What is it Wednesday?

Can you name this lovely combination of Flowers?   Answer tomorrow....

 

Sorry I have been silent for a couple weeks, so much going on in the gardens, teaching classes and visiting Grandbabies......

My Peonies...A Mother's Day Gift

I will confess, I bought our house because of the Peonies...well that probably is one of the many reasons.  It was the end of May when we first looked at the house over 20 plus years ago and all of the hundreds of peonies were in bloom. I was blown away.

My Mother and Grandmother Goldie both adored Peonies. In fact, we use to take bags of Peony petals up to spread on my grandmother's grave after she died.

Each year, I say I am going to try and ID the different varieties, I believe many of them are Old-Fashion varieties.  Over the years I have spread them out so they go completly down one fence row. I still have several I need to move because they are in too much shade, but have never purchased a new Peony plant as mine have lasted for generations.

They always bring me such emotional joy, some how it seems fitting that they are blooming on Mothers Day this year.  I am going to find some special Mothers to pick bouquets for, because these fragrant beauties are fragile and just don't last long enough.  I do bring lots in and air dry the petals in a flat box.  They are beautiful layered in a glass bowl.

For now, I will enjoy them and see my Mom's and Grandma Goldie's' sweet smiles in every single one.


P.S. Here are a few tips..my Mother and Goldie taught me...

Only move and divide in October

Make sure that each tuber has at least one eye on it and is firm before replanting.

Do not bury them too deep...or they will not bloom. Like Iris, they should be like ducks on a pond.

Do not mulch over them..it will eventually put them too far under.

Always stay one step ahead of the weather....spring storms make short work of the blooms. It is a good idea to stake them if possible. (For me, not possible just too many, so mother nature just has her way with them)

Lastly, do not worry about the ants. Ants and Peonies are best buddies....just brush them off when you cut them to bring in and enjoy.

Happy Mother's Day!

BASIL BECKY..... Gardening from the Heart: Yes..it is Foamflower.....

BASIL BECKY..... Gardening from the Heart: Yes..it is Foamflower.....: Yes …this gem in the wildflower garden is Tiarella , foamflower ,is a genus of wildflower and garden plants found in Asia and North A...

Yes..it is Foamflower.....

Yes …this gem in the wildflower garden is Tiarella, foamflower,is a genus of wildflower and garden plants found in Asia and North America. They belong to the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae).

I grow this in a shady area behind my herb house. I love working in this area, especially on hot days as this area stays so nice and cool. Over the years, many wind storms have gone through this area, I have lost major limbs off the trees. This has given this area more sun than in previous years, it is a very dynamic area constantly changing.

So I am continually moving and changing plants in this area. ..But back to the foamflower. I love its fuzzy bloom..but it is also provides pollen for birds and bees . The leaves are attractive all season long….I hope you will add it to your garden. 

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