I ate lunch today seated under my favorite tree (an apricot). As I relaxed, I became more aware of the vibrating buzz of energy surrounding me. Welcome, bees!
Busy Bees
Bloomin Patio!
My friends at Kevin Robb Studios have created a versatile, durable patio that is a great transition from the garden to their work area. It’s the perfect setting for entertaining their clients. The patio was formed up on site, with 6 inch wide strips between the 4’x 4’ concrete pads. The gaps are planted with crocus bulbs and creeping thyme, which stays green year round. Party on!
Treasure, not Trash!
I’ve been very busy in the garden during the past few weeks doing the annual “Spring Clean-Up.” This included pruning some woody shrubs and trees, cutting back all of our ornamental grasses, cutting back shrubs that flower on new wood such as butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) and blue mist spirea (caryopteris clandonensis), and cutting back all of the perennials, including the shrub-like Russian sage (Perovskia artiplicifolia). Hopefully, you have been able to take advantage of our nice weather this month and have been attending to some of these garden chores as well. (If not, then aim for a deadline of April 10th!) But now, what to do with all of the waste? Please, please, please don't put it out for the trash guy!
There are better alternatives than sending all of this organic matter to the landfill. One option is to compost it. Check out this excellent website for complete instructions and troubleshooting tips. I compost garden waste and kitchen scraps on a regular basis, but my spring clean-up overwhelms my system and storage space. Therefore, I’ll go to Plan B…
The other option is to take it to a recycler that will use it for their compost making business. Gather up your branches and bags of debris and head to Mountain States Wood Recyclers at 2300 W. Radcliff Ave (303-789-3356). There is a minimum fee of $15.00, or $7.00 per cubic yard (just like taking it to the dump, but cheaper!). But, hey, it’s worth it knowing that all that stuff will be recycled and “reborn” as compost, the gardener’s best friend!
There are better alternatives than sending all of this organic matter to the landfill. One option is to compost it. Check out this excellent website for complete instructions and troubleshooting tips. I compost garden waste and kitchen scraps on a regular basis, but my spring clean-up overwhelms my system and storage space. Therefore, I’ll go to Plan B…
The other option is to take it to a recycler that will use it for their compost making business. Gather up your branches and bags of debris and head to Mountain States Wood Recyclers at 2300 W. Radcliff Ave (303-789-3356). There is a minimum fee of $15.00, or $7.00 per cubic yard (just like taking it to the dump, but cheaper!). But, hey, it’s worth it knowing that all that stuff will be recycled and “reborn” as compost, the gardener’s best friend!
Chengdu...Part 2
A Western style fountain.
More of my daughter's photos from Chengdu, China. Today's photos feature blooming flowers in containers and how they’re used in park settings. All of the flowers you see are grown, placed, and maintained in their pots either on the ground or in topiary frames.
Kale, it’s not just for dinner!
Celebrate the year of the pig!
Pansy time.
