125 Bags Later

To those who like flowers,
My husband and I spent the weekend spreading 125 2CU FT bags of mulch around the yard. Ouch! Some beds were expanded a little bit, others added to. Several plants were moved to more promising locations, and we added more, mostly hostas.
This May brought beautiful blooms-the best we've had-of the Nova Zembla rhododendrons and the Pink Rosebud azaleas. Currently, the Stella d' Ora day lillies are adding swaths of yellow to the front of the house. By the stone-edged bed, there is also a row of Ruby Stellas, about to open into deep red blossoms.
My favorites, the Endless Summer blue hydrangeas, are blooming. They are in shades of lavender and pink. With the addition of some acidic fertilizer, the colors may change to the beautiful blue shades they are known for: a blend of blue, lavender, and pink that reminds me of Monet's watercolor paintings. Just beautiful! The shocking pink Glowing Embers are about to pop. Other hydrangeas we have include the Blue Wave, Bluebird and Blushing Bride. Although beautiful, hydrangeas do require a LOT of water...their stems are actually enormous drinking straws with leaves. The peonies were pretty and smelled nice, as do the Pink Lemonade honeysuckles.
We also have spireas, Goldmound and Peppermint Stick, which are doing well. Four of the Goldmounds were brought back from the edge of death when purchased, perhaps the last available in town, two years ago. (At a significant discount--did I mention that I love a good bargain?)
Viburnums include the five American Cranberries and the 3 Blue Muffins. The 6 Butterfly Bushes are getting taller. My Clematis vines finally bloomed and I am cheered every time I see them. My mom said they reminded her of the ones HER grandmother had! So maybe it's in the blood.
There are also a number of evergreens, which don't warrant special mention. Although they do look good, they do not inspire me at all. I do like the Pieris, though.
That's been the focus of my recent creative energies. More to come!
Love,
Cindy