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.

oldnewgreenredo

oldnewgreenredo

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!

oldnewgreenredo

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

oldnewgreenredo

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. 



oldnewgreenredo

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!

oldenewgreenredo

oldnewgreenredo

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.

oldnewgreenredo

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.

oldnewgreenredo





oldnewgreenredo

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.

oldnewgreenredo

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

oldnewgreenredo

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.

oldnewgreenredo

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.

oldnewgreenredo

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.


oldnewgreenredo

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.
oldnewgreenredo

OUR NEIGHBOR has been very ambitious and stockpiled a huge amount of wood...giving them privacy. 

oldnewgreenredo

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.

oldnewgreenredo

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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Sandi