For the past week or so I’ve dedicated myself to getting the garden to a much better place. I’ve spent hours upon hours weeding, moving plants to new locations, adding new plants and even adding a fire pit to the mix. I’ve started some mornings at 6:00 am and ended some evenings at 10:00 pm.
I’ve never sweat more in my life and it’s freaking awesome. This is what I love to do. There’s almost a pleasure in letting the garden go for a long stretch (which I did) only to come back and straighten it all up. It’s work, but it’s truly a labor of love.
I’m nowhere near close to finishing it (and yes I know “finishing” is a relative term) and I also ain’t stopping any time soon. In due time I will share it all with you. I promise.
For now, here are just a few small things I’ve done.
I literally felt my anxiety lessen when I finally took care of this mess. For two years, these white and purple coneflowers have co-existed and I hated every second of it. I planted the white in this location but the purple showed up unexpectedly.
No more.
This section has become a purple/pink fun time.
And now the white coneflowers share a space with a white blooming Clethra.
Much, much better.
Sticking with the coneflower theme. These yellow coneflowers have never really fit in this spot. It gets too much shade so they fall over desperately seeking the sun. Plus color-wise, it’s a bit of a mess.
A few minutes later and they’re in a full sun spot and it feels like they should’ve been here all along.
That’s all I have for you today. Hopefully the next collection of changes I’ll show you will be even better.
But you’ll have to wait until early next week. More work to be done.
One last thing.
I held my first ever book signing last Saturday at Triumph’s Brewing Company in New Hope, Pa. It was a blast even if it felt a bit odd signing books for total strangers.
I hope to do a few more this summer (update coming soon) and if you’re in the area, I’d love to meet you all.
One more last thing. Again. If you did read the book, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon and it must be honest. I promise you not only can I take it, but I also need it.
As always, thank you.
Keeping up with garden chores has been tough this season. A cold, wet Spring gave me a late start and then the oppressive heat and humidity limit me to 6 to 8AM for maintenance. But, most of the perennials seem to tolerate it and the colors spur me on. It’s nice to see the colors in your garden too.
Looking good. It does feel good to work hard in the garden, then come in and ejoy what you have done.
Changes look great. Can’t wait to see the rest. “A labor of love.” Spoken like a true gardener. You are inspiring me to do more but, unlike you, somehow I never seem to lose my buttocks.
Ahhh, doesn’t it feel good when you move a plant into that perfect (you hope) spot? So much fun. Things are looking good, John!
I absolutely hate this humid summer, ugh… I refuse to work outside in this weather. As a 52 year old perimenopausal woman, my engine runs hot! So the weeds will stay put for now, and I will eagerly wait for drier, cooler days to tackle my ‘jungle.’
Yo cuzzin. that ‘stranger’ at your book signing (in the picture) is my Pop … watch it! (just kidding) Can’t wait to get my hands on your book so I can read it … I’m proud of your hard work & success. Keep it up. BTW, do you run a sprinkler onto your garden? When is the best time? I’ve always thought a good time is at night so that at dawn (and the beginning of a hot day), the plants had “imbibed” or soaked in the water before the hot, scorching sun & humidity hit. I’m not actually gardening now for obvious reasons, but I’ve always been a ‘Green Thumb’ sorta guy.
Lovin’ the Cone flowers, great picture of the white and purple together. Plants that volunteer in a spot seem to do so much better than if you choose a spot and plant them. Nature knows best I guess. I have twenty some yards I keep weed free, planted, deadheaded, and shrubs pruned, trees trimmed all summer. Actually 31 yards but some not nearly as intensive as the 20 something and I’m 74.
It’s always good to finally make that switch from moaning and groaning and finally *do* something! I did like the mix of white and purple coneflowers, though!
my first time seeing your post, while checking info on Joe Pye weed, Loved your articles and will be looking in again soon!