Garden Reports and Rejoicing – April 26
I worked out this morning in the best gym and spa in the Northeast. I lifted weights, got my heart rate up for extended periods, and did many squats over a three-hour period. Some of the time I was focused on my body, but there were periods of meditation and contemplation as well. This AM workout left me smiling all afternoon, even as my arms ached and felt fatigued. It’s true that physical exercise lifts your spirit while it works the body.
The time flew by because the air was fresh, I was visually entertained, and the relaxing music of bird songs played in the background.
Once I was done I headed toward the shower, pleased with my workout and what I’d accomplished in my surroundings. This morning’s gym was my garden, where I dug, weeded, planted and pruned.
No matter what’s happening in the economy, gardening is an investment that provides tremendous dividends. I spent three hours working in the landscape and came away with many of the benefits of a spa vacation.
Five years ago I planted Heuchera 'Pinot Gris' in three groups of three. This year I was left with three groups of two, so I dug up the middle pair and added them to the others so that I now have two groups of three. Part of this effort was digging weeds I encountered along the way, and editing out patches of Sedum alba.
Several plants came down from the test garden into the front garden, including Hypericum 'Olivia' and Achillea 'Pineapple Mango'. I planted them with handfuls of charcoal from the wood stove and alfalfa pellets.
