that and that

and a couple more thats for good measure.  new seedlings have sprouted.  there is hope again. it is what gardening is about.  and there was a new flower open this morning.  and two others opened, ones that we have already seen this year.  momentum is building.  and little larkspur – pink flowers, tiny pink flowers with even tinier purple freckles have found their way before the lens of perception.  little things to hold the day.  five images…

composting 102

this could also be called the zen of the grape hoe and shovel.  there are many ways to compost.  anaerobic, aerobic, fancy containers, and simple.  it comes down to choices and in the city with neighbors close by that puts some constraints on the choices.  compost materials can be turned often.  the pile literally cooks itself with biological action.  even in winter a good size compost pile stays warm.  if you open it up to add fresh material to the center of the pile you can see the steam rising into the cold air.  the guide is to combine organic matter in two basic groups, green and wet and dry and brown.  so fresh weeds and spent dried plant matter would be an example.  and a bit of dirt.  things like egg shells and coffee grounds can be added too.  avoid adding meat, dairy, and waste from carnivores like cats and dogs.  i use a layered aerobic method.  usually in the spring there is more green materials and in the fall more dried brown materials.  i do what i can with what is available even if it is not the ideal balance of one part green one part brown.  once it is 12 to 18 inches high a layer of dirt is added.  then repeat the layers as more material becomes available. keep the pile covered so it does not become soaked with rain water.  a soaked compost pile will be anaerobic and give off a strong odor.  now about the grape hoe and the shovel.  i turn the compost pile once a year when i empty it for use.  the grape hoe makes short work of chopping through the layers.  especially if you put in sticks.  some consider putting sticks into the pile a no no.  for me the bigger sticks go back into a working compost pile and seed it with bacteria.  i also throw in black walnuts.  the squirrels turn the pile to get to them and even though the shells seem like iron the first few years they do eventually break down.  when i turn the pile the robins are quick to jump in and grab any worms that are turned up.  turning the pile is good exercise and it gives me a close up look at the health of the garden.  now one of those flowers that grow in the soil enriched by that cmpost…

cerulean

evidently the fascination with shades of blue in daylilies is not new.  this flower is called Cerulean Star.  i am convinced it is a wonderful flower.  even if it is mostly lavender.  the name does not undo the flower.  four images…

next

Dortmundi will bloom for the next two weeks.  there are several plantings around the yard.  and when they are done the rest of the daylilies should start to step up and bloom.  so now begins the casual search.  there are several usual suspects.  and every year there are a few surprises.  eventually a scape will sneak out of the foliage.  if i keep looking.  two images of Black Plush…

greens

the garden greens with spring.  the soil is loosened and nearly ready for planting in one bed.  and another is coming along and it will soon be ready for planting.  seeds have been recorded in a spreadsheet and soon they too will be sorted, chosen and ready to plant.  and the camera is back from the shop.  no more tablet pictures.  five images…

  

stir

two seedling beds are closer to planting.  and summer seems to be sprinting in the door.  at least today it does.   and the forecast would seem to agree.  could we have had our last frost for the season ?  three images of Before You Accuse Me …

another day

we are one more day into spring.  we have a way to go measuring by the calendar.   perhaps not so far measuring by the temperature.  i suspect summer like temperatures and weather will be here sooner than we plan.  today the seedling bed got another step closer to planting.  it got some rough raking with a pointy three tine rake.   i need to finish this bed and do one more to plant the first batch of seeds.  and then repeat the process with two more beds.  and finish sorting and selecting seeds.  one step at a time.  one seed at a time.  three images – Coho Mojo…