Right now I am in love with our garden. After an initial rush of activity to tidy it up and remove some of the dead debris that winter left behind, it is in a perfect state.
Although the daffodils have passed, their deadheading is minimal, and right now all I do is enjoy the lushness of the new growth. I know there are spaces where things have died, but I haven't quite figured out what is missing enough to go into mourning.
The rhodos are still full of potential - their buds for the most part swelling and ready to burst into colour in the coming weeks.
We have a large (meteor sized) hole where my husband and friend Dave took out our bamboo. I was told it wouldn't travel, and I think most of this was wishful thinking on my part.
Although I adored the way it swayed in the wind, it was a bit too happy and was causing too much of the garden to become in shade. I kept thinking "just one more year," but finally reason caught up with me. We have filled most of the hole with an azalea and a hydrangea, but there is room for a split leaf maple, I'm hoping. They grow slowly and behave well.
The rest of the bamboo in our backyard is in pots like it should be. Lesson learned!
Now is a great time to split any hostas or ornamental grasses that you find have overgrown their spaces, along with many other of your perennials.
It is safe to plant many of the cooler loving veggies now - peas (both sweet and eating) are fine, along with potatoes, bok choy, and garlic, just to name a few. Hold off on such things such as tomatoes and beans for a while until the soil warms up. The back of the seed package will tell you good information to help you succeed.
Trim back any plants that have become lanky over the winter, such as penstemon.
I trim back those beautifully fragrant wall flowers after they have bloomed, unless I need more seed.
If you have any empty spaces that are crying for a plant or two, visit the Richmond Garden Club's annual plant sale, Friday May 10, at South Arm United Church, on Steveston Highway from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Deb Brodie is a member of Richmond Garden Club and can be reached at: [email protected]
