There is nothing I enjoy more than when out of the blue, a plant breaks out with numerous buds. I don’t even need it to actually bloom; the buds and the promise of “what is to come” is enough for me. It’s sort of like a kid enjoying Christmas Eve more than Christmas day. The anticipation is intoxicating.
I’ve also been scarred by blooms disappearing overnight at the Critter Buffet so I’ve learned to tame my emotions when it comes to expecting the blooms to stick around for a while. Although, I did launch what I’m calling Project Liquid Fence so maybe my lack of faith in blooms will be changed. I’ve taken to military like spraying of all the vulnerable plants day after day with the hope that my own personal “Shock and Awe” will lead to a victory over those bastards.
Are you anxiously anticipating the anticipation photos? Well fear no more dear reader:
One of five Monarda (Bee Balm) ‘Petite Delight’ has reached the bud stage as the others are a bit behind after being nibbled by the rabbits. I thought the aromatic leaves would deter all creatures; I thought wrong:
One plant that has never been touched by any creature is the Perovskia (Russian Sage). Those gorgeous blue/purple spires are on their way and what a show they put on year after year:
After dividing them numerous times, I have about 12-15 Daylily ‘Little Grapette’ plants. The blooms are fantastic but last year, I only witnessed two blooms before the deer attacked. I’ve sprayed these non stop and they all have started to bud. One can only hope:
All of my Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) were munched down early in the season so they will be blooming shorter than ever before. Deep breaths … OK, I’m cool:
I’m stretching the “anticipation” angle a bit here, but I just planted five new Lamium (Nettle) ‘White Nancy’ plants this week. I needed a groundcover that is deer and rabbit resistant, clay friendly and with a lighter colored foliage. They fit the bill and I’m anxious to see how they fill in. I love the green/gray/silver foliage:
I previously warned you, I will be taking mucho number of photos of the Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass) ‘Karl Foerster’ as it changes bloom colors so rapidly. Below is a photo of how it looks today and then a photo of how it looked only a week ago. What’s great, is that it still hasn’t peaked as the blooms look their best as when they reach the wheat/tan stage:
One last anticipatory excursion (that phrase rules by the way). I just added a few Setcreasea purpurea (Purple Heart) to a container that has a Miscanthus ‘Super Stripe’ in it and I have high hopes that this will shine as the Purple Heart’s continue to grow and hopefully spill all over the container:
Hopefully I can share actual blooms of all of these plants in the very near future.
Keep gardening and keep it real.
John
i understand the “bud” passion perfectly! a long time friend of mine insisted i am so obsessed that i would name a child of mine “bud” or “budina” – thankfully, my children were spared. but i still “get it” – great pics! thanks!
{thanks for your visits!}
Everything is looking promising. It seems (keeping my fingers crossed for you) something might be working.
I recently had a russian sage predator…a couple of teen boys grabbed the plant out by it’s roots and ran off with it! (Heard a rumor they might be smoking this stuff?) 🙁
You have beautiful plants and a wonderful outlook; but entirely too many critters. Fingers are crossed.
ooooohhhhh i just love deer but also sympathize with your garden woes!!!!
beautiful photo’s!!! your gardens look good, love the daylily!!!
We are always fighting those critters. I have Purple Heart (also know as Moses in the Cradle and probably a lot of other names) and it is beginning to spill over the sides of the basket. I think I am going to like this plant especially since it also gets little pink flowers!
Eileen
Surprises me that your ‘Little Grapette’ and mine are at the exact same stage, though mine are 3000 miles away and considerable farther south. Ain’t plants amazing?
Good luck on the deer and rabbits. I found a mostly-eaten rabbit on the back slope two days ago, and it cheered me up no end. Go coyotes!
great blog you have here!=)
I agree the anticipation-factor is a key psychological element to gardening. In a way it’s what keeps us going, don’t you think? Why else would we battle the enemies with such verve and persistence? In my experience that Lamium does best in shade with moist soil. Great post!
I planted that monarda this year, if the deer get yours I’ll show you mine. Ha ha ha!
I’ve always loved Russian Sage, what an easy plant to grow and talk about a space filler!
Scarred from the cruel eating habits of deer…sounds like you are recovering and so is your garden. Love the Little Grapette daylily, very nice color.
Looks like the stinky stuff will allow a great garden year!
I planted marigolds next to the garden fence. I’m not convinced of their effectiveness; I saw an adorable wild bunny hiding among the marigold leaves!
My anticipation was well rewarded…lovely photos of lovely plants!