yard work

This morning I heard that rain was coming... possibilities of showers and thunderstorms. That would make mowing the lawn tomorrow an impossible task, so I ran out and did it this morning. It actually was a great day to mow, as it is cool and cloudy. After mowing I finished cutting down a few volunteer trees, and moved two hostas that have been hiding behind the bleeding hearts. The kids helped to water the plants, and watered themselves as well.
I love gardening - well, not the weeding, who does? - for so many different reasons. I get to make my little patch of earth beautiful and productive. I get to be outside, gettting exercise while working. I get to be away from the kids... ;-)
I know people who say that anything they plant dies. I have been blessed - most of my plantings flourish. I also have been able to transplant things that were here when we moved in. I have found, though, that I prefer perennials (come back every year), and I prefer in-ground plantings rather than pots or baskets. (They don't die as quickly if you forget to water them!)
Last year I took out all my perennials and redid the flower garden. All the plants seem to be enjoying their new spots, as they are either blooming like crazy or getting ready to do so! I do need to cut back the tulip foliage... This year I am working on the new vegetable garden and also on the plantings around the garage. I need to work on getting a trellis for the clematis to climb. It will help to dress up the garage - it has beautiful white blooms in the fall, and the fragance is like perfume! Another task this year - planting grass where the bushes used to be... but we have to move the mulch and logs first!