...] about Starting a Gardener’s Life List
trees
Eagerly Anticipating the Lilacs
After the long winter, I am eagerly awaiting the lilac blooms this spring.Last spring the lilacs had an off year, due to some unexpected winter weather in April. The cold weather froze out many of the flower buds, and though we did get a few blooms, it was short of spectacular and not worth writing home about.But this year, I am expecting spectacular.Starting with the common lilacs and ending with my Japanese tree lilac, I should have nearly six weeks of lilac blooms.First to bloom in late April … [Read more...] about Eagerly Anticipating the Lilacs
Setting Up Day at May Dreams Gardens
More signs of spring were noted today. The serviceberries (Amelanchier sp.) are now blooming, joining the flowering pears which are also in full bloom.I think the serviceberry is a nice substitute for flowering pear. It blooms about the same time, but without that odd, unpleasant smell.It won't get as big as a flowering pear tree, but offers good fall foliage and berries for the birds to eat. Most often it is grown as a large multi-trunked shrub (or a small multi-trunked tree) but you can find … [Read more...] about Setting Up Day at May Dreams Gardens
Enjoy Flowering Pear Trees From Afar
The Flowering Pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) are blooming all over the city, especially in newer neighborhoods like mine. What's not to love about a tree that has such beautiful white flowers in the early spring. Really, they bloom before the lilacs around here!Everyone plants them, and in some neighborhoods, the developers even require that every homeowner plant them along the curb.Truly, it is a beautiful sight to see a row of flowering pear trees blooming in the spring.They can take your … [Read more...] about Enjoy Flowering Pear Trees From Afar
Star Magnolia
Why do you garden?Do you have just one constant answer to this question?Or does your answer vary depending on what is blooming in your garden or ready for harvest when someone asks you "why do you garden"?I can come up with a thousand answers when I'm asked why I garden, but today I have just one answer.Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata.It is blooming today in my garden.Bees are buzzing around it.The flowers are a perfect white.I am star struck by it.My neighbors must think me odd (again) because … [Read more...] about Star Magnolia
Horticultural Anomalies and Azaleas
When? When will I remember that I should always take my camera with me wherever I go? You just never know when you'll encounter something unusual and want to take a picture of it.Today, instead of going to work in the dark, I stayed at home a little longer and went to a conference center for a half day seminar. I was home long enough to take a picture of a very frosty lawn, framed by a Serviceberry which is just beyond its peak of fall color but still quite striking.This Serviceberry is … [Read more...] about Horticultural Anomalies and Azaleas
