Praline

Since she is mentioned in my profile, I thought I should introduce her to you. She came, via a pet store, from an animal shelter and at the time she and I decided we could have a relationship, I had no idea what her past had been like. I still don't, but I am certain it had not been a happy one. Thanks to a skirted sofa, she easily found a safe hiding place. A truck coming down the street, even the school bus, frightened her to no end. The lawn people were spotted three or four properties away and caused a dash to the sofa. The UPS and FedEx men were big disturbances in her life, the doorbell terrorized her, and nobody got to see her for a long, long time (friends may have doubted there even was a cat in the house!). Today, two years later, a lot of the fear has disappeared; the trucks no longer bother her, she has made friends with most of my children (especially the one who is allergic to cats) and some of my friends. She is very affectionate, gorgeous and I'm very glad she got me.

Not quite Spring yet.

Sooner or later - within a month, I hope! - Spring will arrive. For now, this poor old Fothergilla Mt. Airy looks awfully dead. Nevertheless, it was nice enough this afternoon to do a little work in my garden. And, truly, signs of life are everywhere. Not only does the Fothergilla show some fat buds, but so do the Viburnums, and the Maples are showing a foot or more or new growth. Warmer days will no doubt bring a bit more excitement.

Master Gardeners are coming out of hibernation.

The Hall County MG Expo will be held in Gainesville on April 10 and 11; one of the best gardening shows in North Georgia, it is an event not to be missed.

This year, Georgia Master Gardeners celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization with a conference, on October 17, in the Busbee Center (very nice; capacity: 350) at Gwinnett Tech in Lawrenceville. No information on the GMG web site yet, but no doubt it will emerge soon. In the meantime, ask questions or offer comments on this blog and I'll pass them on.

Spring is almost here . . .

Well, not quite, but progress is being made! I remember Spring 2007, when the first week-end of April brought us what farmers around here call "a hard freeze" - it killed a lot of stuff, decimated my blueberry bushes and caused all sorts of retarded growth on shrubs and perennials. Today is a beautiful day - bright sunshine, 50s or so and lots of temptation to go out and garden. I'll resist - for now.

Rosemary in February

I know, I know, Northern gardeners are envious of what we, Southerners, see in our gardens in February. Even my neighbor down the street commented on my Rosemary in bloom yesterday.

This specimen, acquired as barely a foot tall set of twigs a few years ago is now more than 5 feet tall. That's not an indication of my skills as a gardener, however; its two cousins, bought at the same place at the same time, died.

Still, one out of three is not bad!

Six months on . . .

Last August, at the media luncheon of the Southern Nursery Association trade show, we all went home with two tiny Agaves (see August 9, 2008 post). Look how they have grown! Especially 'Bloodspot' (top) which has not only more than doubled in size, but also grown several "babies" alongside. 'Happy Crown' is also doing well, even though its growth has not been quite as rapid.

Monarda - looking strong for a new season

This Monarda didyma is one of dozens already popping through the mulch in early February. One of the plants in my garden that never disappoint.

Sedum - a new crop for 2009

This Sedum, acquired at a garden sale in 2007, has bright pink,
almost neon, flower heads. Last year its appearance was not as

pretty as the other Sedums I have in my garden, but I decided to give it another chance!

Everything's Coming Up Green!

In my garden, I have about 100 daffodils; if you want to see fields and fields of these early spring flowers, you must visit the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, in Athens. The minute you turn into the driveway, you will see thousands of them. Well worth the trip!