The long days now provide a little more time to get things done outside.  I’ve been working on areas for a couple of hours in the

morning before going to work.  My first annual bed is worked up, and soon will be adorned with mixed petunias.  It’s our sunniest spot so I’m giving them a try.  Haven’t done petunias out here in the woods before.  I deep dug the bed with a gardening fork, worked in some fertilizer and then raked it out.

My planting of Forget-Me-Nots is so beautiful right now.  There isn’t another shade of blue that is prettier.  These are planted underneath our Golden Shadows Pagoda Dogwood and with the bright yellow of the dogwood – this blue absolutely pops.  These spread  though not aggressively as I started with 3 plants and now they are stretched over a space of about 5 feet.  They are also exceptionally hardy.  In the winter – snow is piled high in this area due to the shape of our yard, and when there isn’t snow in the “off” season – my little rat terrier cuts the corner when heading outside (or inside)..

Two of my favorite hosta – both classics – are looking lovely right now.  Patriot and June.  Both are medium sized hosta plants and stand well with others in a grouping or as a specimen plant.

The new idea I’m trying this year is my “upright” herb garden.  I have placed this old pallet which has been modified with a 3 boards to make shelves and placed it on the corner of our deck where it gets the most sun possible.  So far, I’m liking what I see.  Now the trick will be to get more time to actually cook with all of the herbs!