It can't be fall already!

Today was the first day of fall and I am not happy about it. Fall means winter is coming and I don't like winter either. I'd rather be outdoors. There is always yardwork to do in the spring and summer. If I don't have dirt on my knees and under my fingernails, I'm not happy.

Now I get to look forward to chores like ripping down old wallpaper and painting the hallway with 9 doors/doorways. Some of the ceilings are looking drab too. Nothing to get excited about.

I've been looking at some of the photos I took of my daylilies and other flowers and don't want to even think about cleaning up the acorns and leaves that will begin falling soon.

Ok, I'll admit I'm coming down with a cold and feel like poo. Sorry about that!

It's About Time!

Two years ago I had bought a collection of irises from Schriener's. They were just beginning to bloom last spring when we had a hard freeze (unusual for Tennessee this late) and every single bloom was lost. This year they are making up for it. I had forgotten the colors and the tags with the colors dry rotted, so it has been a surprise every time another color blooms. I have brought in a stalk of each color and they smell heavenly!

Spring Planting

Spring is finally here! I bought a flat of Calibrachoa (Million Bells) for hanging baskets. I also bought some Better Boy and Early Girl tomato plants, bell pepper plants and some annual herbs. Our garden hasn't been tilled yet, but I can't wait to try out the new mini-tiller we bought. I plan on expanding the garden this year to include eggplant, yellow crookneck squash and Italian green beans.

My pink tree peony has lots of buds ready to bloom. Hopefully they will get to bloom this year. Last spring we had a hard freeze in late April and it ruined all my peonies and irises. After the drought last year, I was afraid that there wouldn't be many blooms, but so far it has been beautiful and lush.

I have been enjoying getting my hands into the dirt. I have transplanted several azaleas and rhododendrons from our front yard to the shade under the oak trees so we can redo the front yard. My muscles ache from digging up shrubs, but I am extremely happy to be outdoors and gardening.