The orchard is what I see from the kitchen window
and what a lovely sight it is now. Every one of the flowering Crabapples I put in is blooming. I did three different varieties, thinking that they would grow at different rates (which they have) and that I might lose some (and I haven’t). They’re still small of course, but it is looking like a defined space. It looks as if most of the grass growing in that area is – as I hoped – the No-Mow, which will remain short and a little rough. So later this spring I’m going to put in a scattering of low-growing summer-flowering plants – possibly some red Daylilies, to further define the space. And this fall I think it will be time for bulbs.
The Dogwoods – all but one – came through the winter beautifully. I was a little nervous, because I had been advised to wait until spring. But I didn’t; and it worked out. What I did do was water. Every time there was a winter thaw I dragged out 350′ of hose and watered every tree and shrub deeply. I think that did help.
And the Hostas, six big, beautiful Sum & Substance, are all up. I planted them bare root, which I have never done before. They are much less expensive that way – and it worked. I highly recommend this as a way to save some money. And the way they are coming up looks as if they are the same size they would be if I had planted gallon-size containers.
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