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Spring in the Far North

Hellebore ‘Ivory Prince’ in all its glory



The very most perfect spring rain is in action at this very moment. It's luscious. It's needed. The ground is soaking it up. Spring is usually dry here in the Far North so a gentle rain is welcome indeed. The frantic wind of the last few days did no physical harm to the immediate landscape but methinks it plays with our mental health. Now we have the calming effect of this lovely rain. 


I’ve been puttering in the greenhouse. Putter is not a word to be used in May when the garden is screaming for attention. But here I am, a victim of repetitive motion. Be warned: it could happen to you. Take breaks often, move from one task to another, going back and forth so as not to incur injury. Toss in some tried and true yoga poses. Take care of yourself. 


Back to the greenhouse. I had just a few seedlings that needed larger pots. They were still in the single pots where I had scattered the seeds over the surface and allowed way too many to germinate. So here we are ~ lots of seedlings. But these were started a bit late: godetia, more cosmos but a different color than I usually do; dill that needed more room; and basil that have been planted into larger parts where they will spend the summer until they become pesto, salad additions,  and garnish for everything and anything. I have great hope for these tiny plants. I’m a tad envious of those of you who buy starts at our excellent nurseries, you get a head start on me. But I am cautious to bring in plants to the greenhouse from elsewhere, I don’t want to introduce any pests. I’ve good luck so far with aphids and am hoping it holds. Any plants I buy go under the covered porch. Here they are protected from the vagaries of weather and given a chance to adjust from a perfect environment to ~ less than perfect. I wish them well. 


I feed the seedlings with a very dilute solution of fish emulsion every time I water. If the whole watering scenario gets ahead of me I have been known to turn the hose on them and give them a good soaking. Watch what you’re doing ~ too much water is as detrimental as too little.


While I’m at it I pinch out the center of annual flowers. This will encourage a stout plant that will branch out and produce more flowers than you expected. Its delightful.


John has been engaged in turning his compost. Bless his heart. I gave up the compost several years ago. Mine was fast and furious, his is sloooow and lovely. Because I’m sidelined he is doing the spring feed that I seem committed to. A few shovelfuls of compost, some aged horse manure, and smattering of alfalfa meal.  This is thoroughly blended and then spread on the vegetable raised beds and cultivated in. If there is enough of these ingredients left over I’ll spread some on the perennial beds, being ever so careful not to smother the crowns. 


I’m also thinking it may be time to install stakes. The martagon lilies are exploding out of the ground and now would be an ideal time to give them some support. Same with the delphiniums. These beauties were divided last year (first time I have ever done that) and replanted in the same spot. I really appreciate seeing them from the east window of the living room. Let’s hope they thrive. 

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