This and that in the garden

Our weather has been so up and down that I've got more and more plants waiting to get put into the ground. In the meantime, I've done a lot of waiting, walking around with a notepad, changing my mind about what goes where and waiting some more. Things are so behind in making their appearance that I can't be sure where the empty spots are that I have plants ready to plug into. So I've been noticing quirky things that might not have caught my eye if I'd been busy planting. 

Iris lacustris 'Alba' is a lake Iris that typically grows in "slightly acidic, shallow, moist, sandy, or rocky soils." This area of the garden near the edge of the pond was very pebbly once upon a time, but has slowly accumulated enough soil to become mossy. Apparently the Iris don't really mind.

One of my Dryopteris crassirhizoma ferns has developed three separate crowns. That means I can divide it and have three of this gorgeous plant. Doesn't always happen, but what a thrill when it does. 

Last summer I kept noticing a clump of foliage on this woodland Peony that looked different. I kept thinking I was imagining it. This spring, there's no question that a potentially different Peony has moved in. I'm hoping once they both bloom I will know if my eyes are playing tricks or if the Peony is. 

Adiantum venustum is so assertive in my garden that I thought it had fatally consumed this little gem: Pteridophyllum racemosum. It looks like a fern but has delicate white flowers. I will move this to a safer spot tomorrow. 

Comments

[Barbara H.]

It's been a strange spring but even that brings its gifts. We were so up and down the plants were confused but now so many are showing out flowering together. Glad you found some treasures.

[Kris P]

Your slow progression into spring would make me crazy but your close attention to what's happening makes good use of the time you've spent on hold. At some point, hopefully soon, I expect your garden's going to explode!

[Frank]

I was proud when the hellebores began to seed out into patches, but I think it's a whole new level when the peonies begin to do the same. What also impresses me is when you say 'I'll move it tomorrow' you'll likely move it tomorrow. That never happens here!

[Linda Brazill]

FRANK — I will move it tomorrow (which is now today) because most things still aren't up enough to plant the dozens of plants piling up on my worktable.