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| Mr. Lincoln is as popular as General Sherman in the South, but no other rose has such potent fragrance. |
As everyone knows, our bare root roses arrived just before our 1 inch snow blizzard plus 0 degree weather. I kept them indoors in water, then outdoors with the roots (not canes). They even grew green leaves before planting.
They popped initial red leaves and repeated rains settled the soil, so I added Stinky Peat on top, as needed.
Any rose plant, even bargain ones, are already two years old, so they produce immediately, unlike the little sprigs we get for other plants.
I was scornful about our neighbor's enormous forsythia bush. I had all kinds of mental plans for it, including a major trimming plus a generous base of Stinky Peat and compost. I was a week early, because it took some time for a full bloom. Now it is a giant column of bright yellow from bottom to top.
The daffodils have bloomed, and some grape hyacinths are popping up, with one real hyacinth in bloom. We have a few tulips but hardy bulbs are not as robust here as they are in cold climates like Michigan and Minnesota. Ranger Bob game me tender bulbs to try this year, so I have a number of them to try.
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| Grape Hyacinths are not grapey or hyacinthy, but they are hardy, eager to spread, colorful, and easy to grow. |
Grass is just starting to grow. Elderberry plants are growing well. We are just pulling out of winter.
The Crepe Myrtles, Joe Pye, Cinnabon Trees, and Cat Mints all look dead. They will develop later, when the weather is sunnier and warmer. Meanwhile, their roots are setting them up for the blooming cycle. Rain is their God-given liquid fertilizer to make everything happen and feed the microbes and worms.
Every plant has its season. I enjoy watching each one starting a new cycle. We can try to make them obey our schedules, but that is tricky. God's time is the best time.
Meanwhile I am tossing peanuts in the shell on the garbage cans for the squirrels. A starling landed and picked up the loose peanuts first, then took off.
The other day a starling found the shallow bird bath and had a blast dipping in the water and shaking it down his body. Many birds use that method for shallow water (feels safe) and a thorough soaking for the flight feathers that need preening.
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| I had one starling bathing, and he was fun to watch. He must have immersed himself a dozen times to shake the water through his feathers. |
