Bloom Time!

     It is now peak bloom time and also peak planting time, so I hope to be forgiven for falling behind. We have planted this near the front door and the fragrance is a joy  to experience  as we go in and out of the house.

     Those of us who love fragrance can extend our season by many weeks by picking our plants -- either other lilacs or other species. I have been waiting for some years now for a client who wants to maximize his or her olfactory experience. Any takers?

     Lilacs should be pruned as soon as the bloom fades. Prune once and prune hard. Any snipping you do later will just cut off the buds for next year.

     And now we get to the most spectacular  flower in the US, the tree peony (Paeonia suffricosa). This shrub does not flop, and unlike herbaceous peonies, does not attract ants as much as its herbaceous cousins. Its bloom is nothing short of awesome.

     

     

     The shrub form of the peony also blooms a few week earlier than the herbaceous varieties, so you can extend your season. These flowers come in an endless variety of colors  as well.

     I spend a lot of time on vegetables last year, so I am giving you a break this year. My warm weather veggies (tomatoes, cukes, peppers,etc.) were planted over Memorial Day weekend. My North Carolina friends, who are already harvesting tomatoes, are having a good laugh at my expense.