Something New for the Woods

This morning I am going back to the woods to do a little weed whacking. We bought a lightweight weed whacker and it is so much easier than the big gas powered one. I find it works just as well and that I have more control of it being lighter weight.

I keep trying to plant things that will show up from the house. Dark plants just don't do it. I need more white things. I just ordered a Bottleneck Buckeye

 I remember reading about this in my newsletter from Margaret Roach at " A Way to Garden." She spoke highly of this plant. It attracts bees, birds, butterflies. The pear shaped seed pods are a delight to squirrels. It isn't a favorite food for deer. It can get huge...and that's what I want. It does well in semi shade...which is what I have back there. It looks like this is the answer for me. I ordered it from Wayside Gardens and it will arrive in the fall at the time for planting. I think that we might dig a hole for it now, while the ground is soft...later on, it can get hard as a rock at the edge of the woods. I'll replace the soil with some mixed with compost and hope that it loves it's new home.

 I also want to plant some Gooseneck Loosestrife. I had this plant in Hampshire and really loved the way it looked. It spread quickly, but could be contained by just pulling it out. Back in the woods, it can spread where it wants.

It seems that I can never just ignore the woods. It is my favorite part of this yard. I want it to be less work for me...so I'm thinking of plants that spread and fill in, so the garlic mustard that is so prevalent in our area doesn't have a chance.

It's a sunny, but cooler day...with not much humidity. The little birds are coming to the feeders. New sunflower seeds on the menu. I got to the bottom of the barrel last week and all that little, bitty seed was all I had left. Now, there are little, bitty weeds to get rid of...under the feeders. A small pain in the neck for me.,,,,also a pain in the back to get rid of :)

Balisha