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| These large alliums have various names, like Globemaster. The flowers come in many varieties, often smaller, with various colors, and attract bees like crazy. The bulbs all have that garlic fragrance. |
I put a couple of small boxes in the library and closed the door overnight. This morning I wondered what happened in that room. "Oh! That is garlic!" (I talk to myself whenever I need expert advice.) The fumes came from some alliums I ordered, the aroma coming out of the bulbs, through the packages, out of the cardboard box, trapped in the room.
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| Hair Allium |
I moved the alliums into a larger room with more air circulation. Our helper came over to help in the gardening labors today. The recent rain made digging clay much easier. I took over the alliums, leaving specialty daffodils for the center part of the Rose Garden.
Daffodils are another easy choice to make. Few animals eat or dig them up. They multiply on their own and brighten up the spring. Sadly, this is not tulip country, so I do not order them.
As a member reminded me, Minnesota was perfect for hardy (fall planted) bulbs. They not only tolerate cold - they demand cold. Gladiolas are tender (spring planted) bulbs, and they will come back again the next year - in this area.
God's Creation is on full display in the garden. Each plant and animal has a purpose-driven life, engineered to do its job, to repair damage, and to flourish with its brethren and sistern.
True bulbs are already flowers encased in plant material and food for the journey upward. I am watering all the planted bulbs now, so hydrate, put out their roots, and begin to reach the surface.
Weather in the spring will trigger their blooms at divinely designated times. The varieties are great fun to watch in a garden where someone keeps trying out different kinds, sizes, and attributes.
Sassy came outside and guarded our work, as she always does. She finds the low level birdbath a perfect drinking source, so she reminds me to keep it clean and full for her. Others must benefit because I pour in a gallon a day into it after cleaning.
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| Trumpet Vine and a Hummingbird |
Everyone loves to sit on the porch and look at the birds, squirrels, hummingbirds, and bees. Christina came out as often as possible. Sassy always parks herself in front of the porch sitters, looking for food and attention. If everyone praises her and tosses some cracker, she is happy.
A senior in high school comes by often, and she gets a rose to take home (two houses down). Mrs. Gardener comes by to offer extra desserts from her latest expert effort.
Enchanted Peace is blooming more than anyone could hope - in its first year.
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| Enchanted Peace |
