End of the Greenhouse

Tear in greenhouse plastic

Over the last couple of years, I've really enjoyed having a pop-up greenhouse. Though not as protective as a "real" greenhouse, it did offer some shelter over the winter to marginally-hardy plants, extending the harvest later into the fall/winter, and helped in hardening off seedlings.

Preliminary Results on New Weed-Prevention Schedule

Last year I learned more about the timing I needed to follow on applying corn gluten to my lawn to prevent weeds.  So last fall I spread the gluten earlier, in August rather than in October/November; then this spring put it out earlier, in March.  In previous years, my back yard in particular had lots of chickweed and henbit.  This year, there was practically no chickweed, and much less henbit.  It was good to see such positive results from simply tweaking the time at  which I applied the corn gluten.

May Day Peony

On May Day I especially enjoy making the rounds of my garden, savoring all of the flowers in bloom at this lovely time of year.  Today my tree peony celebrated by opening its first blossom of the year.  Also starring right now are lilacs, columbine, and the snowball bush.

Lilacs in Bloom

The last several days the lilacs around here have begun to bloom.  Every time I step out into my back yard the aroma is incredible.  As I walk my dog there are several places in the neighborhood with lots of lilacs too, that smell wonderful as I walk by.

Goldfish Tragedy

As I walked out into the backyard earlier today, a large white bird took off from beside my little pond.  I checked the pond, and all of my goldfish were gone.

Hyacinths

Creeping Phlox

The creeping phlox is starting to bloom now. Over the next few weeks, they should bloom so heavily that flowers will totally cover the plants.