Tim and Jen Live Here

Hanging Baskets

I planted some new flowers a couple weeks ago, and also have many perennials that have come back from previous years. One thing I tend not to do myself, though, is hanging baskets. I buy them from a local nursery that always does a nice job with them. I’ve grown torenia (top) the last few years. This picture is actually from two years ago, but I haven’t seen the bumble bees in it yet this year. Isn’t he cute?

This is my first year for streptocarpus (bottom), but it likes a shady spot, and my side porch faces north. When I bought it, it had maybe 5 or 6 flowers on it, but look at it now! I think it’s happy where I’ve got it hanging.

Peonies

Two different types of peonies grace the garden. I don’t know their names, but the white ones have been here since before we moved in. I’ve divided them to spread them around, and they’re just happy as can be.

The pink ones were a gift from Tim’s aunt a couple years ago. The color is so vibrant. Both types are very attractive to ants. You can often find a single flower with a dozen or so ants crawling on it. The ants don’t harm the flowers, and they can be pretty interesting to watch.

Annuals

Every year I like to plant a couple of medium-sized planters that sit on the patio and add some annuals to the garden as well. I found these gorgeous hot pink geraniums and added in three different kinds of trailing annuals to fill out the pot and spill over the edge. I also put some into the garden to provide a couple of bright spots all season long.

In addition, I loved the various shades of purple in this osteospermum (bottom), plus I love the name. I didn’t notice the fly when I took the photo.

Perennials & Shrubs

There are tons of these gorgeous irises all over my back garden right now. They could probably stand to be divided and spread to the side yard as well. Maybe later this summer.

I’ve got lilacs in various spots throughout the yard, because they’re so pretty and I love their smell. But this one has been there for maybe 10 years, and is definitely the most mature.

The lilies of the valley love to grow under the lilacs and rhododendrons in the front yard.

Rounding out the garden along the patio in the back yard are these pinks, which are in the carnation family and love to spread. Behind them is one type of thyme. It’s a great groundcover, and can be used for cooking. I’ve got 3 or 4 varieties of it. Now I just have to remember to cook with it more often. Nearby are these early daylilies (yellow) next to the irises and chives, which are also blooming right now. Did you know that chive flowers make a beautiful and edible addition to spring salads?