The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

Posted on by Posted in Perennials, Spring .

It’s been rainy and cold for days now but there was work to be done out in the garden. Enough is enough. I’ve promised big things this year so every waking second is crucial. Even if it is was too wet to venture into the garden beds for fear of soil compaction, I could still take care of some important tasks.

One of the tasks was to start cleaning up the perennials I could easily reach and removing all of their dead foliage from seasons past. Here is some of what I accomplished:

PHLOX

We started with the pink Phlox that looked like this.
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And it was heart warming to see that they will be back again in 2015
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And will soon look like this.
phlox

 

VERONICA

The numerous Veronica ‘Royal Candles’ were left as is for winter.
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And each and every one of them fought of winter’s wrath and are ready to shine again.
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Like this.
veronica3

 

MONARDA

I enjoy the winter interest of spent Monarda (Bee Balm) blooms.
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And those tough as nails sons of bitches are back …
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… and willingly spreading wherever they please, even under this Clethra shrub.
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The pungent smell on my fingers after cutting the Monarda down have me longing for the early summer.
monarda3

 

GERANIUM

Current state of Geranium ‘Espresso’.
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And tiny proof that it is back for more.
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And “more” looks like this beauty.
geranium3

 

LADY’S MANTLE

The ratty looking Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla Mollis) ..
clean up perennials

… are now ready to strut their stuff.
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… and light up those shady areas.
lady4

 

HEUCHERA

Good to see Heuchera ‘Blackout’ is rounding into form.
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BUGBANE

Without a doubt, the perennial I am most excited to see perform this spring/summer is the Bugbane ‘Brunette’ (Cimicifuga). Two years in and I haven’t seen much but I am more than willing to remain patient for these beauties. I’m just psyched to see that it is back for a third spring and I’m convinced that the ladybug and earthworm below are signs of good luck.
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Along with other endless tasks, I’ll continue to plug away at cleaning up the perennials out in the garden the next few days and hopefully we’ll see some true spring weather soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

John

 

 

 

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3 Responses

  1. There’s nothing like a field of Monarda in bloom–it’s a feast for the senses! I love the smell and the sight of it on a warm summer day. Good to hear that most of your plants are healthy and ready for a new growing season. Enjoy!

  2. I can so relate to this post! I live in northern NJ and am looking forward to spending some time in the garden this weekend looking for signs of life in the perennial beds. It’s so exciting to see that new growth poking up. I love how you included the pics of the plants in bloom. Yes, spring sure is a magical time of year for gardeners — especially after a winter like the one we just had!

  3. As I have been eagerly inspecting my perennials showing signs of
    life at this time, after a rough , questionable winter, like you – so
    far so good!
    Though have found some top damage to the darker blooms of my
    Hellebores. ~ Flower tips chewed off and destroyed. They say
    Hellebore plants are poisonous. Well guess what?.. I found the
    squirrels don’t care!
    Anyone having this trouble too?

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