Sunday, May 19, 2013

Weigela

This is the Weigela I bought at Schreiner's last week.  It was in a 1-gallon container.  Large plant but pot bound.  I suspect it's a start from one of the big weigelas in their show garden, likely an old or heritage variety.
I pruned the roots so they will grow into the surrounding soil instead of winding around.  That might leave it more susceptible to dehydration but better in the long run.  The soil is fairly high clay so should retain moisture.  I mulched with compost then straw.  It will need watering this summer.

Weigelas are listed as deer resistant, drought tolerant, and pollinator friendly.  I saw honeybees pollinating them at Schreiner's.  They are also listed as hummingbird friendly.

I think this one will grow large, based on the ones I saw at the show garden.

If they bloom on growth that occurs early spring the year before, it might not bloom next year.  If they bloom on growth that occurs after flowering, there is a better chance of blooming next year.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Schreiner's Iris Gardens

Laburnum
Schreiner's Iris Gardens
Aesculus
Weigelia

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Trees. Progress Report.

Laburnum. The flower clusters may not be as long as in an established tree. Still beautiful. Redmond linden. Also growing nicely. Also no sign of flowers. The leaves are lighter green, and larger, compared with Greenspire. Greenspire linden. All are growing nicely. No sign yet of flower buds. Maybe none the first year. I think all of the trees planted last summer and fall will need water approximately weekly this summer. They are mulched as well.

Canby Plant Fair

Saturday we went to the Canby plant fair. Worth the trip. Many people brought little wagons for their plants. We didn't think to do that. Ning bought some tree peonies and an Enkianthus campanulatus. I bought a grafted tomato, "Hawaiian Pineapple" and some chili pepper plants.

Sunday, May 05, 2013

Pear grafts. Progress report.

Some are growing better than others.

At the moment, all grafts are growing.

Very few incipient pears on the trees. It may take a couple of years for these to bloom. When they do bloom, the grafts should help the pollination issue.  Establihsed hives may also help.

Strawberry Raised bed.

Ning gave me 2 bales of straw. Not my birthday. Great present. With temps in 80s the plants will grow rapidly. The soil will dry out rapidly, too. A good straw mulch will help.

Beekeeping. Progress Report.

Minor maintenance on beehive. Check top bars, make sure there is room for expansion of hive. Remove the empty sugar feeders. Near the hives, a row of wild white-flowered trees. I don't know what they are. Mild musky fragrance. There were bumblebees as well as a few honeybees on these flowers.

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Frosted Fig and Potatoes

Potatoes. I think they will grow back.Frosted fig. Petite negri.Frosted fig. Sal's fig.On Tues night it frosted at the Battleground place. The only damage I saw was to fig leaves, potato leaves, and some damage to new mulberry growth. Disappointing but it could have been worse.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Honeybee on Echinacea / William Blake

The busy bee has no time for sorrow.”  
Photo via commons.wikipedia.org public domain photos. apis meliferra carnica on echinacea purpurea flower