Looking out over the back garden, my eye unfailing is drawn to the eyesore left by the pine tree, where the stump was ground (one day I'll think of something to do with that -- I wish they had left the actual stump, it would have been easier to make it a "feature")
But once I can get over that, there *are* some patches of color in the garden - mostly in the two back corners. In one, the "birdbath garden" my containers seem to be doing well. The Babylon white verbena has been blooming strongly all winter and continues to do so, as do the "Cool Wave" pansies.
I'm looking forward to seeing these lilies bloom. As you can see, the markers have completely faded, so I have no idea what they are. I hope that when they bloom, I'll be able to identify them.
The birds love this corner too, not only for the birdbath, but because they can peck around on the ground for seeds that get blown off the wall, where I sprinkle the bird seed each morning. Some mornings it seems like there's 20 or more sparrows out there. Sometimes just Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal.
In the other corner of the garden, the other splash of color is provided by more verbena - the Homestead purple verbena.
A closeup view reveals some Achillea in the back of the bed. I planted the Achillea all over the garden two or three years around and this is the only patch that has survived. I think it likes its little protected spot under the vitex tree and up against the wall. It's getting ready to bloom.
I'm sort of itching to get gardening, but Eric and I are heading out of town, so my plans will have to wait. I'll tell you about it when we get back next week.
Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.
