Last fall, post four years of restoration and
renovation we started to put our landscape
in order. The walls and fence were up. A
green carpet of sod was put to rest. All of
the beds were dug and edged. Meanwhile
our brick terrace was laid under the century
old horse chestnut. And finally, a plethora
of shrubs and perennials were planted. Yet
post several months of an intense investment
of time and effort, we barely had a month or
two to enjoy our bare beginnings before the
cold weather set in. Post surviving the worst
winter in decades who knew what was next?
Frankly, we spent those grey and dark months
worried that everything we had planted would
be lost. Much of it a gamble as we pushed the
climate zone envelope often. Breaking rules as
to what might survive in frigid central Montana.
Then suddenly, the snow melted and mother
nature took over. For several weeks we've been
as giddy as kids at Christmas. Wondering what
has popped up the night prior. Miraculously our
wisteria sprouted with new growth. And as of
yesterday started to form BLOSSOMS. Along
with rhododendron, azaleas, and a plethora of
other theoretically at risk plants and species.
Most important - our treasured horse chestnut
is flourishing post years of mistreatment due
to construction. Hence for the last few days
I've enjoyed nothing more than sitting beneath
it's spreading boughs as I'm lulled by the buzz
of the honey bees above. You see, this week it
finally started to bloom. Meaning that each and
every branch is covered with yellow cone like
towers of flowers. All attracting what must be
hundreds if not thousands of honey bees. All
who couldn't be bothered with mere mortals.
Thus for at least another week they'll continue
their symphony above. How sweet it is...
With Memorial Day looming many have been
asking what we have planned. Our answer is
nothing. That's because for now, venturing out
into our backyard is akin to taking a vacation.
In between seeing what's new Frank has been
adding to our horticultural display. Hence we
plan to stay close to home and take lots of time
to smell our newly planted roses. Who knows?
We may dine upon freshly picked lettuce and
spinach that self seeded itself. Or simply watch
the melon sprouts that grew from our compost
spring to life. And hopefully, along with those
bees and some sangria we'll get totally buzzed!
