Monday, February 27, 2017

Late Winter Gardening



I'm not going to question the reasons for our unusually mild winter weather.  Instead, I'm enjoying the opportunity it has provided for earlier than normal spring gardening.


The daffodils have been blooming for a few weeks now with hyacinths following right behind. 
While down at their level this afternoon, I was rewarded with a whiff of their sweet scent.  Indoors it can be a bit heavy, but coupled with the fresh outdoor air, it was the smell of springtime.  In my book that is a most lovely smell.

At this time of year I like to see those little pops of color here and there.  Today I saw a pop through the brown, barren trees and went to explore.  The saucer magnolia tree that I bought several years ago as a tiny little plant is finally beginning to take off and has rewarded me with pretty pink blooms.  The leaves will follow much like the redbuds do.

Stepping away from the saucer magnolia I was careful not to trample the petite "Tete-a-Tete" daffodils growing below.  Their diminutive size makes them hard to notice from afar.

The next plan of action was to prune and fertilize the rose bushes.
While crawling on the ground looking for dead shoots to snip off, our lack of moisture became apparent in the dry, cracked soil surrounding them.   Along with our mild temperatures has come a lack of rain.  Although it has been cloudy all day, there's no rain in the forecast.
Oh how I wish that it would rain.  It would be just what's needed to get that fertilizer down into the root system.
On the positive side rain is a possibility for later in the week.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

Removing the dead leaves from the pansy patch put the focus on the beautiful flowers and just generally freshened things up.

To keep them happy a little food was in order.
I love the Plant-tone fertilizer.
Easy to apply and organic.
My gardening cupboard currently houses Rose-tone, Plant-tone, Holly-tone and one other "tone" which I use on the veggies.  Maybe it's Veggie-tone.  Not sure and too comfy to get up and check.  But, you get the idea I'm sure.
A couple weeks ago I went around the yard sprinkling the Holly-tone around acid loving plants like my hydrangeas, hollies and blueberry bushes.

Since the pansy patch is near the hose I gave them a nice drink of water, then used that broom to tidy up the edge of the sidewalk.
One last thing before I call it a day ...

A little bouquet for the table and...

A big basket of kale.
Last fall's kale is still going strong.
Some for tonight's soup and the rest will be used for a new idea I saw on YouTube.  If it works out I'll let you know.

Off to tend that soup now.

🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕🎕




9 comments:

  1. Would love your soup recipe. We are loving the beautiful weather in Alabama too!

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    1. Hi Sharon,
      The soup recipe can be found here: http://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2013/05/white-bean-kale-potato-and-ham-soup.html. We tried it for the first time today and it has been voted a keeper! Enjoy your beautiful weather.

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  2. Your weather sounds just like ours here in NC. We need rain too and hopefully will get a shower Wednesday. Your pansies are so pretty...all your flowers are pretty. I have enjoyed this early spring too.

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  3. I am not going to ask you where you've been! I had to pin the information about the fertilizer. I really want to get some of that. Now I'm worrying that I have incompatible plants hanging out together. Oh no... Lovely bouquet on your table. I am jealous of all that beautiful Kale.

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  4. Oh such gorgeous Spring flowers blooming in your garden. Sadly mine is yet again covered with snow. But rain is in the forecast so that should wash it away. Wish I could send some of our excess moisture your way.

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  5. It sure looks like spring by you. I'm just happy it isn't snowing today. : )

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  6. What beautiful weather you've obviously been having - I love spring blooms! The weather has been crazy here in IL - warm, then cold, then rain, and even some snow coming tomorrow. Let us know if your new kale recipe turns out good. I'm always up for a new kale recipe!

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  7. All looks gorgeous Kim - amazing how quickly the saucer magnolias grow - mine is about 15 ft. tall now!
    Blue hyacinths are my favorite - and oh that fragrance, perfection!

    I replied to your lovely comment on my blogaversary post - thanks so much for your kind words.
    Hugs - Mary

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  8. It's so nice to see the spring flowers! The pansies are so pretty and colorful. And I love the scent of hyacinths, too! It is very dry here, the rain we had last night was only a half inch and we need so much more. With the warmer winter and lack of snow, I hope we aren't in for a long hot and dry summer. I will try to think positive! Take care and enjoy the remainder of your week! Oh, and I'm glad you told us about the organic fertilizer, I will try to find some here.

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