Changes in the garden (April and May)

This year we are seeing an increase in green anoles and blue tailed skinks. I recently read that they like to be up high. As our garden matures is this why we have more of these lizards? This little guy is on a crepe myrtle trunk. We are happy to have them as they eat all kinds of bugs including the politely termed, "June" bugs. It's pretty wild when you see them leap from plant to plant. Recently, a hummingbird was checking one out when he was near the blue sage. I think that the lizard, hummer and myself jumped when he flew through the air to a butterfly bush.

We had a couple of anomalies in the garden this Spring. The formerly reliable epimediums had almost no blossoms this year. There is plenty of healthy foliage though. The native Obedient plants that have been here for years have gone rogue. I have had to cull quite a few to make room for neighboring plants. I think this can be attributed to abundant rainfall the last two years. I also missed having the white German irises next door. Their tubers rotted late last summer from the rain.. Fortunately, the ferns and hostas are loving the weather. The native columbine to the far right recently developed powdery mildew. After all of the rain we had a dry spell in mid to late April. It's the ups and downs of gardening.

The fern, hellebore and hosta border. The large hosta is Sum and Substance. The columbine with powdery mildew is in the far right corner. I'll cut it back soon. I didn't have the heart to do it while it had blossoms.

Here's a photo of the columbine earlier in the season. I like it because it's a softer colored version of the typical red and yellow native columbine. Pink finds me. :)

In late 2024 we added a small garden bed near the fern border. I think it's getting off to a great start. A couple of weeks ago I added some columbine seedlings from the Lavender Lavinka plant that Julie gave us. You can see them below the hydrangeas.

Several days later the pink hydrangeas have developed more color.

I think the blousy effect of the hydrangea blossoms adds some romance to this corner. Originally, it was a bed of liriope. Green, but not very interesting.

Speaking of changes in the garden.... The old garage/storage shed needed some loving care. It had gone from vintage charm to slightly decrepit. To Ian's dismay I suggested that he replace the wood paneling on the garden facing side of the garage. I also thought it would look great painted in Sherwood green to match our patio privacy panel which should give the illusion of more garden space. I knew he could do it because he replaced the panels on the opposite side of the garage two years ago. (No good deed goes unpunished.)

The before photo in early April.

The project in progress late May. Ian has started to remove the panels and the old window. The plastic is up to prevent birds and animals going into the building. The white azaleas are now green, but Angel Blush lychnis are providing the white blossoms now.

A close up of Angel Blush rose campion or lychnis- The distance photos rarely do plants justice.

The building is now a subtle green, but beautiful. I didn't want to go dark so the plants would still have reflected light. The wall faces east. As the trees in neighboring yards grow we get more and more shade in the backyard. Our stand of pines and the cherry tree also are creating more shade, but that affects the pond area.

We completed the project on Memorial Day.. I did pitch in and helped with the painting. It was an overcast day so the photos are a little dark.

I also added a new Cricket Forge garden ornament to the wall: a leaping frog!

Ta daa!

The view from the driveway is improving. This is the second Spring for the John Clayton honeysuckles. This photo was taken in April. They are continuing to bloom in May. This plant has also covered more of the fencing now.

Take a look at Ian's raised vegetable beds. It's mainly herbs, but this year he has grown some wonderful lettuce from seed. The lettuce is still going strong in late May. We have had the most amazing humidity free weather recently. This must be what it's like in New England in the summer. Highs have been in the 70s and 80s.

The rangy looking plants in the pots are "blind" daffodils from the garden. I think the problem is not enough sun. We moved them to the pots on the driveway to see if the fronds will get enough light for blossoms next year. I don't know where I'll plant them, but I have some time to solve that garden dilemma.

This morning I spotted a tiny pink butterfly or moth on the John Clayton honeysuckle closest to the garage. I haven't identified him yet. I hope he returns. I would love to get a better photo for identification. We have small blue butterflies, Azures, but it's the first time I've seen this in pink.

Here's a vivid photo from the front yard. The larkspur's and echinaceas have enjoyed the rain this year. They are plentiful this year with the rain.

Happy Gardening! I can't believe that June is around the corner. It's a joyous time be in a garden.