A rainy, chilly weekend. But the side yard looked like a blueberry jungle emerging out of a light mist. The kiwi vine on the arbor is very robust this year too.
Memorial Day weekend
Month: May 2021
Tomato shadows
As usual, the tomato seedling operation is a major effort. We have them in tubs which facilitates bringing up outside regularly to get adequate sunshine and some hardening off. This morning, I found their shadows attractive enough to snap a photo or two.
Rhodora
I was so surprised to see this rhodora at our camp property on Donnell’s Pond. As soon as I read about them, I wanted to see one and I always thought I’d have to do some major exploration far afield to come across the fabulous blooms. I was wandering around outside looking vaguely at the boggy area near the lakeshore, when I spotted a flash of pinkish magenta. Upon closer investigation, I realized it was a rhodora! Fantastic sight.
And here’s a view of camp from across the road, peeking shyly out from the forest.
Blooming Orchard
Going away
Our first trip back to Connecticut in a long time. We ended up in a new location for lunch. The original Flatbread Pizza! In Amesbury, Massachusetts. We felt safe being both fully vaccinated and visiting people who were vaccinated, with the exception of one holdout and the children.
Our trip went great overall. We did a lot in only four days away. Visited my side of the family and Sam’s side of the family, as well as friends on both sides. And didn’t feel rushed! But the traffic and hectic nature of Connecticut and New York is bothersome after getting used to downeast Maine.
Shadbush
Also known as serviceberry. A native plant, one of my favorite signs of spring up here in Maine, along the roadsides. Sweet white blooms and reddish leaves. Someday I’ll plant some around our property.
In front
My front garden is shady and neglected. I’ve tried to plant a few things there, but I’m pretty sure they’ve disappeared. These hardy ones come back on their own every year.
Spring babies
It’s so much fun to observe the new growth springing up. Here’s a gallery.
Hazelnut grove
All five hazelnuts are planted. The easternmost holes had much more sandy soil, due to being on the edge of the septic fill. The westernmost two holes had dark loamy soil with some earthworms and a little clay. We only encountered one large rock, but lots of medium and small rocks and some rotting wood and roots.
Now we have a grove! I love the phrase “hazelnut grove.” We are happy with our new tree planting. Sam says the yard now has a “feature.”
Tree and bush planting
My order from Fedco Trees arrived. There is urgency to get these bare-root trees planted.
- Ten raspberry canes – in the fruit yard
- A New England aster, a witch hazel, and a spicebush – in pots for now
- An American smokebush – in the yard in front of the rockpile
- Five hazelnuts – in an arc with the crabapple in the center
Finished with the first three and one hazelnut. We still have four hazelnuts to plant. It’s taking some time. Scraping the hole with the tractor. Removing the rocks. Replacing the soil (very sandy fill) and supplementing with leaf mulch to ensure the hole is full. Topping off with pieces of sod upside down. Thoroughly watering in. It’s satisfying to see them in the ground.
