The Growing Season

I can grow hostas.

 They were really just an afterthought, a few years back when we were landscaping our front yard.  I didn't even know what they were, just that they liked shade.  And, having a north-facing house, I've got boatloads of shade in the front.  We plopped them next to the front door as a filler.  They have been very happy there, away from the borders that tempt wandering deer.  They are so big now, they almost look a little ridiculous.

The things planted intentionally have not done so well.  All I want is two large, flowering bushes that grow past the base of the front window.  I don't think I'm asking for much.  Two bushes, that is all.  

This lonely bush is the result of two attempts.  It's supposed to grow big... up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide.  This is it's third summer season.  I don't think it's reaching it's full potential.  This is, however, the first time it has actually bloomed.

 This is one tough little bush, not giving in to the winter-kill of the off-season.  Growing in what is most likely a foot of rock (shout-out to Bill, the rock king).  Never feeling the warmth of direct sunlight.  

I've got to respect the bush.

But I can't help wishing it's twin hadn't died out the first winter, and that it would have a sudden growth spurt.

The peonies look good again this year.  Barring hail, a deep freeze, or tornados, they should be blooming pretty soon.  I can't wait.  They are my favorite.

The house I grew up in had lovely peonies, and a beautiful lilac bush.  Just the other day, I walked up to my neighbor's door... her lilac bush is blooming, and smelled so amazing, I determined that I must have one myself.  So my gardening goals this year are:

plant more peonies

plant a lilac bush (or two, just in case one doesn't make it)

keep the weeds down in the unplanted garden area.

(Although Bill is determined to till the garden, then "throw in some seeds."  Maybe the after-thoughtful, casual, unintentional approach will work??? It can't be worse than last year.)