Happy June!
I say that as I am writing this with a turtleneck on and a wool sweater. But they say that this week’s is going to be summer like…They say.
In case it does get warm, and it will, I have put some shade cloth on the greenhouse to try to keep the temperatures down. Of course just as the anemones are coming into bud, the temps decide to do what they are supposed to. Be summer like.
The anemones and ranunculus don’t like it hot, and will start to go dormant after a week or two of hot temps, so I am trying to keep things cooler. The plants in the tunnel seem to be doing fine, but the tunnel is better vented.
Also with the warmer days the peonies will be popping. I harvested the first handful today,
These Red Charm are the first of many, many peonies that will be harvested in the next few week so get ready. There are a bunch of new varieties this year as well, and because they have only been in for a year, those stems will be very limited. Like one off each bush…but there will be plenty for all.
I have been a busy flower farmer. All of the dahlias are in, and on my morning inspection and slug cutting I see that some are starting to sprout. This always gives me the most angst, are they going to sprout or not. I do see some action but I am still keeping my fingers crossed. This week’s heat should help. And slugs, they are back. Not like last year thank goodness, but it is now part of my morning routine. Slug check and snip.
I had a big flower order go out on Friday night for a Saturday wedding. The bride wanted bright, and wild so the designer got what she asked for. Bright and wild.
The summer flowers are all in the ground except two trays. The bed is prepped, just have to get it done. I had a bit of a blow this afternoon. The peacock orchid that blooms in the last summer, is fragrant and a stunner apparently didn’t like being in the cooler over the winter with the dahlias and the tulips. Damn. Lost at least 50% of the corms. I will plant the rest of the best and keep my fingers and toes crossed. I have been overwintering them for years but in the basement. Lesson learned. If they survive, they will always be stored in the basement here on out.
I leave you with two flower pics.
I forgot, to those that I have snuck up to the porch to see the Carolina wren nest, the eggs have hatched, and the activity going in and out of that nest is fast and furious.
Not to be out done, the robins in the flower shed have also hatched. Also not the best place to raise chicks if you want quiet. I also told Mrs Robin that this wansn’ the best place to have a nest. No one listens to me…
Well Steve is back, so enjoy his intro.
Until next week, Allie. I dream of flowers, do you?