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Spring garden clean up. The harsh and not so pretty truth.

It’s so pretty and clean inside, isn’t it?

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Not so much outside in the back garden.

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So, while the sun is out, I put both of the cats and my citrus tree outside, (Morgan went quietly, but Milo was hauled out unceremoniously from under Chloe’s quilt), and spent three-plus hours spring cleaning the garden.

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Oh yes! Raking and pruning resulted in two green bins full to the brim, ready for next Monday’s pick up.

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Morgan helped me take stock of the general state of the plants after a non-existent winter.

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The roses are all doing extremely well and greening up like crazy. It was high time for a prune and that’s exactly what I did. The Julia Child rose is outgrowing all the others so I had to trim that Dame down to size.

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Both the rosemary bushes are vibrant with blossoms. You wouldn’t think it in a northern climate, but it’s true! I saved both of the plants from construction sites and they are rewarding me with abundant and luxurious growth. (Note to self: find more rosemary recipes)

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Morgan, who is my gardening companion, took a sudden interest in the boughs of the ancient apple tree.

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Ah, so that’s it. I’ve been trowing the Christmas nuts out to the squirrels and they’ve been around me in the garden every day.

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Under the apple tree there are tons and tons of violets.
I love violets so much. Isn’t it unfair that, once you smell their sweet scent, you have to go smell coffee or wait for several minutes to smell it again?

I think it’s high time to candy some again for the year.

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And here are the June bearing raspberries. Last year was the most incredible season for them. I hope this year is a repeat.

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Morgan is judging my rose pruning.

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My very small collection of garden statuary is still fine. The little pig and the cherub are ready to adorn the garden beds again this year. One hangs out under the raspberries and the other under the climbing hydrangea. My granddaughters love them.

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The clumps of mini daffodils are my Old Faithfuls. They were those kinds one buys in pots in grocery stores, and once they bloomed out, I planted the whole bunch of bulbs straight into the garden, where they naturalise, multiply and bloom each year. I’ve done that very successfully with grocery store bought crocuses, irises and hyacinths as well, and, although the hyacinths don’t come back as full as the original store bought ones, they’re taller and just as fragrant, so actually better for the vase.

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One little disaster from last summer’s drought is that a giant and old hedging cedar tree died, and I decided to remove it plus the two cedars beside it to the South because they were just too wide and closing off my path to the shade garden. Unfortunately, I lost a bit of privacy from my neighbour, but I like my neighbour very much, and plan to extend a small pergola which supports an enormous clematis Armandii.

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So that’s my garden clean up for today. The most wonderful thing is that now I have a cleaner garden and this beautiful little bouquet of violets beside my bed tonight.

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I hope your garden is springing up where you are…or winding down with tons of flowers and produce if you’re down under like my friend Julie. Gardening is so rewarding. Don’t you think so? I’m really looking forward to this spring season. I hope it’s a good one.

Comments: 10

  • February 23, 2016
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    You are blessed with such fantastic weather to work in your beautiful garden. Thank you for sharing the beginning stages with us. It would be fun to watch it as it advances in the upcoming months.

  • Jo

    February 23, 2016
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    Great job at the garden clean up. I always like the grubby feeling of getting out there and getting a lot done – and then coming back in to a cozy and clean house – getting myself cleaned up and enjoying the thoughts of all that has been accomplished. Little bouquets help too.

  • February 23, 2016
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    a wonderful post!! at the moment it’s too cold and rainy here – yesterday it often hailed… but my garden looks like your second picture and I would like to clean up it soon!!
    your cats are so beautiful!

  • February 23, 2016
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    Gorgeous cats! The house does look beautiful but actually I think the garden does too. Tidyness doesn’t necessary equal beauty to me (which is just as well, considering my own garden.)

  • Pondside

    February 24, 2016
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    Well done!…..but then you had help…….
    I haven’t gone out to do any clean up yet. There are branches everywhere, and weeds that grew all winter long. Perhaps on the weekend….

  • February 24, 2016
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    That’s a lot of physical labour for one afternoon! Good thing the cats were there to supervise you.

  • February 24, 2016
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    It’s wonderful to see your spring flowers blooming…so green, vibrant and fresh.
    It will be awhile before we see such beauty. Thanks for sharing.
    Enjoy your garden…great job!

  • February 26, 2016
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    Wow–you are doing what I usually do in May…or even sometimes June!!

    Although it is almost 13 degrees Celsius here today—breaking 70 year old records.

    Not enough snow in my entire yard to make a snowball!!

  • February 27, 2016
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    as a city dweller with no garden i get to have one vicariously through yours … and its so nice i dont have to do all the work, i just get to reap the rewards via your lens!

  • March 2, 2016
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    Hello lovely .. Gosh how slow am I getting to see you? Hugs .. Oh how nice to be mentioned, well I hope it’s me. I just love this post, so many beautiful images .. And Morgan, that kitty is so precious! Gardening is so rewarding .. Big huge hugs xxxxx

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