Home of the Practically Perfect Pink Phlox and other native plants for pollinators

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

What Did You Do Today?



The only problem with a natural woodland garden is that most people can't tell that you've mulched, weeded or moved plants around.

By most people I mean my husband.

When one's husband comes home and says, "What did you do today?", and you answer with what you think is a long list of serious garden chores. You know what I mean, some thing that should merit you a~I wasn't sitting around eating bon-bons all day, but worked my buns off~ serious credit. So I say "Can't you tell that I mulched, moved plants, weeded, cut down the grasses, and unloaded 20 bags of wet soil conditioner?" "Well no, not really, he says, but did you remember to _______?" "Well, no I say, I didn't even think about that!"





Jetfire in the garden now


Iris cristata in the back garden last year


What did you do today?

Gail

The pink flower is Phlox pilosa...you have to get some. Click to enlarge.

21 comments:

  1. is that phlox blooming now? i did absolutely nothing in my garden, other than walk through it. i was endeavoring to complete income taxes instead. YUCK!

    gail, a classmate of mine has to give a presentation on blackhaw viburnum. i am going to try to get her a message to look on here. i wished i had thought of it in school, now i have to go through the teacher. very timely post.

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  2. Hi Gail,
    I saw some columbine back in there with the phlox. :-)

    Today? I did indoor things and visiting things, tutoring and a meeting. Now I'm computering. No gardening, yet. But it Felt like March today. 50 degrees F and wind. :-) Perhaps soon.

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  3. I fussed a lot!! It was not a pretty sight and I'm not happy with myself. I fussed cause I don't want to have to keep correcting decisions on my new house I've already made---the builder is forgetful!! I do want to concentrate on building my new gardens. I could do that if the workers didn't have such short memories. That was so negative, I know---but I'm tired, and wish I was in my new gardens already!!

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  4. Tina,

    That particular phlox doesn't bloom for a while yet, but it loves to romp all over the place...I don't mind. It smells sweet and blooms for more than a month.

    prunifolium or rufidulum?

    Gail

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  5. shady gardener,

    They do look fun together...I need to edit that the phlox is not yet in bloom..Still learning.

    Spring is in the air?

    Here is wishing you more warm days followed by no frosts.

    Gail

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  6. Anna,

    You have to keep an eye on everything unless you have the worlds best contractor and I don't think anyone has that title. I remember going to a friend's in progress house and noticing the builder forgot to put in a window!

    Fuss away...I don't mind.

    Tell us about your new garden...or is it already posted?

    Gail

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  7. After a cooler start, the day warmed up enough to work outside. We started a gazillion onion seeds for some reason in the greenhouse and they have to be planted outside. It is like planting individual blades of grass, literally. Back hurting for sure, but wonderful. I spread some of those early daffs all over spread some allium christophii seedlings, again like grass that were planted several years ago. A great day!
    Frances at Faire Garden We have that jetfire too, love it!

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  8. Frances,

    I can imagine the little blades of grass...

    I have two gel packs that I keep in the freezer for days like you describe. Works wonders.

    and even with an aching back it was a great day! So true.

    Gail

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  9. I didn't do much yesterday but today is a big seed starting day. I'm also going to get my raised beds finally located. I have to prep the ground first.

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  10. Dave,

    That is a big day and exciting. What are you seeding?

    gail

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  11. Thank you Gail!! I didn't sleep at all last night. I need to write and talk to my cyber buds so here I am. I won't use your blog to vent but just wanted to say it meant a lot to me that you understood. I can see how your friend's builder forgot a window. I expected this kind of stuff to happen----people just aren't accountable anymore.

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  12. Anna,

    I know what you mean, people don't seem to care about quality.

    I am trained as a mediator and I don't like to confront workman, contractors, etc.

    I hope you have a nicer day.

    gail

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  13. I didn't get anything garden related done today. I'm waiting for the snow to melt still. I can't even start any seeds because I still have all of my things stored at my other house. Pretty pathetic, I know!

    I worked all day at my daughter's school. I'm working on researching plants for my new yard. It will take a lot of browsing!

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  14. Cinj,

    It's a big project you have ahead of you. Any teenagers in the family to help?

    I think when we next move it will be to something entirely different...maybe a mid century modern house or a new city. NO plans for that but it's fun to imagine.

    Gail

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  15. you have been busy! lots of comments. i was playing with felder-you know that right? not everyone will like his style and that is ok! that is why i always say gardens need only make the gardener happy. plus, here in woodlawn you have somewhat mainstream your life if you are not a hunter, a ball player, or a bike rider, as that is all these folks do-no gardening. so i bring it to them! ttyl

    p.s. were you going to email me? anytime-love to hear from you!

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  16. Tina,

    I can't figure out what your email address is....

    Felder...wasn't sure;

    Gail

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  17. Gail: Gardening involves so many gazillion little things to do that many times go unnoticed by our man. I've been working long days in my garden and when I can't work a long day - I work for several hours - like today only had 4.5 but I was able to do some more digging, dividing and transplanting. Making the most of the cool temps while I can.
    Meems @ HoeandShovel

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  18. Not really. Kids are 10 and 7. 10 year old is a bit of a slob and pays zero attention to detail. I think the 7 year old would do a better job. So, it's pretty much up to me since Cheesehead usually works 60 hours a week. SIGH!

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  19. meems,

    Long days...here I am responding to comments and my husband is asleep!
    Glad you stopped by...

    Gail

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  20. cinj,

    You must tell me about this name cheesehead!

    Gail

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"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson