Terrible, horrible day, See "Lilypup.com":http://lilypup.com for further updates.
Lily and I had a fun day. Started out garden shopping at Fair's Nursery getting a golden variety of coral bells and some annuals, bonemeal etc. Went to Malmborgs where I got my "usual" tomatoes, annuals and a rose "seafoam". Then we scooted across to Rice Creek Gardens and got a few rock garden plants and perennials. Then Lily and I took a long walk in the woods and along the creek in Coon Rapids which we both enjoyed. It was early evening and several prom couples were at the park getting pictures taken.
My "Morheim Beauty" died out last year and haven"t been able to find a replacement. Called all my favorite local garden centers with no luck. Found it in WWF catalog and called to order it but they were out. Better luck next year. I did order a new orange colored Echinacea "Art's Pride" which at least is the same orange as MB. It certainly looks good in the catalog picture and description. Bought a really neat glider swing with an overhead canopy from my favorite Costco. What a treat, It's so comfortable and looks so nice on the deck. The species tulips are looking grand. Maybe I need to divide and put some elsewhere but it took several years for them to multily to these beautiful large clumps I hate to disturb them. Maybe I need to order more. I really need to plant a few more tulips and daffodils.
Busy time of year getting the yard and gardens cleaned up. Raked 16 bags of pine needle, 6" long needle size. Thank goodness for the city of Anoka composting pick up. Also filled of my compost bins full. This spring I got 3 carts filled with nice finshed compost. It's been very dry for several weeks with big grass fires in Blaine and Eagan. Also, had many windy days drying it out more. One day had high winds which brought down branches and blew lots of dust and debris. Car covered with this dirt, etc. So bad had to wash it right away, couln't see out windshield. Temp 88 one day. Tehn finally had a heavy rain of 1 1/2 in, followed by a slow, soaking rain the next day. It seemed like overnight the tulips grew inches and everything perked up-grass green, buds on bushes and trees and the wonderful color of spring began to emerge. I especially enjoy the spring sunlight-soft and serene, bringing out the lovely gentle colors of spring and new growth. I like the long evening shadows that make you slow down and linger. The low growing, waterlily-like species tulips are blooming right now. There are 6 large clumps with 8 flowers of so per clump. This is the first year they have been so plentiful.