Can you believe it is already July 20th? Wasn't it June 20th last week? I am still waiting for blooms from many of my lilies, my datura, roses (well, they were very small this spring), my big brug . . .
In little more than five weeks, I have to start lecturing again. . . So how do people with regular jobs manage their gardens in the summer?
How many of you are now planning for the fall - I feel like I am already falling behind . . .
As soon as I start buying school supplies, my mind always turns to fall. I bought some mums, and I'm contemplating which fall bulbs to buy. I've given up on my datura. They just don't get enough sun and are far too small to ever reach bloom size by frost. I'm still waiting on some lilies too and all but one of my dahlias. I think that I won't have a good veggie harvest either, since they are very small as well. *sigh* Oh well... I'm doing a lot of seed collecting this year, so that's fun. :-) Tamara
...Wasn't it June 20th last week?..."
LOL, I was just thinking the same thing! Funny, it has been a weird season. The early, intense heat here made many things grow and bloom early, but on the other hand, I have lots of stuff (mostly my annuals) that don't seem to be doing much of anything. They don't look much different than they did a month ago!
Fall?! Sheesh, I haven't even "spring-cleaned" some of my beds yet, lol. I don't want to think about fall yet, although I am trying mums from seed this year.
:)
Dee
It's crazy how fast it's going, my daughter is going to be a year old already in less than a month, I just sent the invites to her party. My son is going to pre-school for the first time and I'm trying to get everything together for that, unreal!
I just ordered some fall blooming crocus and other bulbs. I need to place a huge ground cover order but I'm delaying cause it's going to cost a pretty penny to get everything for what I really want to do, so I'm going back and forth with what I really want to order or a second cheaper choice. Decisions, decisions?????
Tamara, I am doing the same thing! so far I have collected white bleeding heart seed, columbine seed, lupin seeds, baby's breath, linaria, and foxglove. My catmint seeds appear to be sterile . . . sigh.
Oh yes I agree, I am in the same boat with DD. Two slope gardens that I haven't gotten to hardly at all, mostly shrubs, that may wait till fall for some TLC. I have hit the post 4th of July burnout I think. Pooped out from making too many new beds and the hot muggies do me in. My head has already turned to fall as well. The fact that all the fall catalogs with all their pretty pics come every day in the mail kinda shoves you in that direction too. :)
Here is my problem - the pastry drawer in my fridge is filled with seeds I bought 1/2 price from T & M - and I want to start seeds now!
I have already germinated foxglove. I am waiting on Mystic Merlin Malva to germinate, I have delphinium seed in potting soil chilling in the bar fridge.
But the best news is - I finally finished the syllabus for the research methods class - which means I can plan gardens for the terrace without feeling guilty about not getting my work completed.
What is a drag is that my garden will probably look it's best while we are away camping :-(
Seandor, I also purchased a bunch of 1/2 price seeds from T & M too. They've all arrived; should I be storing them in the fridge?
Thanks!
You bet! Get 'em in the fridge or the heat of the summer will affect their germination rate.
Ooh, I didn't even open my e-mails from T&M regarding the 1/2-off sale! Last year I told myself I would get all my seed *now* at 50% off, and not buy more in the fall/winter... yeah right! I still bought too much in December!
So this year I was a very good girl and didn't even look... darn! Being good is just no fun!
:)
Dee
Dee - I suspect that by the time some of us have collected seeds (and maybe done some "subversive seed snatching" there will be plenty of seeds to share. :-)
"You bet! Get 'em in the fridge or the heat of the summer will affect their germination rate."
Thank you, Seandor. Does it matter WHERE in the fridge ? Vegetable crisper (natch)?
A wide clear glass jar, with cover, and add some water crystals (dry) to absorb any possible moisture.
oh, it's going too fast.... august is upon us.... the only good thing about it is jb season will be over.... I hate those beasts... they are getting into everything now... not only roses....
Kill them on sight and help prevent new generations!
I have seen more JB's this year than ever before.
So far I haven't seem many JB's - what is the season for them - should I still expect them?
I'll give them directions.
Please don't bother :-)
They start in with the reckless partying about July 4th here on Long Island. For three weeks they eat, mate and have offspring. Talk about spring break - what about summer break? I cut off all my roses and rosebuds so they can party elsewhere. This year they were a day early.
Pirl, Doesn't that apply to humans on L.I. in the summer too?
Yeah, that's why the Hamptons exist. So vermin with $$ can do the same.
Ouch!
Apologies to vermin everywhere.
It's longer than three weeks for the Hamptons crowd, Dave. More like Memorial Day through Labor Day. The North Fork people are NOT thrilled with the South Fork people - not at all. I might even find JB's more acceptable.
At least you can squish the JB's Pirl!
True. The ultra wealthy just squish people with their vans.
only 3 weeks?? it's too much.... I am so upset with them....
The major part of their mischief is the three week feeding and sex frenzy. Then their job in life is over so you'll see fewer of them.
I feel like ripping off the grass, and calling 100 birds to eat grubs... maybe that will be the way to get rid of them!!! oh I am so mad!!!!
I put down Milky Spore this year but it has to be done for three years. Easy to apply, Kassia. Of course it does nothing about JB's who are on your neighbor's properties but their offspring will visit the nearest rose garden once they emerge.
see, there is no way to win.... I might as well set up a screen around my roses....lol!!!!!!!!
Today is a great day! I received a wonderful package from a DG member for the terrace - daylilies for around the fountain . . . I am so pleased :-)
Here are their names (and boy am I tempted to put a few in my yard!)
Pardon Me
Bertie Ferris
Manilla Moon
Little Wart
Emperor's Dragon
Chorus Line
Grape Ice
Persian Market
Barbara Mitchell
Longfield's Glory
Now I have to learn how to take care of these! Hurray!
Nice! I love Persian Market - one of my favorites. Unfortunately the deer ate them this year.
well, I am glad you got some daylilies....take pictures....
Today Fruit loop is blooming... a gift from a dear DG friend!!!!! I am so excited!!!!
I had Fruit Loops for breakfast.
Victor, will your Persian Market come back next year . . . or have the deer destroyed it?
It will be back - they just ate the flowers. Unfortunately, they will be back too.
the deer, I presume?
am I invited for dinner????
