I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother’s Day! My girls and I got out into the yard- I planted 3 of the four Austin’s, finished mulching the main beds and fertilizing, and got the Barden Bed half weeded, so I feel quite accomplished. Still have more weeding, mulching, and edging but things are getting there! Lily planted her first plant- a tiny boxwood that came free with my polyantha order.

Hi Lily! I was really hoping you would pop in and put your two cents in regarding my post :). You are how I first heard about Donohue’s as well and you seemed really pleased with your order. Plus I love your garden and the look you are going for. And thank you for your vote of encouragement. I can’t wait to get them and see how they do! I, too, was really drawn to the coloring of CdB. She looks like the contrast between the leaves and flowers will be stunning. I would love to see more pictures of your clematis if you get the opportunity!

Slumgullion, I totally understand...I have been trialing roses in pots for the last 5 years moving them around the yard to learn what microclimate they like, I have an area in the back patio that I have drawn and redrawn plans in my gardening sketchbook on what to plant. But I think this pandemic has encouraged me to bite the bullet and put things in the ground because life is too short to wait to experience an unexpected beauty. It is true, Belinda’s Dream is not perfumed like other varieties but it is a vigorous and buxom beauty. I was concerned after planting it in its spot that it was not blooming well like it did in the pot, but now that it’s been 3 years, the blooms are a commanding presence in that corner of the yard!

We had a wonderful day here with my mother, daughter and her family, DH, me and our younger son. The only one missing was our eldest who facetimed. My SIL (late brother’s wife), my two nephews and her husband called and sent pictures from Italy where they have been visiting Nephew 2 doing his junior semester in Florence. We had brunch at the club, then home for dessert (my famous fresh blueberry pie), and playing with the littles while the young adults caught up on their video game wars downstairs. DH and I took Andrew on a long golf cart ride to see all the waterfalls in the community and visit the grandchildren’s playground. My mother played with the baby and went home very tired around 4. Everyone else left after dinner.… we are so thankful most of us live within an easy drive! DH gave me a lovely gift of jewelry and the kids went in together on an ice cream maker that makes (supposedly) very speedy sorbets and granita. Mtn, that is the most beautifully perfect peony I have ever seen. Ever! Jojo, your mother is lovely! Mine turned 90 a little over a week ago. We are having a birthday weekend for her in her hometown in June with all her relatives… she and two of her cousins are all 90+ now and are the “grande dames of the fam.“ Love all the pictures of moms, recent and historic ❤️