Ozma's Blog

The previous owners planted some little viburnums in front of 3 lilacs that grew just south of our big cedar.  We've tried to keep them in shape, but every time we looked away they stretched out and up some more.

Last year I couldn't even reach the lilac blooms because that's where they could get some light and air.  I realized that the viburnums were using the lilacs as their trellis.

While I was waiting for some software updates to download to my computer, I took some loppers and a pruning saw to my out-of-control viburnums.  Two hours later, I was done cutting them down to 5-6 ft tall.  I hope to see more lilacs this year.

The downside is that now you can see our shed where my husband stopped intalling shingles on the walls.  He took one look at that, turned around and retreated to bed for a nap.

Guess I shouldn't have gotten all Xena on the bushes. :-/

We had some sun today, so I spent the whole afternoon hacking away at my "jungle". 

My large rose in the backyard is now pruned and all the grass that was growing at its base is pulled.  I cut back the huge viburnum (10 feet tall), and red barberry bush.  That filled one yard waste can.

The crape myrtle in the front yard is all cleaned up, and that filled the other yard waste can.

 So, come on rain!  I'm ready for you!

It tried to snow last night but just left a dusting.  I was hearing predictions of 2 maybe 3 inches on the valley floor.  Better luck next time. 

Cheers,
Christie

I'm definitely in a new phase of my life.  I'm just a few years from retiring, and I was laid off last week.  I'll have to look for work to qualify for unemployment, but my heart's not really into it.  I'm hoping the county will recall me to another position.  Other than that, I'm calling myself "semi-retired". 

There are years of clutter I didn't have the time and energy to clear when I was working, and now I am able to tackle it.  I'm also making plans for the next gardening season which I'm excited about.  Paul (husband) is helping me acclimate to being home again, and won't let me become a slacker.  He is a very brave man!

Cheers,
Christie

... over, my mind turns to my garden.

I stepped out to see what's what as it was a sunny if cold day.  I watered big pot by front door because it's sheltered from the rain.  Then i just strolled along the slate path and saw that this would be a good time to weed. I also noted that many plants need their dead foliage cut back. I wonder if it's too early to transplant some roses.