It’s only 38°F here this morning with rain falling, but I’ll focus on the bright side which is that I don’t need any tools to remove the rain like some of my neighbors to the north. 🙂
Trying to find the bright side is what I keep trying to do as I start Day 43, but some days are more challenging than others. We’re well, have enough supplies, and are keeping relatively busy so I’m extremely grateful for that.
The seedlings are all doing well, and this morning will find me in the garage repotting tomato plants into bigger pots.
Outside, I’ve managed to rake most of the leaves, finished as much as I could on a downed pine tree, moved some perennials around, and we even got 90′ of edging done.
Today, I’m ordering some metal edging to put in when the weather clears up at the end of the week. A curbside pickup with the truck will work out nicely.
Tulips and daffodils have not bloomed yet, but I have a small group of bloodroot that make me smile. Besides the beautiful little blossoms, I like knowing this plant traces back to the days of Native Americans. Everything else is still working to break through.
Last year, we built two new raised beds. Over the weekend, I added amendments and got them ready to go and planted Yukon Gold potatoes. As soon as the weather allows, I’ll be filling up these beds.
On rainy days like today, I’ll also take advantage of a learning opportunity by tuning in via Zoom to the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia: The Hospitable Gardener: Welcoming butterflies to your garden.
On Wednesday, I’ll eat lunch and listen to Lunch in the Garden with Cornell University Rensselaer County: Easy to grow flowering trees and shrubs. Last week, I listened to their session on soil, and they presented some good tips on purchasing in bulk or bags.
These gardening webinars are free and open to the public. All you have to do is register, they send an email confirmation, and you link up the day of the class. It’s easy and a good way to enhance your gardening skills.
When I do venture out, I’m seeing more people wearing face coverings, and I thank each and every one of them.
NH is reporting 1,864 cases of Covid-19 with 60 deaths. The state of emergency order has been extended, but so far the stay at home order set to expire on May 4th has not been extended. We’ll see how this evolves. It will be interesting to see how people respond once the restrictions are lifted. As they keep telling us, it’s a marathon and not a sprint.
Stay safe, friends, and by all means share what’s happening at your house. Staying connected is helping us get through this. 🙂
Are those oblong tubs horse watering containers? Do you need drainage holes in them. Looks pretty cool. We are at the same point as you although it’s about 10 degrees warmer. You’ve done way more than I have outside. I’ve cleaned out my garden once but I’m sure the weeds are taking over again. I need some clear warm weather to get some work done.
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Yes, they are galvanized stock tanks with the drains left open and additional holes drilled in the bottoms. 🙂 Weeds – maybe we shouldn’t talk weeds. 🙂
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🙂
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I’m a fan of that garden hose wreath! And the sweet little bloodroot blossoms that are first and bravest to show their pretty faces! And of the neat and orderly patch of tubs and trellis holding collective breath until a bounty of green overruns them, bringing home fruit and flora! Well done, Madam Master Gardener!
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I had seen those wreaths on Pinterest and was looking for something but found that little piece of hose and thought why not. 🙂 You are right – it’s like they are all holding their breath, but I was thrilled to see tiny leaves coming out on the blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. I know your window boxes will be overflowing before long too. 🙂
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It is still chilly in these parts.
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You are so right. 🙂 Hope all is well with you and yours.
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We are all good here. I hope you and your family are well.
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Same weather pattern here…cold, rain, bleak. But, no shoveling required! Although I’ve raked more than once, leaves seem intent on visiting our yard. 😤
All my perennials are doing nicely. I have one hosta plant that I was sure I lost, but I looked again yesterday and there it was!! You won’t believe how excited I was. 🤗
Seeing people wearing masks has become the norm now. Seeing people without masks is downright scary. I want everyone to be able to get back to work, but I’m really afraid people are going to act irresponsibly once our governor eases up on restrictions. That would be a disaster we might not recover from.
Stay well and keep safe my friend, and the same to all your readers! Little by little we’ll get through this….separated but together.
🐾Ginger 🐾
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Hosta are like faithful friends – unless they are visited by a hungry deer, they return. I can imagine you doing a little happy dance. 🙂 Yes, when I see someone without a mask I really want to say, hey, do us all a favor and put something on. But, then I think about picking myself up off the floor and decide to keep my thoughts to myself. 🙂
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Judy, I hope you enjoy the talk on butterfly gardening today. The butterflies and caterpillars have helped keep me sane through all this!
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You have had a whole troop of them to keep you smiling, and that is a good thing especially right now. 🙂
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Sounds like you’re doing a great job of staying busy. We don’t have much in the way of what anyone would call a garden, so our chores are basic yard work. I waited until this morning to put the leaf bags out. I think I missed the truck by about 5 minutes. Looks like a ride to the dump is in order – yay, I get to go out 🙂
It looks like it’s going to warm up toward the end of the week. I hope the forecast is right about that.
As far as opening up, I guess we aren’t thinking about that until June. I’m OK with that, as long as my favorite places can stay in business (I am visiting each one each week for takeout). The last thing I want is to go first and have people from other places coming here for…whatever.
Take care, Judy.
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You are so right about the ‘opening up’ process. Right now, one of the biggies here is whether to open up campgrounds which draw from all over the area. I can’t say I’m in favor of that, but I don’t think I get to vote on that either. 🙂 Yes, to supporting your favorite places. We’ve been trying to do the same thing.
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It might be nice to get away and go camping, but that means buying gas, food, beer (as I remember from my camping days). That’s the part that would worry me. Is there any camping near where you are?
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It concerns me to say there is one less than a mile from here that has 100+ sites. It is quite popular because it is close to Portsmouth and Hampton Beach. “Their” closest grocery store and gas station would also be mine. 😦
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In that case, I hope you guys decide to stay closed until MA also starts to open up.
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Ah! We had sleet this morning, now it is just raining. It has been a cold spring so far, but the good news is that my daffodils love it and have been showing off for weeks!
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I have a few just ready to open but not quite. Glad you’ve had a nice showing. 🙂
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The first to open were the little miniatures in my fairy garden!
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So far, this neighbor to the north has not had to use any tools to remove the rain. No snow, just rain. Fingers crossed! Stay well, be safe.
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That’s right – no tools to remove the rain. We, New Englanders, appreciate that. 🙂
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Sure do! No snow at all in Maine. Yay!
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Central Maine, that is. Might have been some snow in the mountains.
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I ditto everything that Joyce said above! Plus I will add my awe about that 90′ of edging. Most impressive. My latest is that yesterday I took myself in hand and admitted that I’d let unfinished projects multiply like fruit flies, rolled up my sleeves, and eliminated a lot of mess. I’d pat myself on the back, but then I’d need liniment. You are so right about staying connected — thanks!
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Thank you for the chuckle about the liniment because I can relate. 🙂
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Those raised gardening beds are becoming more and more popular and it is amazing how creative people are getting finding ways to build them.
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What do you think? Does it have something to do with some of us getting to an age where having garden beds elevated is better on the back? Nah, I’m sure it is just that we want to amend the soil better so our crops are bigger. 🙂
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We’ve had a lot of rain in our part of Florida and it has been welcomed as we really needed it. Woke up to 59 degrees so my early morning walk was extremely pleasant. Haven’t left the house since the î7 of March but hear that most people shopping at the grocery store are wearing masks. Love your garden hose wreath, it is perfect for a Master Gardener. 😘
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You’ve got good delivery options. I would take advantage of that too if I could. Glad you liked the little wreath, and I’d sure take that 59 and smile. 🙂
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I can’t quite relate to 38 degrees, but the day is coming quickly when I will wish for those conditions. As always, you seem to get much done in spite of the weather. I’m sitting inside today since my roof tiles are being ripped off and a few have splatted precariously onto the patio near where I like to sit. I am glad the roof replacement is getting done, and will be completed well before hurricane season, but it’s a beautiful day and I have to content myself inside. Hopefully, that part will conclude within the next day or two. Take care and keep on keeping on.
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Except for missing great weather and the noise, it seems like a good time to have roof work done. Stay safe.
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Sounds like you’ve been staying quite busy! I’ve been taking advantage of the cooler weather to get the tough work done like mulch and edging, and feel I’ve made good progress. A few black flies hatched out on Saturday, so let’s hope I get the rest done before they hatch out in earnest!
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You had to mention the black flies. That makes me ‘know’ you were outside working. I’ve had to start spraying my hat to keep them off my face. 🙂 I don’t particularly like edging because it is hard work and gets harder each year, but it sure looks good when it is done. 🙂
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To be honest, I’ve hired some high schoolers to help me with the heavy stuff. SO worth it! 😉
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Applause to finding high schoolers willing to help. I wish. 🙂
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Yes, I really lucked out with these two. Good workers at that age aren’t common enough.
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You sound like you are keeping busy… even though it may not be totally what you would always want to do. I am going to look into those gardening webinars. They most likely can give me tips for gardening in Pennsylvania and maybe even here.
I’m tending to my gardens, taking pictures of the birds, flowers etc. and walking or riding a bike early in the morning as the temperatures have begun to heat up! 100’s this week and way toooooo early. Its not to my liking! I enjoy the mornings and evenings outside. But the afternoons are inside only! Unless you go to a higher elevation ride to the mountains like we did yesterday.
The mesquite and palo verde trees are starting to bloom their beautiful yellow blossoms which means the bees will be happy.
Our governor is starting to decide what things will start to open up again… but he wants to take it slow. This whole thing is crazy! And its the unknown that has us all going a bit crazy.
Stay well my friend!
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It is a surreal situation when most of us seniors thought we’d seen a lot. Enjoy your cooler temps for your outside activities as we all wait to see how we move forward. Our governor is being very conservative so I’m not expecting a lot of change anytime soon.
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We have had such lovely weather here over the last several days. Our orange and lemon trees are prolific and our pineapple guava and blueberry bushes are starting to show signs of a record fruit crop this year (if the squirrel doesn’t get to them first). I really love your galvanized stock tanks. I bet their bottoms – even with the drainage holes – would definitely keep out the gophers.
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Having that fresh fruit must be a real treat. Yes, those tanks keep out critters. 🙂
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We’re going to have a spate of hot, windy and dry here. I’ve been eating asparagus and green onions from the garden. Chives are up, too. We got the sprinkler system running last week. I cringe at the weeds, especially the cheat grass. Been enjoying the migratory birds coming in. Seems like a new one every day. Today’s was a Bullock’s oriole.
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I keep checking my asparagus but so far nothing is peaking up yet. Cheat grass may be the only weed I’m not dealing with. 🙂 Pretty feathered visitor you have there.
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Judy you have been busy as always! I’m looking forward to seeing all your spring bulbs and summer colour. We are having a pretty autumn, but we all know what comes next!
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Oh, we sure do, and we won’t mention the ‘w’ word out loud. 🙂
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Definitely not!
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Goodness, just thinking about that temperature makes me shiver. Here, our never ending summer just goes on, although it’s supposed to cool down next week. It’s nice to know you have plenty to do in your garden. Even if your stay at home orders are lifted, please stay at home. There’s no knowing what will happen if everyone thinks they can get back to normal.
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I know some will probably ‘jump’ back into things, but I’ll be taking it slow and easy, well, except for getting an appointment as soon as I can to get my hair cut. 🙂
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Luckily hairdressers were deemed essential providers here so they were able to stay open, with the necessary precautions taken. Thank goodness!
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Sounds as though you’re keeping gainfully occupies, Judy. Those classes sound quite good, but so many of the online things I’ve seen not geared toward desert climate. I’m sure there are some somewhere out there, just haven’t looked for them yet. I too wonder what will happen when things ease up. Hopefully people will still be cautious.
janet
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Check out Arizona Cooperative Extension, https://extension.arizona.edu/, for more relevant webinars for your new area. 🙂 Yes, to us all being cautious.
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Thanks.
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I’ve never tried joining any online lectures/seminars on any topic. I could do with the gardening information, but considering I cannot get any seeds or plants at this point I might feel more glum afterward. Such are the weird days in which we are living: become more informed, feel worse about what you can’t do. Still… 🤔
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I guess since I can’t participate in my local gardening group, I’ve stayed connected and gotten some useful info from these webinars. Some are definitely better than others, but that’s life. Seeds are definitely in short supply on line, but our local nurseries still seem to have seeds and plants in supply. The nurseries allow a smaller number in the stores but also provide curb pickup. I hope you find what you need and want in your area so you can enjoy the outside. Stay safe.
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Chilly here as well. Thank you for the tips on the seminars. Stay Safe!
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You stay safe as well.
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You have a bottle tree! I love it!
I listened to a couple of photography webinars last week, and have watched quite a few watercolor tutorials during this shelter in place. I’ve learned a couple new techniques now I need to try to apply them.
I’m glad you’re staying busy and well!
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I love my bottle tree too. I drank hardy to get all those blue bottles. 🙂 It may not quite fit in with New England landscape, but it reminds me of our South Carolina winters and always makes me smile. I could certainly use some photography webinars. I need to go investigate. Thank you.
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It took me a while, but I’ve finally come around on the beaches here in Florida. They’re open again, but we’re staying away. Too full of potential for getting too close to people. I agree abut campgrounds to. 38…. brr! – Marty
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It’s interesting how we’re all going to have to make choices on how soon we want to return to some of our previous activities. Who knew we’d have to weigh choices of going out or not going out, but here we are. Stay safe and enjoy those pumpkin scones.
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We’re still getting close to freezing overnight temps too, but it’s supposed to get a lot warmer by the weekend. I may just plant some radishes and some of my carrots soon.
Montreal has been the hot zone for all of Canada through this pandemic, so even though they’re planning a gradual loosening of restrictions for mid-May I’m guessing it will be many months before I’ll be venturing too far from home.
Stay safe and have fun in the garden 🙂
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Here’s hoping we both have good gardening seasons as we spend probably way more time at home than previously. I’m with you on not venturing too far from home regardless of what they proclaim. I’ve been receiving these travel discount emails every day, yeah, right. 🙂
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I’m not surprised you are staying busy with your gardens. In the absence of hiking, I’ve been embracing my little patch of land too. This past weekend I spent several hours cleaning and planning. I may turn out to be a gardener too after all this over 😉
Stay well, Judy. Summer is coming!
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I’m visualizing lots of color around your pool this summer. 🙂 They’ve been shutting down nature trails in our state because the crowds have been so large. Especially on the weekends, I see more people walking, jogging, and biking on the road than I see cars. This is certainly a strange time we’re all living through.
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Normally I would consider riding on the roads here a death wish, but right now even I’m starting to think a ride on the road would be a good idea. Haven’t quite worked up the nerve though.
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We’re in a stretch of rainy weather that should last until tomorrow afternoon. I’m looking forward to watching some online gardening seminars.
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We’ve got a stretch of several days of rain coming our way as well.
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I do not mention the current condition much, because everyone else is doing such a thorough job with it, and because I do not want to. It is easy for us to comply here, although not many of us are able to work. I do not get out much anyway. However, it is discouraging to hear about all the protesting, and that people who normally did all their hateful complaining about government conspiracies online from the comfort of their own homes are out in public to prove that they have the right to do so.
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I’ve watched coverage of several of the protests and was astounded at the hate that spews from some of them. There are hundreds gathered with no face coverings, all so angry they are probably spitting on each other, and for what – the right to get the virus. I live in a state with a motto of ‘live free or die.’ I think they’re taking that literally. Stay well because we are all better gardeners with your advice. 🙂
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Because of my other blog, I occasionally deal with haters. One thing that I noticed about those particular haters is that they hate for the sake of hating. The Ku Klux Klan is not what it used to be, so they target another group. Some target the government. However, none actually present any solutions to their problems, and actually contribute to the problems that they want others to solve for them.
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Having nothing to do with this — I just read today’s post from Garden in the City. I laughed at your comment there and THEN saw that it was from you! That made me laugh again!
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Thank you for the links to the webinars. The weather in Savannah has been perfection, so I am spending more time outside. The next rainy day – I will check them out!
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The gardening webinars have been a nice learning tool during this time of stay at home. Glad you are having nice weather and being able to enjoy it. 🙂
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Nice! Look at you go!
That’s a low death count, so good for NH 🙂
I finally grafted forsythia and planted that baby in my front yard last spring. My husband tiptoed around it per my request. However, I recently asked him WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO MY FORSYTHIA?!? he answered that although he told our son to avoid it while mowing, there was a day last summer he forgot to remind him. So um, lil sad about that. I will not graft again. I’m going to buy a big one, and take a switch to the boy one 😉
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Look at you go – grafting. I’m impressed. I tried it once but was unsuccessful. Yes – Happy Mother’s Day, and I’d say it does require a new Forsythia and a big one at that. 🙂
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