Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Garden Visitors

Checking the garden almost daily now.
Just for the fun of it.
Just for the hope of spring.
But don't get too excited.
We had snow flurries this morning.


A few more daffodils in bloom.



In the shade garden one of the bleeding hearts is on its way up. Perhaps it is lobbying to NOT be replaced this year?



One of the Ostrich ferns is also showing. I hope they do better this year.



Last year I transplanted some of our Desert Candles (Eremurus robustus) along with some white daylilies. I've been keeping an eye out for them. Well, the desert candles are coming up alright.



But do you think I planted any under our back deck???



No. I did not. I think I'm having the same problem as Garden Girl. I guess I'll try her solution and transplant them along with a thick layer of mulch. Hope that will help.

And here is why we love desert candles so much.



Aren't they gorgeous?

A few facts: They flower in late spring; June around here. Plants are about 30-70 inches tall. Hardy to zone 5 with mulch. Full sunlight. Plant their tuberous roots in the fall.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I hope your ostrich ferns come back and do well. I've never had luck with ferns, I have been watching for any signs of life from my lady ferns, but I don't think they are coming back, sigh... There must be some trick I haven't discovered yet.

Becca's Dirt said...

I have never heard of a desert candle flower. It is beautiful. Is that something that is popular for your area?

Connie said...

It just hailed here and snow is in the forecast for tonight. My first daffodil has yet to bloom....is spring really coming this year?

Those dessert candles are stunning!

Brenda said...

Wow. Those desert candle's are beautiful. Do they need full sun?

Brenda said...

OH.ya. duh....just re-read your post. I was overtaken by their beauty. And ferns....they love shade...love, love, love it. I have about 6 plants in my backyard that got donated to me that were actually 3 plants and I split them apart. It's taken them a couple years but they are really filling in... and they sat in a pile for two winter... I'm a bad gardner.

funny... my word verification was..meries...

1keewee1 said...

Looks like many of your plants are going to make a good show for you. I am rather fond of ferns so have started buying one or two every year.

Unknown said...

I didn't know they were commonly known as desert candles! We grow them in this country too. Great plants!

Ryan

p.s. thanks for all the great comments on my blog!

Anonymous said...

Some of your pictures would make lovely postcards.

I've got to get out and rake off my flower bed to give my daffodils and bleeding hearts some room. They always come back so happily every spring no matter what kind of winter we had.

Bek said...

Love the desert candles! Great color. I didn't have any luck with my bleeding heart last year. I'm not sure if it will even come back this year.

Pat said...

I can see why you like desert candles...stunning.

Gardeness said...

Wow, that Desert Candle is amazing. Reminds me of Red Hot Poker but much taller of a flower. Love seeing all the wonderful things popping up in your garden. Look forward to getting to know your blog!

Kathleen said...

oh my goodness ~ you just solved my mystery plant dilemma Victoria. I love these fox tail lilies (that's what I always call them) but I never noticed their foliage when they first emerge before this year. I don't know why?? I usually see them when the leaves are a little longer & strappier (is that a word). Last fall, I added some bronze lilies to my yellow one and I'm so thrilled to read your post, recognize the lilies and know mine are coming up! Thank you for that! btw, I'm ready for spring too but we keep getting snow also.

Barbarapc said...

Last fall I planted 3 more eremurus (for the 3rd time), I'm hoping that this time will be the charm - especially after seeing your beautiful display. I like the name desert candle - they're often called foxtail lilies here.

Town Mouse said...

Well, those desert clandles are amazing! Never saw them before. Never have been to Idaho, but always thought one day I'll go. Love potatoes ;->
Maybe one day I'll do that bike trip across the country, but for now, a virtual visit isn't bad either.

bs said...

you're such an enabler! i actually bought another hellebore after you posted about them...

and now i'm thinking i need desert candles. ah well, at least they're legal!

Q said...

It is a joy to visit your gardens.
I am looking forward to reading all of your journal and getting to know you.
Happy April. Happy Spring.
Sherry

Genie said...

Wow, desert candles ARE awesome!

garden girl said...

Love those desert candles - just beautiful!

Thanks for link-love! So far this spring while picking up sticks and cleaning up the garden, I've found a daylily the varmints dug up - I hope it's not the one I think it is - last fall I transplanted Sunday gloves into a new spot and it hasn't come up yet. I also found a pink anemone planted last fall they uprooted sometime over the winter. I'm sure they're both dead, but silly me, I soaked them and potted them up to see if there's any hope for them.

I don't mind as much when they replant them - as long as they plant them crown-side up!