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| Grape hyacinth - long blooming. |
We were 6 inches behind the annual rainfall average, here in Tysonville. The soil was so dry that it was more like dust, even after frequent watering.
Weathermen predicted possible rain yesterday and more definite rain today. Sassy stood guard as I got out daffodils and grape hyacinths to dig in. The second bag was not one of grapes or hyacinths, but they are grape sized and long blooming. I usually plant small bulbs with the standard ones.
The meteorologists were right - one drop of rain fell and Sassy retreated to the doorway for watching. When I was done with about 100 bulbs, the rain fell gently for a few minutes while I was watering. That is how pessimistic I was, wanting to give the bulbs a good start. I planted them just in front of the patio and all the way down the driveway.
My garden planning has been based on concentrating where the flowers can be enjoyed the most.
I enjoy sitting on or near the soil and planting by hand. In this case, I had cement to slide along and hand tools plus a shovel for heavy duty labor (not needed). Absent cement, I slide along on a square of cardboard.
Many daffodils and grape hyacinths were doubles or triples, so the count was higher. A few daffodils did not seem healthy but the triples more than made up for them.
The hosta garden facing the kitchen windows, recently edited heavily by the crew, is ideal for shade plants plus some color. That is where I will put the special daffodils with weird colors and shapes. When they are done showing off, the hostas will grow, raise up flowers for hummingbirds, and retire for the year.
Some like to get worms and relax while fishing. I provide a paradise for worms and relax looking at their work. Sitting around promotes jumping from one thought to another. Digging in the soil is a lesson in Creation and the creatures the Lord of Creation has provided us. I see loss and surprising progress every time. Three neighbors have been getting roses as they flourish with city water. The more I cut them, the more they grow. Jesus' Parable of the Vine teaches that those who remain on the True Vine flourish. They are cleansed (absolved of sin) to grow even more abundantly.
I have to remind recipients that cleansing the rose is the best way to enjoy even more roses. When a new rose is seven feet tall and bursting with blooms, they understand.
Neighbors will little note nor long remember the time I spent digging in bulbs, sitting on the driveway or the soil. They have never watched a rabbit walk casually by, a few feet away, while working. The bulbs disappear and are forgotten by everyone but me. In the spring, the flowers buried (for a true bulb is a complete flower waiting to rise up) will burst into color.
Today we had a cloudburst, lots of thunder, and about an hour of rain.
