Weeds and World Problems in the May Garden

An established moss path is low maintenance, but it does need to be kept free of leaves and debris, and it needs to weeded once in a while. Weeding my moss paths in the woodland garden is a mindless, repetitive chore, and I enjoy doing it.An overview of the May woodland garden

I use a thick old canoe cushion to protect my knees while kneeling, and I take my time. I like to do this after a rain because weeds come up more easily. I use several types of weeding tools, depending on the weed. One of my favorites is a fishtail weeder that is perfect for popping small weeds out of the paths and for getting up the tap roots of plants like dandelions.The main moss path in the woodland garden

When I am weeding I let my mind drift. I listen to the birds. I make a mental list of other needed chores and plan future projects for the garden. I think about people I know, and in general I mentally solve the problems of the world as one weed after another succumbs to my efforts. If only world problems could be so easily eliminated. World problems do, after all, have some resemblance to weeds.A favorite view of the little bridge in the woodland garden

Summer arrived this month, and the air is thick and warm and laden with moisture. The woodland garden is a deep green retreat from the hot glare of the sun. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to enjoy sun rays that filter through the canopy. We have had plenty of rain this past week, and often the light sparks off leaves still wet with raindrops. I can almost imagine myself walking in a primordial paradise, except for the weeds, which quickly bring me back to reality.

More views around the garden this month:

Here is a view across the front lawn.The woodland garden is in the small valley on the far side of the drive.

Views of the front garden

A view across the lower front lawn near the entrance to our propertyA tropical storm is headed our way in the next day or so. Lots of rain, and more weeds coming! 

Happy gardening to you; and, while we can't solve all the world's problems, may we each do whatever we can in our little corner of the world to make the world a better place.   Deb

Mid-spring in Deb's Garden, 2018

I heard a commentator on the radio say that winter is like a grumpy old man, arguing and complaining about everything. You heave a sigh of relief as he finally starts to leave. But as he is going out the door, he turns back and says, "Oh, and one more thing..." 

We are well into mid-spring now, but with temps still sometimes dropping near freezing, I have not been able to plant summer annuals or veggies or put my potted tropical plants outdoors. But it won't be long. Meanwhile, spring flaunts its glorious colors, and the world is alive with new growth and fresh flowers.Young bloom of Rosa rugosa 'Alba' - a wonderfully fragrant species rose.Trees are green again. We have had plenty of rain (and some weeds grow two feet overnight). I enjoy the cool mornings and temperate afternoons. I am busy, busy, busy!

Here are some recent scenes around the garden. I wish you could also feel the crisp breeze, hear the birds chirp and the bees buzz, and smell the fragrances of fresh earth, pine straw and sweet blooms!

George Lindley Taber azaleas

Young blooms of Snowball Viburnum

Snowball Viburnum grows behind the pink birdhouse.

Clockwise from upper left: Native azalea; Snowball Viburnum; Late-blooming daffodil; Calycanthus floridus 'Athens' - it smells like ripe bananas.

Clockwise from left: Cornus Florida 'Cherokee Princess'; Aquilegia vulgaris (old fashioned Granny's Bonnet Columbine); Clematis 'H F Young.'

Heuchera 'Caramel'

I have forgotten the unpronounceable name of this Japanese maple I obtained from former Auburn head football coach Pat Dye, but I love its variegated pink foliage.

A scene in the front garden. The beautiful heuchera in front was a bargain find at the end of last summer that had no tag. I wish I knew its name, as I want to buy more!I hope you enjoyed a peek at my mid-spring garden. Blessings to you all!  Deb