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| Bee Balm never disappoints. |
I bought three potted Easter Lilies for Easter Sunday, going through the offerings at Walmart and its local competitor, Harps. That group provided one bloom and many buds for Easter Sunday. Now they are in full bloom.
I started with a few Hostas from the Gardeners' over-supply, years ago. The ones from the front yard were roasting in the sun. They were moved to the shade of the green fence planted by birds resting on the log fence in the backyard. The Hostas were mature, so they are bursting out of the ground now. With a bit of luck, more will be established this year. I have learned to use the plastic collars around each new Hosta, because the critters love to tug them out of the ground and eat them.
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| Instead of chemicals, Howard promoted the use of organic matter to keep the soil in India fertile and productive. |
Hosta blooms are loved by hummingbirds.
The Bee Balms are popping up now. Until a few days ago, they seemed to be gone. They are well established and enjoyed for their not-so-ironic attraction to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. When the Military Gardening Group gathers on the front porch for coffee, the plants and their tiny companions serve as constant entertainment. I enjoy hearing them and guests ask, "What is that?"
When our vet tech neighbor looked at our Joe Pye Weed in bloom, she said, "I saw those at the nature preserve. I live next to a nature preserve!" Joe Pye is especially loved by butterflies and bees.
Like Joe Pye, Clethra is a late bloomer, but very welcome. Clethra provides a cinnamon sweet fragrance, best enjoyed by a gentle breeze. Insects love the tiny compound flowers of Joe Pye, Clethra, and Mountain Mint.
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| Hostas come in many colors and patterns, and critters love them small. All my new Hostas are collared and watered with rain from the rain barrels. |
