Happy May Day!

It's been a long time since I made a post. We have had some pretty moments this Spring, but we are also in a drought. Apparently, this is the worst April drought in twenty years. We are at least 10 inches down on our average rainfall. I'm amazed that the plants were able to bloom at all. I think this year's Spring (2026) is more about survival. It doesn't feel like a fool blown Spring this year.

This May Day was overcast with clouds and a drop in temperature. It's only59 degrees at 12:30 p.m. This is actually promising. We are supposed to get some rain tomorrow with another drop in temperature. We've been disappointed by the rain promised in our forecasts. We had high chances of rain, but it turned out to be just a spattering. It basically didn't happen. So, praying for some healing rain tomorrow!

This year many of the irises did not bloom. This could be down to lack of rainfall, but I think the real issue is it's time to divide them. In particular the blue heirloom irises from Ludy.

A beautiful Beverly Sills iris blooming in late April.

Only one blue iris this year...... We'll work on division sometime in mid-May.

On the good news front, I have found the perfect place for the columbines. This is below our pink dogwood, but faces South. This area gets enough sun and also protection from the dogwood. It is one of the moistest areas in our yard.

The delicate pink columbines are from seed. Julie shared these with us. These are from her garden in Indiana or maybe it was her lake place in Michigan. I have had them for about three years in pots. This year they rewarded me with tons of blossoms. The peachy pink blossoms are from Carol L. who is just up the road from us. Creeping phlox is in the background. You can just see a bright pink azalea on the left hand side. This is how I envision Spring!

The John Clayton honeysuckles seem unfazed by the drought. I feel really good about these plants as they provide nectar for early arriving or traveling hummingbirds. Again, this was in April. Their first flush of flowering has already been completed. Most of the garden is in a quiet period now.

The Moonshine yarrow next door continues to be an excellent performer. It started blooming in April and is still blooming, I'm very impressed. These plants compete with the two large willow oaks at the top of the bank.

The baptisia Goldfinch plant is situated near the yarrow. This bloomed fairly well this year. It skipped it's bloom last Spring. This plant has been here for three Springs as of 2026. I'm hoping for more blossoms in 2027 . I feel like the drought is curbing the flower production this year. All of that brown you see near the curb is millions of oak catkins.

The allergy season was tough without the rain to cleanse the air.

A delicate blush colored tea rose in a pot with Love in a Mist.

Chives in the herb bed. I often let these flower just for the joy of it. I'll cut it back soon for new growth. I like to add the chives to things like scrambled eggs.

Yellow Knock out Rose. We have added one to the patio this year. The yellow Knock out has a lovely scent.

The Arctic Sun dogwoods bloomed despite the drought. They are wonderful plants. The provide winter interest and Spring blooms.

The Spanish lavender on the bank by the driveway next door bloomed in April. Last year we lost about five lavender plants in the flat "meadow" garden due to excessive rain and poor drainage. The bank is definitely the best place for our lavender. The water flows through the area instead of sitting there.

This short clematis also did really well this Spring. I keep hoping that it will grow taller, but no such luck so far. I think we've had it about four Springs. Look at those willow oak leaves! We have been reluctant to remove much plant matter in order to help the ground retain any moisture that we receive.

Let's hope we get some of the forecasted rain tomorrow, May 2nd!

Happy gardening!