Karen Burch

The pansies are back and will bloom profusely before it gets too hot. I hope to gather seeds from these beautiful flowers to save money next year, ensuring a cost-effective way to keep my garden thriving. The English Daisies appear to be mostly white, creating a border, with some exhibiting a charming single petal structure while others have a higher petal count, adding layers of texture and interest to the landscape. I am beginning to plant the spring flowers I started from seeds out in the garden in various places to see where they grow the best, observing the sunlight and soil conditions that lead to their optimal growth.

The mulberry tree is blooming, attracting bees and other pollinators that are essential for a fruitful growing season. I am hoping to keep the potatoes I planted in February safe from frost, covering them at night with protective blankets to ensure they thrive. Soon, we will uncover the greenhouse and plant out all the flowers I saved, and hopefully, we will have lots of blooms in all the beds.

Welcome to my garden journal! I have been encouraged to see so many delicious tomatoes and peppers in my greenhouse lately at a time when I am planting seeds for summer. The Swiss Chard has been productive as well. My greenhouse allows me to preserve my favorite selections of flowers and at the same time provide tomatoes and peppers for cooking.

The snapdragons have started blooming, revealing little spots of white and jewel tones here and there. Right now, however, they are covered due to a sudden cold front sweeping through the area, bringing unexpected chilly temperatures. I want to protect the delicate flower buds, ensuring that they withstand this harsh weather. Snapdragons are known for being very cold-hardy, yet I took the precaution to cover them with care, creating a protective barrier to shield them from the frost. By doing so, I hope to avoid damage and manage to get some cut flowers for my home.

I am thrilled to see blackberry blooms both wild and thornless. I have decided to let the wild blackberries grow in clumps along the backyard side fence, where they can thrive and spread naturally. This decision not only enhances the beauty of the space but also provides an inviting habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies. While I appreciate their wild beauty, I am going to do regular pruning and mowing to keep them in check, ensuring that they do not overtake other plants in my garden and that the entire area remains well-maintained.