Through the Garden Gate: Monday, May 25th

Today's edition of TTGG should be subtitled BEFORE AND AFTER. I spent most of the day spreading cedar mulch in the beds and the path, which of necessity involved a great deal of pulling of weeds, digging of spiderwort, and resituating of rocks. The humidity levels continue to be lower than usual but they have risen enough over the past couple of days that I was grateful to take a couple of breaks in my neighbors' pool. We have a great deal going: I water their plants and pick up their mail when they're away, and use of the pool is my compensation. What a deal! Those breaks were mighty welcome today!

The before shots, taken just after 8:00 a.m.:


Texas Persimmon (which I've dubbed Ulysses S. Grant), Echinacea, Rose 'Hermosa',
Verbena
bonariensis, Rock Rose Pavonia

The vitex at top, Laura Bush petunias and Mexican Feather Grass bisected by the sun

Some of the stepping stones are still wet from a brief rain shower yesterday afternoon.

This is just me being artsy ... I like the way things look through the Italian parsley blossoms.


I was trying to capture the daylily (the blob of yellow at top) but the gaura on the left jumped out & took the spotlight!
Now for the after ... these were taken at 7:45 p.m.

The yellow daylily glows in the evening light. As usual,
I'm not sure which one this is. It's a beauty, though.


Can you see the difference between this morning & this evening?
The petunias have been cut back quite a bit and the
path has a fresh layer of mulch.


The vitex again. In the upper right quadrant, the sun is
going down on the Texas Persimmon. That one is Robert E. Lee.

The frenzy of activity over the last few days is due to the Head Gardener's upcoming visit to Chicago for the 2009 Garden Bloggers' Spring Fling. She wanted to accomplish as much as possible before she left, knowing that her absence means that watering chores will fall to the non-gardening members of the household. It is with more than a little trepidation that she takes her leave of the garden on Thursday ... but she's also filled with anticipation of seeing the friends made at last year's GBSF and meeting other bloggers who will become new friends! She hopes to come home with lots of pictures to share with y'all and even more happy memories.

Comments

Carol Michel said…
Lots of hard work paying off! Your garden likes nice and fresh with the new mulch. Here, it rained a good part of the day and so that's all the prep my garden got for Spring Fling!
Pam/Digging said…
Well, I feel lazy. I haven't done any pre-Spring Fling prep work in the garden. Ah well.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again in Chicago. Can you believe it's already been a year since Spring Fling Austin?
Gail said…
We are getting lots of rain to prepare the garden from withdrawal from the gardener...I've hired a neighborhood college student to water the containers...He will be more reliable then the non gardener.

Your garden looks great...I love how mulch defines the beds and gives them a nice finished look. I did join you today in viewing the garden Through the Gate.


Gail
Mindy said…
Looks great! I always enjoy the look and smell of fresh mulch.

Its good to know your plants will be protected a little bit in your absence. have fun at the fling.

it still spring here in seattle. thanks for more great summer photos.
Cindy, MCOK said…
Carol, I do love the way the garden looks just after it's mulched.

Pam, don't feel lazy. Something about an upcoming trip always has me in a gardening frenzy! I'm looking forward to seeing you again, too. I can't believe it's been a year. not just since GBSF but since I've been to Austin! I must remedy that!

Gail, I'm so glad you joined me again. As for the watering, I may ask a friend to come by and check on things. She's plant-savvy enough to know what to water.

Mindy, I know spring is very welcome in Seattle this year! My friend on Bainbridge was not happy about all the snow this winter!
Layanee said…
It is amazing how the light changes the appearance of the plants and garden. I so look forward to meeting you in Chicago also. I can't believe it is THIS week!
Unknown said…
Beautiful gardens.
Brenda Pruitt said…
You've been busy, girl! I haven't had time to garden. I'm pulling up bricks from pathways so a new drainage pipe can be installed. And then the deck can be finished.
Brenda
You sure did a lot Cindy--it all looks great. Does your yard have full sun most of the day? Your flowers all look so happy!
It looks all nice an tucked in for your absence. I like the view through the parsley also! Can't wait to see you in Chicago!