Finally Some Home Gardening

I was finally able to get out in my own home garden this weekend and did some significant, long overdue, clean-up. Above is the emerging foliage of the golden cutleaf elderberry (Sambucus racemosa 'Sutherland Gold') which is also well-represented at RBG with five or so specimens. My specimen is in the corner of the backyard where it truly becomes a "beacon of color" with it's bright gold foliage throughout the summer. I spent lots of time pruning woody plants around our small property and removed a good sized upright yew (Taxus) that has been dying a slow death. I also cut back our grasses and will continue to poke away at our garden projects weekly.

To the left are the new lettuce (Lactuca) seedlings that my younger daughter planted seven days ago on Easter. While we're not quite ready for a salad yet, she was excited to see that "haze" of green as our containers begin to show growth. We haven't seen the start of our carrots (Daucus) yet but hope to soon. I also planted some peas and we're a couple weeks away from planting our tomatoes, etc. To the right is a hybrid magnolia (Magnolia) that is one of the "Little Girls" series....maybe 'Nicki'? Below are the emerging "spears" of the variegated Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum') also in my backyard. This one spreads a bit is a nice, mid-height groundcover for part shade. Further below is a neat daffodil (Narcissus), grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) and at the bottom, a neat species tulip (Tulipa tarda) known for its long life out in the garden and the bright yellow flower petals with white tips.