Sunday, May 16, 2021

Midwest Gardening 2021: Late April- Projects and Backyard!

 Hi, All! I forgot I had started this post and then didn't finish it. 

Gardening has kept us busy and other projects, too! These were taken late April. We were still,  very cold, and dry.

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This  rose is sprouting. YAY! We installed these railings as safety measures for working back there. We are getting older and having something to keep you from falling is a plus!

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The Viburnum (Snowballs) was severely trimmed back last year. I don't expect very many blooms this year.

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This east side bed will be redone this Spring. But, the Daffys love it here and bloom first. I want to do some lattice or something on the cement here and LOTS of new dirt. I think we will dig everything out and start over. 



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My chair is on the burn pile right now---beyond repairing. I will be on the look out for a 'vintage' or 'redo' focal point for here!

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Despite night freezes I got the backyard pond going---the birds love it and use it as a bathing pond and drinks. I have a big pile of blocks in the middle they can stand and drink from.

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I hope to get a few water plants this year. This pond really is very low maintenance, I simply skim it once in awhile. And throw mosquito circles in that are harmless to the birds or critters who use this. Lavender plant just in front is trying!


The fence has more birdhouses, and the chirping is lovely. Can't wait to hang wash.

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Looking forward to the Holly hocks. We are cutting back on veggies along here...the yellow squash was insane last year, and we will just put them in the garden.
The canning larder is quite full, our plan to feed three families, could have been ten.

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Hollyhocks are biennials, so you count on plants refurbishing themselves, I take the stalks and spread the seeds everywhere and hope some restart.

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This area will be adressed. All the wood has been done, the ledge disguises electrical. Thank goodness we did all our wood projects last year. There won't be any wood purchases here at 250% over normal prices.

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There are some winter repairs though. Recommended channeling for these panels isn't enough to hold up to our West Winds. Despite a large 2 story house next store, we get some tough winds all the time.

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The sod we placed in our problem area last year is holding. An edging treatment will be added, I'd love to do rocks but we will see.


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The Heuchera/Coral Bells---varieties around the tree survived and we have had to water end of April and May at least once a week. We are in Very Dry conditions bordering on Drought.
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OUR NEIGHBOR has been very ambitious and stockpiled a huge amount of wood...giving them privacy. 

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Not everything is pretty in storage---here's our hodgepodge of larger containers. Many are going to a friend and our kids this year. Cutting back on containers so we can take a few short trips this year.

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This bush and transplanted Hosta are doing well. I still haven't cleaned out the beds of debris...giving the bees/bugs some shelter from the freezing nights.

LOTS of projects and work to do. Next post will be everything this week, as Spring has finally blossomed in Chicagoland.

Hugs and Are you making a Garden Project LIST?


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Please do not use my photos without a link back to this blog without my permission.

Thank you for your cooperation, 
Sandi 
 






12 comments:

  1. I am so happy that spring is finally blossoming in Chicagoland for you. You have a lot of gardens to enjoy the sunshine and birdsong as you work. How nice you are thinking of going on small trips this year.

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    1. Thanks, Kim. It was slow, and now we will be in AC season in a few days. UPSIDE---the tulips and Daffys hung on longer than usual! Thanks for stopping by, Sandi

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  2. Hi Sandi! Things are looking good in your yard. I just love this time of year - so pretty and filled with promise! Jane

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    1. Hi, Jane...we have slid into summer with scorching dry temps--and today rain, YAY! Thanks for stopping by, I hope your move is going smoothly.

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  3. Your garden looks wonderful, Sandy. I just love the pond and the wooden fence. So many terrific touches.

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    1. Hi, Jeanie. Ponds are lovely except for the two days it takes to get them cleaned out. I'm hoping for frogs again, Thanks for stopping by, Sandi

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  4. I'm so glad your weather is finally warming up! Your dedication to your garden is admirable and I love all the vintage things you have "planted" around in your yard, Happy gardening!
    Jenna

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    1. Hi, Jenna, thanks for stopping by. We went from cold freezing to AC already--it's crazy! Hugs, Sandi

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  5. Sandi, I love the old chair, but you are right nothing can last forever. Glad you are getting some warmer weather. We are having to water every day here. We did have a few drops of rain yesterday, and I mean that literally, but it is really dry, BUT sunny which is the good part..Big garden list to do here also. Remains to be seen!!..xxoJudy

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    1. Hi, Judy. Waterin was constant until today-we have two days of rain...so crossing my fingers it breaks the pattern. Hugs, and Spring is always so busy! Sandi

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  6. Sandi, I am glad you are seeing spring with warmer weather and your garden coming back to life. I love hollyhocks, but I have had not success with them. Please post photos when they bloom. Gardening is always a challenge, we had so much rain and now we need rain. Have a wonderful week dear one!

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    1. Hi, Pam. I do know we have to special spray for bugs on the Hollyhocks, something I really don't like to do. Hopefully they will be in bloom in mid-June, ti depends on percip!!Hugs, and hope you get rain, too.

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Thank you for any and all comments. I will be happy to answer any questions or comments in replies or email! HUGS!