Bergenia cordifolia

Bergenia cordifolia. One of my favorite shade garden flowers. I just wish that it bloomed later when the rest of the garden has filled in. It's a lone voice in wind so early in the spring, and an odd fellow at that. This plant stays green throughout the winter, and our winters are harsh [30 degrees below zero]. It will bloom once and then it is done but the leaves stay a glossy green. My camera doesn't do the blooms justice. The pink is literally flourescent.

Watch This Spot

That itty bitty plant sticking out from the bottom (see red arrow) will be a future perfect tomato plant free of bugs, disease, and everything else that can go wrong when you plant it in the ground -- or so the advert says. It all seems too good to be true but I'm giving it a try. So far I've learned that this bag 'o dirt is heavy and finding a place to hang it was a challenge. I can't imagine how much more it will weigh with a full grown plant and serious root ball. Anyway, keep your eye on this spot for updates.

The Sandbox

So what does one do when they want another raised bed garden but don't have any space? They build it right smack in the middle of their backyard much to the chagrin of their spouse who has named it [through gritted teeth] "the sandbox." Why is it that he hasn't seen the plus side of less grass to mow? The painting theme was unintentional. Since coffee cans are no longer made out of metal we had to use one gallon painting cans. Without them the cutworms would snap off the tomatoes at the dirt level overnight. We also seem to collect painting sticks like some folks collect old newspapers. I think of this as the Italian garden: tomatoes, basil, rosemary, lettuce, and Italian flat beans are growing here.

I Love This Tree

Caragana arborescens 'Pendula'Weeping Pea Tree
Siberian Pea Shrub

Yellow

They're back, which means summer is around the corner.

I hope that is true.

Audience of One

This Cedar Waxwing was very interested in watching me do the dishes.

Closure

We buried Dan's ashes yesterday. It was a beautiful, calm, warm Sunday afternoon. In a few days this apple tree will leaf out and many birds will enjoy a bath and refreshing drink here. Dan would be pleased.

Rest in peace our beautiful red and white boy.