Sunday, January 08, 2012

Things seem to be budding early

I was just in the garden and noticed how many plants have little green buds on them. The blueberries, blackberry and most of the bushes around the yard have little leaf buds swelling. I worry a bit for them, should we get a hard frost.
Last year in the heat of summer I planted three young cranberry cottoneasters that I grew from seed. They really suffered from the bad planting time coupled with the drought we get here in the summer. They were planted in awkward areas where the hoses don't reach. They dropped all of their leaves, and even though they are notoriously tough plants, I thought it was possible that I had killed them. I am thrilled to report...they are all alive. All three have teeny little green leaves coming out. I have a real soft spot for cottoneasters. I have two regular varieties growing against our shed. They fan up in a flat style that makes them perfect for walls. In the spring they get covered with small white flowers that the bees go crazy for. Right now they are covered with small bright red berries. The birds will devour them eventually.

4 comments:

Casa Mariposa said...

Hooray for plants that only play dead! I've had quite a few of mine do excellent Lazarus impressions, too.

Erin said...

It is wonderful to see things starting to come to life. It makes me feel like gardening time is almost here. After we return from vacation in late feb. spring will be right around the corner.

Mark Willis said...

Where are you going for your vacation - anywhere exciting??

Erin said...

We are going to Keauhou just south of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. We've been going for 11years. My son is getting married while we're there, so that will make it a very special trip.