Spring Fever in My Garden

There is so much happening in the world today.  I’m having a hard time focusing on writing about the beautiful Italian Gardens I visited this past Fall.  The flashes of Italian splendor shown during the winter Olympics so near Lake Como would make this a perfect time to share some of the great beauty to be found there in a different season. But it just isn’t happening in my storytelling brain right now.

 

Here’s a peek at what I promise will come.

 

In truth, I have been spending every free moment in my own garden.  February is Spring in my AZ garden.  Its also my birthday month, Valentine’s Day, and a month filled with family memories.

 I go into my garden to save my sanity, to focus on what is good, what is beautiful, and to lower my blood pressure. Perhaps you can relate.  But look what I have found.

 

My Olive trees received their annual haircut.  My citrus trees have flourished with beautiful fruit, and I have plenty to share.

Soon I will have Artichokes, but then I have to choose whether to eat them or wait for the flowers to bloom.

 

My spider lily is bursting into bloom.  It will soon need to be dug up and divided.  That is a huge project.

I have had to dig the spider lily up to divide it, here is a pic of the challenge.

Since my garden is watered by drip irrigation and the well-designed system has aged, there have been some big leaks that require immediate attention.  Then, because I want flowers everywhere, I have frequently added emitters here and there.  This bad habit of mine throws off the pressure balance, so the water flow can be uneven, leaving some struggling transplants.

Still, right now it is glorious.  Dutch Iris in Purple and white are blooming, and Alyssum in the same colors is spreading into carpets, sending its sweet fragrance into the evening air.

The fragrance of orange, grapefruit, and lemon blossoms is just beginning.

 

Sweet peas are budding, Shirley poppies are too.  The deep red geraniums on the front patio keep blooming steadily.  

 

The tangerine cross vine is just beginning to flower.

The mass of Shamrock leaves is still flourishing, though the abundant pink blooms have faded away.

 

Jasmine will come along soon.

 

Lady Banks Roses are just beginning to bloom against the backdrop of the deep yellow fence.

I had some visitors in the garden these past few days. They enjoy the beauty and seem to gasp at the number and variety of plants they see.  Then the question of how much work this must require to care for it. It does require attention, and some days I feel quite weary but everyday I feel delighted.  Life is a balance.

 

I  hope you enjoyed this peek at my garden, and I’ve included a gallery of other views.   I promise to share stories of Italian Gardens soon.