Busy Week, Dirt Therapy and Wet Stalwarts

We have been busy gardening for the last eight days and since I last blogged.. Besides working in the Prospect Gardens, Ann and I enjoyed shopping for and placing potted plants on our long deck that extends across the front of our apartment. A variety of annuals joined a statute of Buddha, a small water fountain, and two large pottery vases. We brought these four items with us when we moved last August into our apartment.  Ann's ability to select and match colors contributed to a very pleasing display of flowers.

On May 13, a sunny Saturday, Ann and I joined the crowd at the annual UW- Arboretum plant sale. We arrived at 9 a.m. and chatted with others as we waited about a half hour before getting into the tent. I enjoyed a cookie while patiently listening to a woman with a wonderful accent telling us about a mysterious plant in her garden. She kept showing us several pictures on her camera while expecting us to guess the plant's name.  I felt like I was caught in a version of  "Garden Jeopardy". After about ten minutes she revealed the plant's name.

We purchased five Columbines and made our way to the Gardens. The five replaced those that didn't survive the  winter.  Ann and I spent more time than I anticipated. Laura, a stalwart volunteer, joined us after walking her friendly little dog. We weeded as time swiftly flew by. We ended about one o'clock.

My niece's husband refers to gardening as "dirt therapy."  The analogy is somewhat appropriate, from the perspective of relieving stress. For me, however, the difference is that when gardening I don't do self-analysis or seek self-improvement. Gardening is more like meditation with the object of meditation being the task before me. As I garden I experience calmness, a feeling of generosity, being connected to Mother Earth, and time dissolving.

On Friday, May 19th, before the rains arrived in the late afternoon, I planted four boxes full of Sweet Woodruff. Ann S.,  a friend and leader of our Japanese Crane sessions, offered the plants. Ann S. cares for an garden area that makes up an intersection in front of her home.

Sweet Woodruff is a great ground cover that spreads quickly and took over her small garden.  Digging it out required pulling on the carpet-like root system after digging under it. The slopes that make up much of Prospect Gardens need ground cover. The quick spreading Sweet Woodruff will help prevent erosion while adding early spring green color that will last until frost. Perfect!

Here is one area on the border of the shade garden with the newly transplanted Sweet Woodruff. The stump is from a tree removed several years ago and is at the top of the slope. Over time, the area in front of the stump should be covered, and in early Spring with many delicate small white flowers also. Three other areas in the garden gladly received more Sweet Woodruff.

Today Ann and I returned to Ann S's intersection garden for more Sweet Woodruff and transplanted them into the Prospect Gardens. I already had some, planted a few years ago. We also transplanted grasses from Janice's rain garden. Janice was our neighbor when we lived on Keyes Avenue. Thanks Janice and Ann S. for the gifts.  




Saturday, May 20th, arrived with cloudy skies and rain once again in the forecast. The rain fell all Friday reminding me of the rainy Oregon days when we lived in Portland in the 1970's. We headed for the gardens just before 9 a.m and as we left the garage, sprinkles hit the windshield. We persisted. Two stalwart volunteers joined Ann and I. Here's Joyce pulling weeds. Notice her winter hat; needed because the temperature was about 45 degrees.

The rain increased, but then would stop for awhile. Here's Laura working diligently.

While working, Nick who lives next to the Gardens, leaned over the picket fence and offered future use of water from his rain barrel. This includes a hose. I gladly accepted. Thanks Nick. You may recall that  Nick and his son made the bird houses that now grace the garden.

One bird house has attracted a wren. We don't know if Mother wren will actually select the house in which to lay her eggs. Mother wrens, along with the help of their male mate, build several nests. Mother selects which one to lay her eggs and bring up her brood. I will be watching the house to see if it was selected.

When this picture was snapped the rain had already increased, as you can tell by the soaking of Joyce's jacket. Joyce's smile and laughter lessened the sting of the cold rain.

By 10:30am,  we threw in the trowels, giving in to Mother Nature. Ann distributed her delicious homemade lemon bars and we all headed home. We were pleased with what we accomplished. Thanks Laura and Joyce.