In With the New

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My plan to get a couple of flats of annuals to fill in where I pulled out the larkspur, was slightly altered.  That's what happens when we ignore our resolution NOT to go back to Always a Garden (or any other nursery) this season.  Unfortunately for our wallet, I read an article last night in Fine Gardening  about a virus that affects the color patterns of Toad Lilies.  I had never heard of Toad Lily, but I was intrigued when I read that it requires shade and blooms in late summer.   We took a "quick detour" on our way to the grocery store this morning, just to see what annuals Always a Garden had on sale.  I asked about Toad Lilies and sure enough, they had them - and on sale!  They had lots of things on sale - and we bought - lots of things!

This was Tim's favorite purchase - a birthday present to himself.  He has been searching all season for a watering wand that could extend up to six feet.  I don't know why we didn't see this before on one of our many visits - but it is perfect.  Not only can he water the whole front standing on the porch, but it has numerous settings on the nozzle and a flow regulator!  He is a happy guy.

Tim spent the rest of the day planting all those purchases in the newly bare, shady area under the tree.  The toad lilies are perennials, as are some of out other purchases, so hopefully this will be the last time we have this problem after the larkspur.

Tim does this funny thing that works quite well for us.  I've never read about it anywhere else, but I'm sure we are not unique.  He plants a lot of his "extra" plants randomly on the edges of his compost area.  He also tosses blubs there that he digs up during spring planting.  It is like his own mini-nursery back there.  When he needs something to fill-in, or a plant replacement, he checks his compost area (hopefully before going to the nursery.)  Living in that rich environment the plants are beautiful and extremely healthy, so they tolerate transplanting well. Today, he "harvested" quite a few plants to use in the front.

So what was a very sparse area yesterday, was full and lush by this afternoon.  Always a-changing - I guess we'll just have to keep going to Always a Garden.