The weather here has been crazy the last two days. Everyone FEELS it in their sinuses. I, of course, just took some Sudafed and went on with my day. I also managed to finish clearing the last garden bed in the front. We have this weird corner on our property, where our fence, and the neighbor's fence, meet in maybe a 30° angle. And this triangle of doom gets overgrown with black eyed susan, bee balm, and SO. MUCH. MINT. Ugh, I loathe mint. I mean, I like it just fine as a flavoring for ice cream and chewing gum, but the plant is rather invasive.
And THEN, in the middle of the bermuda triangle, is a flowering plum. Which is okay, as far as trees go. It certainly wouldn't be my first pick, but hey... it came with the house. I did prune it quite heavily back in February. The poor tree had been pruned badly, and I did as much correcting as I could for this year. I always go with the 30% rule when pruning trees: Never prune more than 30% of the tree, of else it goes into shock and has trouble healing. The tree looks WAY better now, but it will probably take another five years to really look good.
I also pruned the magnolia tree back then, and that thing is doing swell. Also, last year, when I was getting rid of all the little magnolia tree babies that were popping up, I took the cutting with the biggest root, and transplanted it in the flower bed near my front walk. I just crossed my fingers that I had done everything right. I kept a very close eye on the baby tree, and when winter came, I prayed that it would survive.... That baby tree has DOUBLED it's height over the last 6 weeks. It looks so good, and I just keep patting myself on the back for a job well done.
Anyways, The front planting beds have all been tended, and now I get to sit back and enjoy the results. I've actually been thinking about it, and I really don't do much weeding. I get the plant beds cleared and fed, and then I pretty much forget about them until October/November when it's time to prep the perennials for winter. I mean, if I'm outside and there is a weed, I'll pull it.. But I'm done. Really all that is left to do is mow and edge the lawn, and keep the porch clean! Really, the success of a garden boils down to doing your homework, and figuring out what works in your climate, and then some smart planning and implementation.
Anyhow, that's all the update I have for now. Next time, we can talk about a new drug I am experimenting with called Kratom. It's not illegal in Utah yet (not for lack of trying), and I've gotta say, so far so good. REALLY good.
And THEN, in the middle of the bermuda triangle, is a flowering plum. Which is okay, as far as trees go. It certainly wouldn't be my first pick, but hey... it came with the house. I did prune it quite heavily back in February. The poor tree had been pruned badly, and I did as much correcting as I could for this year. I always go with the 30% rule when pruning trees: Never prune more than 30% of the tree, of else it goes into shock and has trouble healing. The tree looks WAY better now, but it will probably take another five years to really look good.
I also pruned the magnolia tree back then, and that thing is doing swell. Also, last year, when I was getting rid of all the little magnolia tree babies that were popping up, I took the cutting with the biggest root, and transplanted it in the flower bed near my front walk. I just crossed my fingers that I had done everything right. I kept a very close eye on the baby tree, and when winter came, I prayed that it would survive.... That baby tree has DOUBLED it's height over the last 6 weeks. It looks so good, and I just keep patting myself on the back for a job well done.
Anyways, The front planting beds have all been tended, and now I get to sit back and enjoy the results. I've actually been thinking about it, and I really don't do much weeding. I get the plant beds cleared and fed, and then I pretty much forget about them until October/November when it's time to prep the perennials for winter. I mean, if I'm outside and there is a weed, I'll pull it.. But I'm done. Really all that is left to do is mow and edge the lawn, and keep the porch clean! Really, the success of a garden boils down to doing your homework, and figuring out what works in your climate, and then some smart planning and implementation.
Anyhow, that's all the update I have for now. Next time, we can talk about a new drug I am experimenting with called Kratom. It's not illegal in Utah yet (not for lack of trying), and I've gotta say, so far so good. REALLY good.
