American Meadows had sent me some seeds. They bloomed well, but I didn't get many pictures of them. I was neglectful of the garden, while visiting family for almost 2 months. In many ways, the garden season of 2014 was challenging. The losses were probably the result of cumulative stresses, but I am sure that the very hard winter contributed to the vulnerability and subsequent losses. I … [Read more...] about 2014 Garden Retrospective
2014
Word To The Wise
Do you wait around for the last minute to put your gardens to bed for the winter? That may not be the best thing to do this year. Winter seems to be fast approaching in many areas, and Ohio might get cold quickly. In 2013, the deep cold came with the Thanksgiving holiday, and in 2014 many gardeners are complaining that the temperatures are dropping earlier than usual. What sort of delays did I … [Read more...] about Word To The Wise
The Growing Season Review
July looked best You know how people like to summarize their year during December and especially at the turn of the year? Well, this is that time for Gardeners. Premature you say? For me, I will yet again be absent from my garden and al that remains for me to do this year is planting and preparing for the next spring. The vegetable gardening will consist mainly of cleanup, and for some … [Read more...] about The Growing Season Review
Winding Up July
I didn't say "Hot enough for you?" once this month. Not that I am given to using that phrase, anyway, but the weather in Ohio could not have been more beautiful. We had "Polar vortex" in July. Normally I write off this month in terms of garden work. Only mad dogs and Midwesterners work in the heat and humidity, but the so-called "fall temperatures" (the weatherman's terms, not mine) allowed for … [Read more...] about Winding Up July
Instagram Walk
I took a walk in the garden yesterday and shot some photos in the Instagram app. Most of my peonies are on the wane, but caught a pic or two of them along with some old roses. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ // ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Visit Ilona's Garden Journal on facebook: Click here © 2014 written for Ilona's Garden Journal by Ilona E. An excellent blog. … [Read more...] about Instagram Walk
June Garden Report
More Of What's Happening In My Garden Proof that there is hope for the Sweetgum tree I learned that I can't judge a winter's toll until June, and even then it remains to be seen what a tough summer may inflict on the garden in general and shrubs and trees in particular. Here is what I have observed about my Central Ohio garden so far. > I thought two of the Sweet Gum … [Read more...] about June Garden Report
What To Write About? We are still in a deep freeze.
A cold winter's dayIt has only gotten colder, and that is a rather boring topic, unless you live in the likes of Atlanta where this winter has turned things topsy-turvy for them. Midday here in the Central Ohio area, and it isn't above 10 degrees. I am grateful for the light cover of snow which provides something of a protection for the garden.Most of the excitement around here is in terms of … [Read more...] about What To Write About? We are still in a deep freeze.
Still too early, so wait for it
Don't Start Seeds Too EarlyPhoto: MissyRedBoots, Judith BrougSome of you aren't going to heed this advice. I blame the fact that this winter has been so long (psychologically) and cold that with all the complaints about it, many gardeners want to jump the gun. Whether the stores will aid and abet you, I don't know... our road conditions have been bad and I haven't gone to stores with seed … [Read more...] about Still too early, so wait for it
Midwinter. Colder Than Usual
View over the fieldEveryone is talking about the weather. It is a colder than usual winter, though we had our little January thaw which seemed almost tropical, while somewhat rainy. It is too bad the snow melted off, because these temperatures and drying winds that Ohio has had recently is none too good for plant health. At least it is also deadly for insects...so that's one good thing.We … [Read more...] about Midwinter. Colder Than Usual
2014 Too Soon
Lights among the plants Another way to say "Tempus Fugit", it seems that we simply flew into the new year, with the holidays as almost a passing thought. I don't think I've ever felt that a Christmas season had ever been as attenuated as this one. Few seem to have this view, and many are glad to see 2013 behind. For me it was a year of highs and lows and little in between, but mostly a … [Read more...] about 2014 Too Soon
Looking Frontwards and Backwards
We develop sort of an owl-like vision where we swivel our view to face the direct past or look into the future. I guess it is part of the planning process that leads to our New Year's divide, resulting in resolutions and plans.This past year was, overall, a good gardening year for me; although I did end the season with an injury to my knee which is taking lots of time to heal. Still, I powered … [Read more...] about Looking Frontwards and Backwards