Laboring on Labor Day

Yesterday found me in my garden. The day was perfect for my chores. I started out in the front garden...cleaning up anything that looked raggedy. While I was working, the hummingbirds were flitting in and out...almost touching my elbow as I pulled out spent flowers. They were particularly interested in the Mandevilla. I noticed that they don't go deep into the tube like trumpet, but sneak in between petals to get to the nectar. The Mealy Cup Sage attracts them too. They go in and out of each tiny blossum getting nectar. What patience a hummingbird must have. Bees were everywhere in the garden, but didn't bother me. I usually don't wear bright clothing while gardening so as not to attract them. Moving along the front, I picked up branches from the River Birch on the corner. It had been windy during the night and there were lots of tiny branches in my Mary's Garden. The hostas still look pretty good. Bright chartreuse leaves ... some smooth and some puckered. Turning the corner is the herb-shade garden. I really had some work to do here. I pulled out a lot of Ajuga, which has been invading this garden. I like it for a border, but since it is easy to pull I leave it there...filling in bare spots. The dark blackish leaves are a nice contrast for the brighter greens of other plants. After I cleaned up this garden I planted six Japanese Anemones. They had come in the mail and were ready to be planted. I think they will be pretty blooming with the herbs, iris, lilies, and others. They are taller, so the house will be the backdrop for them. I put a couple on each corner of the clematis trellis. I decided to experiment with spinach and lettuce seeds. I planted the two big pots, that sit in the sun, near the herb garden with these seeds. I don't know what luck I will have, but it will be interesting to watch. If I get one salad out of them, I'll be happy. The wheelbarrow was full, so I made a trip to the woods to dump it on the pile. Mr. Groundhog was there again. He turned to look at me and then took off for his hidey hole. Wish I could find where he lives. After sitting on the bench enjoying the view and being eaten alive by mosquitoes, I came back up to the house. Things were pretty neat in the back...I noticed the Sedum Autumn Joy was just filled with bees and butterflies. I just love this plant. It looks great all through the year and makes pretty bouquets for the house. I next had to plant the perennials that spent the summer in a big pot. Lemon Thyme, Lavender, and Lemon Balm. I was careful where I put the Lemon Balm as it is invasive. Turning the last corner and going up the east side of the house I noticed that the Stella D'Oro Lilies had brown dried stalks and seed heads...making these plants look untidy. I pulled the stalks out and pulled the dried up leaves around the bottom of the plants. I got up to the red bench and didn't have enough energy to take the barrow back to the woods. So, it's in the garage waiting for me today. I sat a while and was very tired. A good tired. I had accomplished just what I set out to do. It was Labor Day and I had labored.
Balisha