Sally's Allotment
The iris are starting to bloom at the front of the house. Last October, I found an orange pot that I thought would be a great contrast to the iris and daylillies that bloom in front of it so I've been dying to see this year's crop of bulbs show up. Doesn't look like I will have to wait much longer.
Managed to keep my purchases at the plant sale and garden center this weekend under $100...lovely weather for a spot of garden shopping. My tactic at the crowded plant sale was to find some native white plant and shrubs. Helped to have a focus so I didn't spend too much! Also added to my milkweed collection and I'm trying to keep a kangaroo paw alive for once...
The faithful pomegranate blooms on cue every year and wows me each time. I've now got three trees scattered around the back garden. I'm also glad to see my root rhubarb is doing well--this was the first thing I grew in our garden at Wood Road and I'm hoping for some rhubarb crumble later in the season. The tobacco seeds I got during our trip to Virginia have been a success. Some of the bulbs I planted last year are hitting their stride and the pots on the front porch are a nice welcome home every day...
This is the first year my hedgehog cactus bloomed. My enjoyment for cactus and succulents continues to grow despite not having much time for them a few years ago. Yesterday, I hit up the Austin Cactus and Succulent show at Zilker Botanical Gardens and managed to find one owl-eye cactus plant that I love. Mine got killed off this past winter.
Despite having an overflowing garden, I don't keep that many flowers inside the house (a few African violets and orchids). Yet, I always enjoy having flowers around. Here are a couple of arrangements currently taking pride of place at Cloverleaf: roses in the bathroom and reusing my favorite gin bottles.
I never tire of poppies blooming. Each year, I plant from seeds I collected from the previous year, but it is also fun to see where they self-seed.
Chris and I finally got out to cut back some of the dead plants and shrubs. I had left it as long as possible so as to provide food and shelter for critters during the freezes. As soon as we had cut stuff back, greenery started to peak through and by the end of the month the structure of the garden seems to be taking shape again. I did replace a few of the pot plants that didn’t make it through the winter.
My book club decided to take a trip together to San MIguel. We had a lovely time shopping, sightseeing, eating, drinking, and chatting. Between all of our adventures, I managed to capture some of the lovely plants and flowers around our house and around the town.
One of the nice things about keeping this blog is that I get to look back on some photos of my pets in the garden. Sadly, Jack, Mickey and Vera are no longer here to soak up the sun while I’m pottering. Delilah loves being outside and our new cat, Dots is just starting to explore.
Although not England weather, there has been a chill in air that has meant I haven’t been able to spend much time in the garden. Despite my neglect, there is still some color popping up. I added a couple of plants to my collection including a new David Austin rose—Roald Dahl. Can’t wait to see how it does in a pot.