Three Days In Door County

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I just spent 3 days in Door County, WI creating arbors and paths for a woodland and evergreen lane on approx. 2.5 acres. The plan now is to naturalize this created woodland with native perennials. I look forward to transplanting & planting mertensia, trillium, a variety of ferns, phlox divaricata and so much more.

The use of local moss covered stone and branches from a variety of trees to build the arbors made them appear to have been there for years. I am pleased with progress thus far to create a very natural setting for the family and friends to enjoy over the years!

Spring fix-up

Today attention given to pond area in early morning. Checked water temperature and was pleasantly suprised - 58°! Thus first feeding of koi.

The arbors that provide entry needed to be stablized. I pulled them back to square, then packed in crushed limestone. Wind in Midwest can often howl with gusts that cause shifting.

The entry to pathways into our swing and woodland garden needed to be addressed. Now flagstone marks entry with less “bump” for those not paying attention.

The compost pile that has aged for 2yrs was put to good use today around evergreens as mulch. Secured a woodcarving of bird we bought in North Carolina to the post at entry of vegetable/herb garden. A friendly greeter, indeed!

Also this morning as I ventured out I could hear frogs at the pond. Though I could not see them, I definitely heard them. Janet was able to see them, and her camera caught them in action. Wildlife adds much charm to our gardens, and hopefully are always made to feel welcomed.

Spring catch-up

Tuesday (4/17)
I fertilized 27 hydrangeas and pruned them. Then followed with generous leaf mulch. Dug out 3 rosas lost to upheaval “crown rot” from warm to freeze one too many times. Always sad to lose any of my plants. However, divided some monarda that spread profusely!! Yeah!
Wednesday (4/18)
Today I weeded my iris and peony bed. The phlox and shastas in same bed poking up as if to say, “be patient - I am on my way, too!” Repaired and added to arbor that invites one to walk path, but rugosa roses need to be put in their place since now 6-7ft tall and want to hang over into path. Spring is finally a reality in Illinois, for in 60’s yesterday.

April snow setbacks

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April Snow at Rachel's Gardens (photo by Janet Shingleton)


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American Goldfinches at feeder (photo by Janet Shingleton)

I am way behind on fertilizing and dividing because of our unexpected snow. About 10 days behind. Usually by now my roses would've been fed and pruned. The heavy wet snow caused limbs to snap, so I have to do some unexpected pruning of trees and shrubs.

For the birds... (note from Janet)

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Red-bellied Woodpecker at Rachel’s arbor (photo by Janet Shingleton)

Janet’s note: I set up a tripod in our kitchen this morning armed with my Dad’s borrowed Nikon DSLR with a Sigma 100-300mm telephoto lens.
It was a chilly morning, and my first glimpse of the bluebirds today saw them puffed up to stay warm. Of course by the time the camera was set up they were gone, but other birds were anxious to sample the suet feeders on Rachel's arbor.

We use a cable clip to keep squirrels and raccoons from opening the cage. We’ve also secured the cage to the arbor with a locking clip. We had several suet feeders go missing, only to turn up under our deck, where a family of raccoons hangs out each spring & summer. I think we finally found solutions to keep the suet feeders intact!

Emergence of Spring

It is once again time for our hands to come to the aid of our gardens. Weeding out invasive garlic mustard and grasses. Fertilizing shrubs and trees with proper “food.”

My hydrangeas were calling to me this past week. We have 27 hydrangeas in “foster care”. Oh, they also enjoy my coffee grounds.

Spring care for lawn - first application prior to Easter is the general rule of thumb in our area. Ornamental and prairie grasses should be cut back by now to six inches. New growth visible by now. Enjoy the emergence of Spring!