witt's Blog

I went back out and started another project. I trimmed the yaupon holly and put some sprigs in the rooting pot. I got a few from the althea as well. I went from one little project to another, being interrupted by small showers that didn't spell beans. My POH was out front taking down two ugly scrub trees on the edge of the woods when I came upon the first snake of the season. It was between the Back Flower Bed and the back steps. I went to get my POH, but the snake was gone by then. It was black with yellow rings. I think it was a King snake, but even if it is harmless, it's not harmless to the chickens. Besides, with John, it's not its first name that gets him killed. At least this one got away. I became very wary of where I was walking and where I was putting my hands.

I worked on Aunt Winnie's Garden (AGAIN!) I started digging around, and it is totally undermined by dang toady frog tunnels. My elephant ears have two little sprouts on it, but the bulbs are like paper. There was a big blank space underneath them. I top-dressed the whole area around them with compost and dug it in. I did it over and over all around. I don't know if that will do any good, but I sure tried to give my poor plants a chance. All but one tiny oxalis is left. Last year it was a profusion of pink. This year, nothing.

I passed through the Patio Garden, pulling up things that I missed the other day. I don't mind pulling weeds when I can brush up against the Sweet Annie. She's so soothing, but my blood pressure did rise when I saw a few things looking like they were ready to give up the ghost. Oh, I know why. My darling husband was spraying his favorite weedkiller in the turnaround, and I guess he wasn't very careful about the Patio Garden (When is he ever?). A few cilantro, perennial petunias, and Sweet Annie are about to bite the dust. Oh, well. What can I do? (I know. Hide the Round-Up!)

My one and only azalea is about ready to burst into bloom all over. Right now only a few flowers are open, and they are the brightest shade of pink. So pretty. I guess I've never seen it go into full bloom because every year it gets hit by a frost and I get nothing.

So far my iris are all in the bud stage. I can't wait to go out and see if any of them have opened. I believe that I accomplished a little something yesterday, but it is a long way from being finished. Oh, what am I saying? It'll never be finished. There's always something more to do.