You’ve heard that old saying “Best laid plans of mice and men“?! I had every intention of posting pictures of my backyard busy weekend. Something radically changed yesterday regarding preparation of a blog. Did WordPress make a major change? I had a similar problem almost one year ago with Blogspot. ~~ I accomplished so much this weekend!! It has been unseasonably warm with 66 degrees yesterday. I haven’t heard the high for today but weatherman predicted a similar temperature. Tomorrow is likely to reach 70 degrees!!
Recently I read (on the Internet) about planting Phlox and Daffodils in the same flower bed. Due to my transient status, everything (except the Honeysuckle plant) is in planters and plastic containers. I transplanted a Phlox–separated into three clumps–into a large planter, and added Daffodil bulbs. The package was sold as “22 bulbs” but I still had 20 bulbs and faced the question “Where do I plant these?” Today Daffodil bulbs were planted at the top of the plastic containers, weighted bases, for the framework of my Topsy-Turvy upside-down tomato planters. With the remaining bulbs, I planted singularly in attractive small planters. Those planters are currently in the backyard but when (if) the Daffodils bloom I can put them in the front yard.
The Phlox came from mark-downs at the back of Lowe’s. (At the time I didn’t even know what it was but it had pretty purple flowers.) Likewise (from Lowe’s mark-downs) two Petunia plants that I have watered but had not given a proper home. Yesterday, I planted them in two of my cone-shape hanging baskets. Those two had provided faithful service but had been shelved when their Petunia plants were discarded. OK, they look a little shabby but may have another few months!? I created new plastic liners from heavy-duty plastic bags and transplanted the Petunias. Gorgeous!!
In the extremely large planter (from Goodwill) I planted California Poppies. The planter will eventually hold Scarlet Runner Bean plants next Spring, and Poppies will be ideal at the base of the vine (in my humble opinion). The seeds may not germinate because at least nine years old. I discovered them while “downsizing.”
I trimmed old flowers from the Pansy plants. I gave everything a soaking!! My indoor “starts” were outdoors enjoying the sunshine. The tomato plant seems to grow several inches every time it is outdoors!! ~~ I filled all the bird and squirrel feeders.
Several pictures I specifically want to show you: A new squirrel feeder. This feeder was on-sale at the “going-out-of-business-sale” at Lancaster, South Carolina, K-Mart. Even with a 30% discount I wasn’t going to pay $17.49 for a squirrel feeder. I had already paid for the organic planter soil (50% discount) when I told the clerk “OK, I’ll take it.” Yesterday, I removed the old wood feeder from the little chair and secured the new metal one. The squirrels were not intimidated by the change. Why a little chair? Because I have to bring the feeder in at night so the raccoons don’t devour the food. Some critters I pamper, some critters I discourage!!
I got more-than-enough exercise the last two days!! I ache all over from bending, stooping, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy bags of soil, etc., etc. I took some time this afternoon to sit in a comfortable chair, on the patio, and plan the arrangement of planters for my Spring and Summer container garden. Oh, two more projects: I created another baffle to discourage the squirrels from reaching bird feeders. Another baffle created from a satellite dish!! This one had been behind my apartment for over four years; the companies never pick up the dish when a customer cancels or moves!! Less than $5. for the hardware after I drilled a hole in the center. (Metal squirrel baffles are $25.or more. I know because I had to replace plastic ones that a squirrel can break.) ~~ At Goodwill, recently, I found a rusty old wrought-iron chair. I’ve been searching for one!! The seat was removed and the chair will be sanded and spray painted. One of the large plastic planters (that looks like half a barrel) will sit on it. The other two “looks like half a barrel” planters will be in close proximity on different levels. I got this idea at the garden shop at Biltmore Estate: Stagger the height on similar planters or several dissimilar planters of various size and height. ~~ I’m so anxious for Spring so I can put the plans into action, and plant… and watch grow!! Lord willing, I’ll see the Daffodils in less than three months, and Poppies in four months.
Too bad I can’t post the pictures. I’ll have to do additional research to see if I can go back to my original process of preparation.
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Comment: After several hours of trial and error, I was able to post the pictures (at midnight). **BUT** things are not back to my familiar “normal.” If or when you click on the “thumbnail” size picture, it appears enormous!! The picture seems to become an individual blog where visitors can leave a comments. Duh!! That’s not acceptable, in my humble opinion!! Request: Please comment on the blog and not on the picture.
Lorraine left Ohio (2006) because she couldn’t tolerate the winter cold, snow, ice, etc. etc. (Really a “wimp” after 40 years living in the desert of Southern California.) It’s nice to see the snow in the yard of a friend in Exeter, New Hampshire. The family left sunny Florida for their traditional holiday in the old family home. Limited heat until the furnace was repaired (burr).
Three Quarters & Counting 