Lavender

Last month Mr. H dug out the huge old lavender that was taking over the garden and swallowing up the little fountain.  Today we planted three smaller lavender plants in that space.  Two are Hidcote and the third taller one is called "Sweet".  I've got to keep these trimmed back regularly so they keep to a more compact size.  Also fertilized the Iceberg rose trees and the Cottage Farms roses near them to see how do in the fall compared to the other roses that have not been fertilized.

Lawn

Used Scott's Weed & Feed on the front lawn today.  It's looking better than last year but could still need a bit of help.

Hummingbirds are back

Yesterday while weeding in the south corner of the backyard I discovered a hummingbird nest in the crape myrtle.  The hummer wouldn't come back while I was there so I will have to give up weeding that corner until we have determined the babies are out. 

 

The nest is too high for Mr. W to see in but we think babies might have hatched since she seemed to be carrying a small worm to the nest when I first saw her.

Lovely garden

Fertilized all the roses today and pulled some weeds along the way.  This is the second feeding of the season.  Enjoyed a garden party with friends and family yesterday.  It's taken several years but the garden has matured and I really love it.  It is so lovely to sit out there and read or just sit and listen to the fountain.

 

 

Today I planted seeds.  I haven't had much luck in the past but decided to try some Shirley poppies in my mother's honor.  They are planted near the new Dick Clark rose tree, and in front of the large Veteran's Honor rose.  I'm also trying some Munstead English Lavender seeds in a shallow planter.  I also planted a few red geraniums with white bacopa in some large pots.  I hope these do well in both shady and sunny spots.

Dick Clark

I took a chance on a Weeks rose last weekend and bought and planted a Dick Clark rose tree.  It has leafed out well and really looks good with several branches where roses should appear.  It's a grandiflora so should have more flowers than a tea rose.  The color should be cream and cherry, similar to the Double Delight it replaced.  Most of the roses in the garden are from Jackson and Perkins.  The one Weeks rose I had did not do well and always seemed to be eaten by bugs even when other roses around it were not.  I'll be watching this one carefully.

Pruning

Spent this morning finishing pruning the roses which I started last week.  Glad to have that done along with some weeding.  Bought some small daffodils last weekend and put them in pots so there is something in bloom.  Spotted 2 hummingbrids just a few minutes ago and need to buy something potted and in bloom for them.  There's some lavendar but it should be cut back.

Had Mr. H take out the dying tree rose a few weeks ago so need to find a replacement.  Think I'll look for something with more blooms rather than a tea rose.