GARDENING In MAY, Gardening as Therapy

May Day! What's new in the garden this week? Since we've had such a warm winter and spring, there is already so much color in the outside garden. The columbine are three feet high!  These pink hardy gladiolas are brightening the patio.

Although we have rain in the forecast, the temperature is supposed to go up over the next week with no danger of frost. So I planted our herb bin. New this year--Thai basil, pineapple sage, and boxwood basil. I also added English thyme and spicy oregano.  I have a planter that wintered with lemon thyme.  I added another plant to that of a different variety.

With the sun shining today, I moved trays of petunias, geraniums and impatiens outside for a little sun. As you can see, the tomatoes are a bit spindly, but warmer weather and sun should remedy that. Next week I'll discuss the heirloom tomatoes that are the hardiest.  The petunias are stretching their necks for the same reason and are ready to plant. But our outside conditions warn me to wait until next weekend, at least. The impatiens are vigorously growing and also will be ready to plant outside after Mother's Day.  That's our date that we hope won't see any more frost.

In another week I'll be ready to fill planters that will be able to thrive outside. I've filled one for a friend with petunias, geraniums and a daisy.  New this year is fiberoptic grass!  I'm looking forward to watching the planters grow. Next on my growing list--planting zucchini and sunflowers.

Have a wonderful first week in May.

Karen

© 2012 Karen Rose Smith

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