Monday, April 8, 2013

Spring Has Finally Sprung!! (I Hope)


Hello all!! I think spring has finally decided to stick around here in middle Tennessee. We've had some nice warm weather in the last few days with more in the forecast. Over the weekend, my hubby and I planted 480 plants and today I planted 9 more perennials. We still have 223 annuals to plant. Most of them will be put in pots on the patio and around the garden.  We did finish the Big Surprise in Morrow Park Phase II. Once it matures a little bit, I will post a picture. We are very excited about it!
The garden is getting prettier every day. You can certainly tell we've had rain and some warm weather! Leaves are popping out and flowers are opening. It's just wonderful to spend time gardening....everyday there's something new to see.
Let's take a look....

The Creeping Phlox has really started blooming. We have three different colors. There are also Daylilys, Iris, a Rugosa Rose (which I still need to trim), Bee Balm and the Clove Currant in the backround.
 
Here you can see another color of Creeping Phlox. Miss Kim Lilac has started leafing out and so has the Knockout Rose. By the way, the reason we have this wire fence is to keep the dogs out of the garden. After a while I don't even see it!

These Daffys were the first ones I ever planted. They surround our Maple tree. Behind the Daffys you see Goldmound Spiraea and Forsythia. 

Looking down the path....the Clove Currant is in full bloom and smells wonderful!

This is a little piece of my small shade garden.

This weekend we planted eleven pots and put them in Morrow Park Phase I. They will add a lot of color when they mature. Seven of them are along the path. Remember this phrase when you plant in pots...thriller (something tall), filler and spiller (something that trails down the pot.)

The other four pots are by the large bird bath and seating area. 

Looking across one of the other flower beds into Morrow Park.

The perennials and annuals were planted in Morrow Park Phase III. In the area just past these beds I'm going to sow all different types of flower seeds. 

Looking towards the house...we just planted these two small beds this weekend. They are the entrance to the Big Surprise.

Another shot. Flowers are getting taller every day!

I love the tiny blue flowers on this ground cover Veronica.
 
This is the path leading from the front walk. You can see the Tulips are almost ready to open!

This is the West side of the house. Flowering Quince, Lambs Ear, Iris and Indian Hawthorne. 

In spring we spread Black Gold (horse manure) on our flower beds. We also spread it over newly made beds before they are planted and around all new plants. We get this from a friend that owns horse stables down the road from us. I would bet most people who own horses would be very happy to give this away. So if you live near a horse stable, ask them. I'm telling you it REALLY makes a difference in your plants. Just make sure the manure is aged as fresh manure will burn your plants. 

We get this stuff by the trailer full! Next to this manure is our regular compost area. Our plants are very happy!!

Since my post is also about wildlife, I want to give you an update on the happenings in the garden....

For quite a while we had two Mockingbirds that were always in the garden. In the last couple of days, I have seen eight at one time. Look closely at the apples...there are two Mockers eating. They must be male and female. It's definitely mating season because I've seen them taking twigs into the bushes to make nests. 
In the two pictures below you can see several Blue Jays on the structure to the left...one is coming in for a landing! The Mockingbird is on the structure to the right and is protecting the peanuts in the hanging feeder from the Jays. Those Mockers are very busy trying to keep other birds away from all the feeders!



Well, that's it for now. Spring has finally "sprung" and I'm a happy gardener!

Happy Gardening!

Words and Photos Property of Christy's Cottage Wildlife Garden.


 


 


46 comments:

  1. Spring is beautiful in your garden. That first shot really has captured my attention what with the bush in the background leafing out. What an awesome view!

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    1. Hi Tina...thanks so much. Things are really coming alive out there! I did more weeding and planting today and now I'm really tired and sore!!

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  2. Your garden is really coming alive. Those pots really add good height to the beds. You've been busy.
    We have a dose of winter coming soon. Maybe the last time.

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    1. Hi GoSS! You're so right..the pots do add good height. I hope this will be your last visit by winter. I'm looking forward to seeing your garden coming alive!

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  3. Your garden looks so beautiful! Love all the Spring color. Those Daffys are really cute and the creeping phlox is a stunner. Sounds like the wildlife enjoy visiting your garden. Spring really is a magical time for a gardener:)

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    1. Hi Steph...thank you so much! Spring is magical...there are so many changes even from morning to evening. We have so many birds, it's just a joy to be out in the garden working and watching the birds. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. WoW ! You and your hubby were really busy last weekend. I'm near Memphis and I can only agree with you - thank goodness Spring is finally here! I especially am loving my tulips that I spotlighted on my newly started blog:
    http://whatsthebuzzin.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi Beth...thanks so much for visiting. Yes, we spend a lot of time working in the garden. I'm headed out again today to plant some pots. I visited your Tulip post and it's wonderful. I have added you to my "reading list".

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  5. It looks so lovely, Christy. It must be fun (and a lot of work) to create a garden like you do - and it will certainly give you and the animals great pleasure in the future. I also use compost and horse manure in the garden - it does make a great difference, like you say... :-)

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    1. Hi Mia....thank you so much. We really love gardening and it is very fun and rewarding (and a lot of hard work). We have so many birds in the garden and it's just a pleasure to be out there. I am serenaded all day long. I used to think that the Mockingbirds did most of the singing, but now find that it's my Cardinals who sing the most. I'm glad to hear that you use compost and horse manure. The plants just love it!! Thanks for visiting.

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  6. Oh my. And I'm looking at possible snow today. This is ridiculous.:( Creeping phlox is a favorite bright groundcover. Those pots are a cool idea but wouldn't work for me as we're gone a lot in summer camping. I know regular watering is reqired...:)

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    1. Hi tb...you really need to have a talk with Mother Nature...I think it's time for spring to come to your area!! Yes, the pots do require a lot of watering and I decided yesterday that I need one of those roll-up hose bins so that my miles of hose will quit getting all tangled up. I looked like I was wrestling with a long snake out there!! I'm glad you stopped by!

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  7. Much is starting to bloom, plus you planted the annuals! It is a wait for us, but things are starting to break. I actually saw the hyacinths break free of the soil. As much as I enjoy the birds, I am glad they are out foraging. I would love mockingbirds here. They are comical birds. Another week and your garden will be really pushing into Spring and getting lovelier each by each passing day. My phlox is not even trying to bloom yet, but soon hopefully. Yesterday we had decent rain the first time all year.

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    1. Hi Donna...Since the warmer weather arrived I can't believe how fast everything is growing! I do my "walk about" each morning and by evening the plants are taller....it's just amazing! The birds bring me so much pleasure. In a comment above I said that I've always thought the Mockers sang the most, but now know that it's the Cardinals. They sit up in the trees and just sing their hearts out. I'm glad you're starting to see some signs of spring and that you got some rain. Thank you for visiting!

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  8. Looking good, Christy! There is a lot of beauty in your spring garden. I'm very fond of the way you've used rocks to outline your garden beds. Looking forward to seeing your Big Surprise!

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    1. Hi Beth...thank you so much! I got the rock idea from going to a Master Gardeners Garden Tour several years ago. My hubby and I went to the rock quarry and picked up every one of those rocks. We actually touch them three times each...at the quarry, load them into the tractor bucket, put them in place. You'd think I'd have arms of steel!! I can't wait to show you the Big Surprise. We planned it for months! Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Am glad to see that Spring has Sprung in your neck of the woods! Those late snow and freezing temps are scary but I am ever so amazed as to how strong little plants can be. Looks as though you are well on your way with your new project! Happy Spring planting...

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    1. Hi Skeeter! Yes, things are really coming along. It is amazing how strong plants are. Mine seem to be growing really fast in this nice warm weather. I noticed this morning that some of my Iris, Dames Rocket and Bachelor Buttons have buds on them!! :-) Thanks for dropping by!

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  10. What am amazing transformation! I can't believe the number of plants you have to plant! Sounds like work, but also fun and thrilling and exciting, too! So much color in your garden now. SO glad spring has finally arrived!

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    1. Hello and thanks so much for visiting. Yes, it's a lot of work but it sure looks pretty when we're done. I'm also so glad spring finally came and stayed! While working in the garden today, I realized that I have flower buds on some Iris, Dames Rocket and Bachelor Buttons. With this warm weather things are really taking off!

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  11. It is exciting to see spring flowers. The creeping phlox and veronica are such pretty groundcovers, aren't they? 480 plants and over 200 annuals! Gosh, you have been busy. I can't wait to see it all come to life.

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    1. Hi Jennifer....Yes, we have been really busy. I've been able to work in the garden for four straight days! I really enjoy planting, but then the real thrill comes when things start to mature and the "look" really takes shape! Thanks so much for visiting!

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  12. My goodness that is a lot of plants...fabulous colors and I love the ground cover veronica and have it in my front beds.

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    1. Hi Donna....I know a lot of gardeners stick with a few colors that match, but my cottage garden is a kaleidoscope of colors. I originally wasn't going to use orange, but then some Mexican Cosmos came up on it's own and it's so pretty, now I'm using orange. Love the Veronica! Thanks for your comments!

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  13. Wow! You've been busy and it's paying off. The rain has stopped here but it's still coldish and grey so the changes I want to make in my small garden(tiny, compared to yours) are on hold.

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    1. Hi there! Yes, I can't wait until the flowers start to mature and the "look" I'm after starts to show. Even though our days have been warmer, it's been very cloudy, grey and windy. I don't want to be greedy, but I'd sure like to see the sun! I hope your days improve soon! Thanks for visiting.

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  14. Many thanks for letting me join in as you wander around your plot. Spring looks keen to get going! We grow Clove Currant but have never heard that name before.Malc

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    1. Hi Malc....So glad you could join me as I take my "walkabout". I'm so glad spring is finally here....it's been cloudy and windy, but warm. Isn't Clove Currant wonderful!!? Not many gardeners I know have ever heard of it. I think once you get a whif of that wonderful fragrance, you just have to have it! Thanks so much for visiting!

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  15. What a huge amount of planting you've done! The creeping phlox looks gorgeous, as does the rest of your garden.

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    1. Hi Paula...so glad you visited my blog! Yes, we've been very busy and still have over 200 annual to plant. With all the rain coming today, things should really take off! Thanks again for visiting!

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  16. Your paths and planters are lovely! They look great now, but they'll be incredible in just a few weeks. I can't wait to check back throughout the growing season!

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    1. Hello! Thanks so much for your nice comments! Yesterday it rained the entire day and I swear I could see the grass and plants growing before my eyes! Two days ago I noticed several different types of flowers with buds, so it won't be long before everything just erupts into color! Thanks for visiting.

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  17. 480 plants in one day? Dang! My cherry tree was in bud when I left for work on Wed and in full bloom when I returned! Very cool! Your beds look great. :o) I'm looking forward to your big surprise.

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    1. Hi there! Isn't it just amazing how fast things are starting to take off!! Yesterday we had rain all day (and I mean allll day) and everytime I looked out the window I swear the plants and lawn were taller. Yes, we planted 480 plants, but remember that some of them were flats of annuals. Oh my aching back!! :-) I still have about 200 annuals to plant. I will get that done this weekend. I can't wait to show everyone the Big Surprise. With this warm weather and the rain, it shouldn't be too long! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

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  18. Hi Christy, So glad that spring weather has made its way to you! Your beds are looking great, and I can feel your excitement in all the planting you have been doing. I know it's a lot of fun (work?); I have been doing some planting, too, but no where near what you are doing! I am looking forward to seeing your Big Surprise!

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    1. Hi Deb...we had a scare last night as at the last minute a frost advisory was sent out. I "donated" a couple of flannel sheets and hubby and I covered as much of the newly planted stuff (including the Big Surprise) as possible and he moved all those pots into the garage (he did it in the dark!)I woke to 34 degrees so I think everything will be OK. Yes, I just love every minute of it! (I'll be planting the remaining 200 annuals in pots today!) I'm looking forward to seeing the newly planted things in your garden! I'm so glad you dropped by!

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  19. Everything looks so lovely, Christy! It's so nice to see all these spring beauties. I think our spring has finally arrived, too, but so has the rain--hard to get much done in a muddy garden.

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    1. Hi Rose...thanks for your nice comment. We had a day long rain last week and expect more this coming week. Since I planted so many plants, I'm actually welcoming it (although I hope it doesn't rain for an entire day again!) I'm glad your spring has arrived. Can't wait to see more of your spring garden! Thanks for stopping by!

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  20. I do like the rocks. My woodland garden paths are lined with limestone rocks. Four hundred and some plants? I'm exhausted to even think about it...:)

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    1. Hi tb....I really like to outline the beds with rocks. One of the best reasons is that when we change the bed, we just move the rocks!! I planted the other 200 annuals yesterday and today....I'm pooped!! So glad you stopped by!

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  21. Looks like a great place to spend the spring and summer. I love your borders. The phlox is so pretty. One of my favorites around trees and edges.

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    1. Hi Erin...I'm so glad you visited my blog! Yes, we really enjoy relaxing in the garden...especially after working in it all day. The nice thing about using rocks as borders is that we can change the bed anytime we want....it's so easy! The Phlox has really taken off and is looking better than it ever has!! I hope you continue to visit...my garden is really starting to come out of it's winter slumber!

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  22. Hi Christy, looks like spring has sprung for you indeed! It is amazing how much color you suddenly have in your garden! Your hard work that you have put and are putting into your garden is certainly paying off. Planting 480 plants on one weekend?! That is a mind boggling number to me! I love your creeping phlox and have to find out if that would be growing for me here in San Diego as well! Enjoy the lovely spring!
    Christina

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    1. Hi Christina...so glad to hear from you! The garden has grown so much since I took the pictures in this post...it's just mind boggling! Today I planted the remaining 200 annuals and my hubby started our two fountains...one on the patio and one out front in the garden. As I type here in the office I can hear the fountain on the patio. Spring is just wonderful! I hope you are enjoying your spring too....I know your roses are, they are just beautiful! Thanks for stopping by!

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  23. Your garden beds are looking wonderful Christy and it definitley looks like spring has arrived in your area. All your hard work and planting looks great! Looking forward to more.

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    1. Hi Lee...thanks so much! Spring is definitely here...it's 82 degrees. I was able to work in the garden for about 5 hours today. I can't believe how much it's changed since I took these pictures. Some rain and a little warmth and everything is going crazy.....unfortunately so are the weeds! :-( Thanks for visiting!

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