mixed spring greens

The saga of the kitchen garden continues. It remains my favorite garden spot - confined, rustic, and eclectic. I am ignoring the shade, and the moss. As a matter of fact one of my small raised beds has become a moss covered japanese maple bed, right next to the soapstone water fountain. Everything is growing well. Radishes are mingling with roses. Clematis vines are entangling the plum branches, next to the jostaberries. Lettuce, spinach and arugula are rampant and delicious. The plum tree is laden with fruit, unfortunately most of them will drop before maturity due to lack of sunshine.

And today I planted my first potatoes. I was tearing up as I pushed the ugly nodes into their trenches. Potatoes were my later father's favorite crop. He was a master potato grower and each year he had a competition with a dear neighbor to see who could harvest the first sweet white new potatoes. All methods were allowed to secure the win... I miss pappa terribly, and I am thinking that my potato growing efforts would have made him proud.

moss covered

I love moss. I love the intricacy when you examen the plants up close. I love the soft texture and the brilliant hues. It is a lovely plant, much more appealing than grass. The problem is that my moss is most prolific in the kitchen garden, where sun loving vegetables, and cut flowers are supposed to grow. Every bed is covered with moss to some degree. Naturally the problem is a lack of sun, which will cause problems this growing season. Over time our once sun filled garden plot has become more and more shady, mostly from our neighbor's rampant growing trees. So it is time to rethink. More blueberries, and lettuce, less peppers and tomatoes? Suggestions anyone?

surprise snow

We woke up to snow this morning. It always seems to happen this time of year, but it still takes you aback The winter sweaters are almost packed away, and I was looking forward to spending my Sunday in the garden. The snow surprised the fruit trees as well. Their delicate blossoms, just starting to open, are covered and wet. I am hoping they are hardy enough to withstand the challenge.

Last weekend I planted two peach trees in the kitchen garden. They will eventually be espaliered, but I wanted to enjoy the pale pink blooms before I trim the branches. I also planted a new apple tree. This time far away from the black walnut tree that lives next door and who's roots spreads a nasty toxin that has crippled my other apple tree in the far corner of the garden. Spring will come. I know it.

buds and blooms

Somehow there is always something happening in the garden  even if I am not there to tend it. Spring is here. Buds are bursting and fresh green growth is peeking out. The rhubarb is growing vigorously, and the daphne and star magnolia are both in full bloom spreading their heavenly scent along the way. I now have a beautiful cold frame, almost a small greenhouse, in the kitchen garden and a wonderful new walkway leading to the front door (more about those two projects later). I am delighted that warmer weather has arrived!

surprise

All it took was a bit of whining. Yesterday I discovered that the peas are flowering after all. These beautiful pink and maroon blooms are slowly popping out and hopefully the pea pods will follow. I also have to share a few photos of the peonies. They are gorgeous right now, especially on a sunny morning after a quiet night of rain. Delightful.

best of times

I am in the midst of a weekend devoted to gardening. It has been so long since I really took time to get grubby and sweaty from pulling weeds and digging in the dirt. This is the best of times – bright, not too hot, few bugs. Everything is fresh, green, and blooming beautifully.

The kitchen garden's inhabitants are growing rampantly. The peas that were only a couple of inches tall a few weeks ago, are climbing over their fence. Once budding roses and clematises along the parameter are in full bloom, and tiny lettuce seedlings are becoming vigorous heads.

We installed a fountain in the kitchen garden using an old soapstone sink we bought from the university's surplus sale some years ago and a found rusty old pipe. It is quite magical. Therefore our old adirondack chairs are now moved to the center circle to be on hand for quiet celebrations.

spring

Finally. The sun is out, the air feels balmy, there are birds chirping everywhere, and the maple tree's spent blossoms are littering the streets. Spring is here.

There are no memories of winter left in the garden either. Everything is competing to see what can burst first. My favorite tree – the star magnolia – is in full bloom, its white petals fluttering in the wind.

The daphne is covered in blooms with an infatuating scent. Then there are hellebores, still looking downwards but ready to go.

The lanky camelia is positioned between two windows along the driveway, where nobody can enjoy its picture perfect flowers. I frequently snip some of them, to brighten up the window sill in my studio.