What I did on spring break was work in the garden. It was AWESOME! I had hoped to cut a mulberry tree down, but those plans got changed. I did at least get to cut many of the branches off. It won’t be dropping as many berries on my footpath this year. In the before and after pictures, It doesn’t look a whole lot different, but believe me, there were LOTS of branches removed.
BEFORE AND AFTER:
Since I was going to the dump anyway, I did all the other pruning and cleaning up I would normally do in the spring. The plants and bushes are clean and ready to grow!
I also decided to clean out the pond. It’s a little earlier than I usually do it, but I had the time, so did it, I did. The water was a little cold, but putting a net down in the fall makes cleaning the leaves out so much easier, so I didn’t have to do much wading. I’ve already had birds drinking the new, clean water. And last night when I came home, I saw the cat that kills my yard rats taking a drink too!
BEFORE:
AFTER:
And no spring gardening would be complete without new additions. I ordered a bunch of Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ and a new variegated Forsythia called ‘Fiesta’. I also went to the best garden center in Maryland, Homestead Gardens, and browsed around, even though it’s early. While I was there, I saw a plant that I have not ever heard of before. Because I read plant catalogs and encyclopedias all winter, it’s a rare pleasure to see a plant I don’t know. It is called Loropetalum chininsis rubrum ‘Burgundy Blast’. I knew immediately that it must join my garden children.
Its flowers give it its common name: Fringe flower.
This morning I mourn because after church I must go in to school and prepare for the week ahead. Good-bye, spring break. Good-bye, daily gardening. I will weep for you.
And now…back to school interrupting your real life…
*sigh*…
That net is genius. I’m going to put one down over our yard this fall. In unrelated news, fourth quarter just began for us. T minus 8 weeks and counting.
Love the side-by-side tree pictures. They’re like the ‘Spot the Differences’ games from our childhood.
1. The branches are gone.
2. The Brad is gone.
3. The trellis is new.
4. The building foundation is settling.
5. New power-lines were added.
Is Brad really gone, or did he turn into that little tree?
*gasp* You’re right! I can tell by how the branches stick up like his hair!
Please stop using the s word. I am going to be in denial until Monday morning.
Your yard looks ready to go-Congrats!
Kim, in the 6th grade world, the “S” word ends in “-orry!” I told my gang today to stop using it unless their behavior is going to change immediately afterward – I’m tired of them thinking that’s the band-aid for their hemorraging misbehavior.
[Say…how long have I been back now…6 hours? This is very very scary…]