A rainy day report

I drove out to Flower Factory last Sunday morning as I had a FF gift certificate that was burning a hole in my pocket. As early I arrived there was still a row of cars lined up in the entrance lot. It was hot, sunny and the summer flowers were blooming their heads off making a fabulous statement as I parked my car. It was so sunny that it was impossible to take any decent photos which was disappointing as the place looked as delicious as always.

It didn't take me long to fill a wagon — and I hardly deviated from my list! I worked in my garden early in the day on Tuesday getting many of my new purchases settled in. Not visible in this photo are a whole group of small plants (thymes, Sedums, Dianthus etc.) that were at the top of my buying and planting list as I am still trying to fill in along the new stone steps in the front garden. I also planted the Blood Grass (left rear), splitting it two pieces that I triangulated with a clump already in place in the garden. Added a Bergenia 'Pink Dragonfly' with very narrow leaves (front right in the wagon). Hoping its location at the top edge of the stone wall will make it more rabbit-proof.

I managed to get nine plants in the ground on Tuesday but the heat, humidity and mosquitoes have kept me indoors since then. I still have 13 plants left to deal with but I have specific locations in mind for all of them. There are three Polystichum mackinoi and five Adiatum venustum which will be planted as groups so that will be easy. 

We have garden visitors coming at the end of the week who've never been here and another magazine editor in September. It means I am going to have to get outside and weed and deadhead and get planting regardless of weather or bugs. At least the rain that fell overnight will make those chores easier even it it means the mosquitoes won't be going anywhere soon. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I chuckled at the thought of having anything rabbit proof. That is an enviable collection in the wagon. So is the rain. Hardly any mosquitoes here due to drought.

[Linda from Each Little World]

Lisa — ​One never wishes for drought but the thought of no mosquitoes is sure a pleasant one. We've had very few up till now and hardly any last year so we have been spoiled.​

[Erin @ The Impatient Gardener]

There's nothing like some new plants to revive a gardener's soul in mid-summer. Magazine editors, huh? Sounds exciting!

[Linda from Each Little World]

Erin — ​Fine Gardening came in July and Midwest Living is coming in September. I am ready to give up on the garden with the rain, humidity and mosquitoes but I will have to get back out there to get it in shape for the September visitor. Fun to think about but I am not holding my breath. You know how many story ideas never make it to the printed page.​

[Peter/Outlaw]

Having a list and sticking to it when plant shopping is pretty impressive! Occasionally I'll visit nurseries with a specific plant or two in mind but usually find other things that call my name. Congratulations on Fine Gardening and Midwest Living visiting your garden. Do you get incredibly nervous before visitors like that descend upon you?