Let the growing season begin!

Have spent the past couple of weeks working the raised vegetable beds and perennial gardens around the house. Spring came so early here in Wisconsin this year, it tempted many naive city folks to put delicate veggies in the ground way too early. And sure enough, those foolish to plant basil outside before May 15 had to dig the frozen stems out of snow.

The hens and chicks are blooming again.  I love succulents as they plump up an area quickly with texture, color and fullness.

The bearded iris is a surprise of sorts.  It snuck in a few years ago with a box of tulip bulbs, I think.  Anyway, this particular one has naturalized over the past two years and is now spreading and dividing.  It is quite gorgeous.

These chairs on the pool deck add a nice splash of color. And they are in the spot to catch the last rays of sun in the afternoon.

The front gardens are nicely shaded and make a great spot for the house plants to soak up the natural humity and summer warmth while they share space with lots spiria and 15 different hostas. 

Lots more pictures in my picasa album if you'd like to see more of my gardens