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.

Crape Myrtle tree

Last week we planted a Tuscarora Crape Myrtle tree.  I had been wanting a crape myrtle for a few years but was planning to purchase next year as I thought a tree would cost about $50.  I was surprised to find several healthy looking but small trees at Lowe's for about $17.00 and decided to purchase.  The smaller size was probably a good thing for us since we wouldn't have to dig as large a hole. 

We skirted the piping for the sprinklers to settle it into the ground.  For this reason it's a little closer to the giant lavender than I wanted it.  We placed it in the southeast corner of the yard which is the hottest and sunniest spot.  This tree is supposed to do well in heat and with low water after established.   So far it looks well.

Rainbow's End

Planted two Rainbow's End miniature roses; one at the border of the patio and the other in a pot. Curious to see how they do close to each other but one in a pot.

The three Cottage Farms climbing roses are holding their own. It seems like they are growing slowly but one of them has a bud this morning. The Cottage Farms shrub roses are in three different stages of growth. I came home from a few days away and the one called First Prize had finally burst with leaves. Arizona has some pink shriveled leaves but I'm not sure if that's insect or disease caused. Need to do some research.

Marguerites

I moved a small pinkish red marguerite to the front yard near the hose bib to see if it would grow there (nothing seems to). It wasn't doing very well in a pot so why not give it a chance somewhere else. After about 3 weeks it isn't exactly thriving but it's hanging on. Three other new marguerites from Lowe's were planted in front of the picket fence in the front yard. They should be able to handle the full sun.