Fall Plantings

30 August 2009. Today I started planting for my HOME. I add that because today is the day I am laying claim. I haven't been here a year in this home. I've watched what is blooming here, where the sun shines and the shade dapples and where the dogs love to roam. Last month I took out a very thorny shrub I believe was a barberry or berberis. (I am sorry about the spellings - my garden books have not been unpacked yet. The new bookcase just arrived and needs to be stained before I can unpack.) I just planted 3 Summer Sweet 'Ruby Spire' in its place. They smell heavenly. I choose them because of this (they are by the bedroom window), the sunny location and that they bloom in August. I am zone 5. The previous owner must of been a fabulous gardener the bones of this yard are wonderful. Unfortunately the yard has been neglected so I'm trimming slowly. I planted my mints at the feet of the Summer Sweet. I know they will be a bit of a nuisance but I use them so much that I will keep vigil. I am adding to the existing shrubs in this bed- burning bush, bridal veil spirea, forsythia and a mountain ash tree. I moved the poppies out of here, today, because the lily of the valley was choking them. They will go in the perennial bed. Today is also the first day of my blog. This is where I'll track the garden, the weather and our home. I'm not a strong writer but I hope this will help. Today the sun keeps popping out of the clouds and the high will only be 68 degrees a little cool for August.