Blog de Puree

I **used** to have a green thumb. I could start stuff from seed and expect bumper crops, but not this year. Every new planting I touch seems to suffer this year. In the long-run, I suppose it can be said I’ve saved all my “growing” powers for other, more important, endeavors this year.

That said, some of my past gardening successes are thriving. My peonies, planted in Fall 2005, made an appearance in Summer 2006 but hadn’t established themselves enough to bloom. But this Spring, I’m the proud peony-mama to 2 (of 3) bloomers this year. (The 3rd is quite leafy, but without buds, I think it may be planted to deeply and will need to be dug up a little. I’m also thinking it might need to be moved to a sunnier spot.)

Not a prolific show yet, but they take a long time to get established and fully mature. (Like roses, they can continue for decades.)

And then there is the herb garden. Wow, is there an herb garden! We planted it about this time 2 summers ago and it quickly thrived. Even after getting beaten back last fall during the kitchen renovation, it sprung back – en force.

The sage is savage, the chives are copious, the lavender is lavish, the lamb’s ears are lush, the oregano is overflowing and the mint is monstrous. Mojitos, anyone?

Lastly, not gardening related, but definitely flower-related. I was surprised (and delighted) to come home to a GORGEOUS and GINORMOUS bouquet from Paul — an early 4th anniversary present. Full of peonies, Asiatic lilies, roses and Gerber daisies, it’s fragrance is just amazing. (And since I have a cold and can still thoroughly enjoy it, you know it’s aromatic!) Thanks, sweetie!!! xoxo

Behold!