When I turned 50 a friend gave me a garden journal with
quotes and poetry and space to write in. I used that journal from 1998 to 2007.
I wrote a lot each season in the early years and then was skimpier over time. Here
follow a few of my entries from springs through the years.
March 20, 1998
I have decided to plant at least I rose this spring. Haven’t
decided between a Fairy Rose in a pot or some shrub roses – David Thompson,
Cuthbert Grant, Hansa, Prairie Dawn – in front of my vegetable garden. (Note: I have currently 3 rose bushes –
Hansa, Henry Hudson, and Bill Reid).
May 16, 1998
Have done a little bit more at the back to begin the decline
of lawn. Put in a couple of meadow sweet (tall, white) against the back corner
of the west fence. I moved the peonies up so they are in front – took out grass
and weeds.
April 8, 1999
Have started by raking leaves, filling up the compost. If it
doesn’t snow I will rake more leaves tomorrow and maybe even cut grass. (Note: I compost leaves every year.)
May 2, 1999
I like the physical work of gardening.
April 11, 2000
Next year I start my bedding plants a month later – Feb. 1.
The tomato plants are getting huge and it will be more than a month before I
can plant them outside. (Note: Haven’t
grown my own bedding plants for a few years.)
May 28, 2000
White anemone blooming, also a pink tulip. Had a deep purple
red recently. I’ve planted annuals at the back – white alyssum near the garage
and lobelia (blue) near the house. It’s been a cool spring. Soon I may be able
to cook some rhubarb.
April 20, 2001
Planted sweet peas outside on the 14th. Today I
planted a row each of spinach, carrots and lettuce. (Note: These were all seeds.)
May 23, 2001
Just to note, the dwarf lilac (syringa vulgaris) I planted
this month is called Prairie Petite. Prune dead or broken branches in spring
and other that (prune) right after blooming.
March 3, 2002
Dreamt last night that I had tomatoes and peppers really
early in the season in my garden. There was a funny friendly beige and white
striped (like a sweater in horizontal bands) rodent living in my garden.
May 6, 2002
Carrots, lettuce, arugula.
May 6, 2003
It looks as if my clematis vine is coming up. I was worried
that it had died in that shady spot by the back fence. (Note: My clematis has been thriving in that spot for many years.)
May 29, 2003
Siberian Iris blooming. The anemone sylvestris and pulsatilla
have been blooming for a while.
April 19, 2004
A beautiful warm sunny day, though windy, and cumulous
clouds. Tulipa tarda coming up. (Note:
This is a lovely small yellow perennial tulip that spreads and survives.)
April 20, 2005
Rhubarb just popping up. Strawberry plants, of course, as
always greening early.
April 15, 2007
Little yellow crocuses coming up. Raked snow mold – lots –
first I can remember here.
May 16, 2017
Through the years I’ve changed my front and back yards,
taken out sod, added more perennials, tried different vegetables (I have a
small herb and salad garden). Each spring I’m anxious to get out into my yard,
see what’s coming up, decide what to rearrange or change. I have a small lot
and a small house, but I love to create in the outdoors as much as I love to
create with my writing.
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