I usually have to force myself to pick the first flowers that bloom. We're promised 3 days of rain and thunderstorms so I told myself that I might as well enjoy these early blooms while I could...indoors!
This vase contains roses, clematis, a peony and some geraniums.
A good year for my Viburnum and iris in the driveway bed. The Viburnum "Watanabe" was supposed to be about 5' tall but it likes it here and is now about 7' and growing!
Above is "Before The Storm" and below is "Skating Party." These are descendants of my original iris from Cooley Iris Farms in Silverton, Oregon...no longer in business but I have kept these rhizomes going since about 1994.
Above, a closer look at my Viburnum, loaded with blossom clusters. Below the iris "Skating Party" enjoying the mild "May gray" weather.
I've been wishing for a garden gate since we built the arbor in the backyard. It just looked unfinished to me and I wanted more separation from the ornamental garden into the "working garden." So I prevailed upon my under-gardener to help me realize my "heart's desire" (when it comes to gates...) Below is the "before."
We built the frame in the driveway using some leftover boards from a long ago fence. Jack used metal plates to attach the pieces.
We attached the fence boards with screws and ripped them in half except for the ends and the middle board. Next we cut an arc at the top to give it some style.
I'm using my favorite garden paint, Miller Storm in "Boxwood" which is a slightly blue-green color. I gave it about 3 coats in all. Then we attached the hinges and a diagonal rod with a turnbuckle to keep it from sagging.
It couldn't have turned out any better! I love it!
