The few spring like days that we have had so far have mostly been allocated to spring cleaning on the deck. It’s surprising to see just how much dirt, and mess a winter of rain can make. And it’s finally time to do some pruning, tidying up, and some repotting.
Repotting perennials is a little like being popular, everyone wanting you to dance with them. Take one plant out of it’s pot, another is shouting out, I’m squished in here, help me out. Let’s do the shimmy.
And you always seem to end up with more plants then pots, along with someone sitting out the dance.
Then it’s time to make the hard decision to give the plant away to a gardener with a bigger garden, or try to quickly find another large pot.
So many times I have had to temporarily resort to black plastic bags as a home until the perfect pot shows up, or the next plant in the line up decides to move on.
When a perennial doesn’t make it through the winter, [and many didn’t in the last few years] we hold a very quick funeral, digging through the soggy mess to determine if I have actually saved the tag, and can identify it. There is a moment of sadness, and then it’s off to the compost pile.
Unhappy plant, happy worms.
And this way there is always room for another.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
The circle of life. I'm anxious to pretty up my balcony after a year of living under wraps and without access to it. It looks like I'll be getting a really late start this year, though.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are getting some warmer weather Jen. It is sad and disappointing to lose a flower.Every spring when taking stock of the garden there is always one or two that did not make it for some reason. The first picture is so pretty. Would make a pretty card.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen..
ReplyDeleteI have much the same dilemma..
the cleaning and clearing of winter debris..
much of mine involves digging in the dirt to remove dreaded weeds!! still not warm enough for potted plants outdoors yet..
love visiting!!
warmest sandy hugs..
laughing smiles too..
Loui♥
That is one job I don't like doing - digging up plants that have outgrown their spot and dividing them. I've been putting off this job for 3 springs now. This year is the year! But, I have to wait a while yet for the plants to come up. I bought those metal garden tags/stakes that identify my plants and it's so much easier. Pamela
ReplyDeleteIts so nice to come here and read your gardening adventures,, because of my husbands health we no longer have a garden ,, only a balcony and I can come to your blog anytime I want and get my garden fix,,,thank you for that..
ReplyDeleteJen, I dread losing ANY plant. We lost too many this winter in the garage under the lights as it was soooo bitter cold, sniff! Always more pots than plants but this year I am yard saling to find a 'stash' just in case ...
ReplyDeleteTTFN ~
Have a beautiful weekend ~
Marydon
Gorgeous photos.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love spring cleaning? It feels like a rebirth and renewal of life! Love your photo composition!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteGardens are always a work in progress. I love to see what pops up having forgotten what I have planted where.
ReplyDeleteWhen I plant something in the late summer or fall I leave the tag there because I will surely forget I have planted it and find myself digging up a perfectly good plant by accident the following spring.
Now that is real Spring Cleaning! I always found gardeners were always happy to just replace favorite perennial plants..and try them again:)
ReplyDeleteI was just in Calgary in a BLIZZARD this week. When will it be spring?!
ReplyDelete