At Last!

At last it’s feeling like a normal August. Warm but not insanely so. Humid but not soupy. After weeks and weeks of awful conditions, I spent this past weekend deliriously happy to be in the garden. Mosquitoes notwithstanding, it was sheer joy to be taking care of a myriad chores.

The weeds had gone to town – clearly they thoroughly appreciated the fact that they could thrived unfettered whilst the gardener took refuge from the high temperatures and/or heavy rains. A good number of hours were spent at this task. Many areas got divested of the opportunists and you could almost hear those spaces breathe with relief. Things are now looking cared for so the Horticultural Social Services will not find reason to take away my custody of this piece of paradise.

I cut back plants both in beds and in pots giving them the chance to rest a bit before putting out fresh growth. They should do well till the fall weather arrives. A few plants will even put out a second flush of flowers.

Some of the younger espaliers were in desperate need of pruning – in order to keep their assigned patterns, all wayward limbs were removed. The persimmon candelabra, quince cordon and magnolia fan look so much better now. Espalier is all about training plants to grow in a specific design and oversight is necessary to train and maintain them accordingly.

After cutting several branches of the magnolia, it seemed too much of a shame to simply toss them on the compost heap. They deserved to be made into a wreath or garland. But I knew the leaves needed a treatment of sorts to keep their fresh look. A quick search online gave me the method to use – Submerge the magnolia leaves in a solution of glycerin and hot water (1:2 ratio) for 4 days, then let them dry off fully before using them. Simple right? Certainly worth a shot.

Our local pharmacies do not carry glycerin so it was ordered online and by weeks end the treatment should be underway. If all goes well, a nice homegrown magnolia wreath will be adorning the front door this holiday season. Fingers crossed.

It wasn’t all work in the garden. Al fresco meals were enjoyed. I observed the hummingbirds jockey for first dibs at the feeder while they also made their rounds of the hibiscus, agapanthus and the charming red trumpets of the cardinal vine. The goldfinches seem to have made claim of the coneflowers growing madly at the base of the Concord grape arbor. In the meadow, the Monarchs have discovered a myriad of treats.

Does this gardener’s heart good to see the garden being graced by them all.

After too long I am at last thoroughly enjoying puttering around the garden. May August make up for the disappointment of June and July.

Sharing more photographs taken by @brosnahan_arts –