Of course....the snow

Yesterday it was 60 degrees.....and today it snows. I wouldn't mind so much because I know we need the precipitation, but does it really have to snow on my day off? My magnolia does look beautiful in the snow though. I planted her just three days ago and already she is looking better then she did at the nursery. My husband bought her for me, she was sitting in the parking lot amongst many trees which were bathing in the direct sunlight. Unfortunately Magnolias do not like constant direct sunlight all day, the beautiful white flowers burn and become brown on their edges. I planted my magnolia in an area where she is sheltered from any strong wind and receives morning sunlight only. I can already tell the improvement! I can't wait till she is big enough for me to sit under and I can relax and take in her sweet perfume.






Speaking of sweet smells.......my Japanese Honeysuckle is doing great! In my side yard I really wanted to create a sweet smelling oasis and when this honeysuckle starts going there will be no stopping it. This honey suckle will have full reign of the entire length of this fence and until it fills out I plan on putting some annuals in to keep it company.

I remember when I was in elementary school, there was a huge honeysuckle bush near the playground. I loved picking off the blossoms and sucking out the sweet nectar.










This is a picture of the fence my honeysuckle will grow around. Although sun hits the fence for most of the day the ground in front is mostly shaded by a huge pine tree. In keeping with my aromatic theme I will be planting Lily of the valley in this area along with different varieties of Hosta.


This is another view of the fence my honey suckle plans to take over. My puppy Ramsey stands at about 5'5" when he is on his hind feet so you can see the fence is rather short. Behind Ramsey is my home-made tomato trellis which stands at about 5'5" as well. I painted it orange so it would contrast with the green leaves of the tomato plants. I made it out of scrape wood I found in my garage that was left by the previous owners.

Well today it snows...but tomorrow I may have sun! Here's hoping for a warmer tomorrow, I can't wait to sit in my garden with a glass of Pinot Grigio, and a huge T-bone steak. I know, I know red wine with red meat....but in the summer it's always Pinot Grigio for me!

Spring is here!

Spring is here and it's hard not to get over excited. Utah weather can be unpredictable, sunny day with 60 degree weather and then next thing you know 2 inches of snow cover the ground. This spring will be the first time my yard is completely ready for new growth. Last year was a fight with three huge ever green bushes, rocks, and weeds.







The part that I am most excited about is my vegetable garden. Last year I worked for days pulling out sod, laying down flagstone, and constructing raised beds with my father. It was a lot of work but the result was completely worth it. I even found a beautiful statue on sale for $30 do make my little garden complete.

In the veggie garden I have already planted two kinds of garlic, shallots, and three kinds of onion. Two days ago I planted my peas as well. I did start a garden inside which was quite the adventure. Some of the seeds, like the pumpkins are doing really well, too well in fact. I'm a bit alarmed at how fast they are growing and I can't wait to get them in the ground. Unfortunately pumpkins are probably the last to go in the garden because they could easily get killed by an unscheduled snow storm.

The plants I learned don't do well are mammoth sunflowers. All of mine died, apparently they do not like to be transplanted and should be planted from seed outside rather then started inside.

The real test will come when I transplant my seedlings into the ground....who will survive?