Could there be a more perfect day than last Sunday’s Mother’s Day? A light rain in the wee hours followed by temperatures in the 60s. Simply lovely! I could have had a touch less wind. It makes going about a bit tiring.
My field peas planted a few months ago are over a foot tall and thriving. I’m about to turn them under in preparation for some tomato, eggplant and pepper beds.
As luck would have it, the bunny trapped in my garden never touched the field peas but headed right for my newly planted row of sugar snaps. Who could blame him? I prefer sugar snaps myself. It’s difficult to keep a sense of humor.
The peonies have budded. It’s just a matter of time. Do not pull soil or mulch up too closely to them. They like a bare bottom for maximum bloom. I’ve had my peonies for as long as I can remember. Of course, that’s not saying much. I love historical information about peonies. Who gave the slip to you and from where? I have heard of them coming from England and heading west in Conestoga wagons. Talk about hardy plants, and, by the way, hardy gardeners!
I have tons of cardoon, which wintered over remarkably during this long one. They are also all over the place as seedlings. They are a stunning plant, and in flower — breathtaking.
They are a cousin to the globe artichoke. The edible portion is the tender stalk. It tastes like asparagus with a texture like celery. I’ve never particularly enjoyed it. It tends to be tough, but the flower is outstanding in a perennial border.
I try growing artichoke every year — get two or three miniscule “chokes” — do everything to keep it alive over winter but it never works. Oh well, such is life! I do not, however, give up. This year I started it inside and after it germinated, I placed it outdoors hoping to trick it into “thinking” it went through winter. I’m nothing if not determined.
I know folks who loathe and despise dandelions. I’m not one of them. I have a stand of red tulips in blue blooming vinca that has several dandelions in the mix. It is downright striking. I find them so cheerful with a sunny disposition. Wish I were more like them.
Deadheading daffodils is an easy project for children. Just pop the spent flower and seed pod off with your fingers. They are much more attractive without the sad remains of their flowering youth. Do, however, leave the greens to die back on their own. Resist the temptation to mow them down. They need that chlorophyll for next year’s bulbs.
Just before Windsor Drive coming from Edgartown on the right is a bank of ground phlox worth noting. Very impressive.
I’ve never been a fan of condiments. My poor children were deprived of ketchup their whole childhood. Our choice of sauce is the 18-year-old balsamic vinaigrette from LeRoux. Mixed with good olive oil and a touch of honey, it makes steamed vegetables heavenly.
The flowering cherries are everywhere. I couldn’t decide whose to mention.
There is a fabulous crabapple across from St. Augustine’s Church in Vineyard Haven. This is on Franklin street. The house used to belong to Brooks Carter. He was the original owner of Shirley’s Hardware. He was my first landlord upon my arrival on the Vineyard in May of 1970. Oh, I do digress . . . back to the tree. I remember when it was tiny and had no hedge in front of it.
I spent all day Monday hauling hoses. It’s frightening to be this dry in May. Luckily, we had plenty of snow and rain last winter, so I feel somewhat secure about the trees and shrubs. The new plantings — not so much.
I’m so saddened by our world. The news of the kidnapped girls in Nigeria is simply heartbreaking. Hopefully, a worldwide effort can set this all right.
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