LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE VOLUNTEERS

                  Three days of over eighty degree weather, and the garden state is indeed, living up to its name. Everyone is weeding, seeding, mowing and planting. As I was walking the perimeter of the house and garage, I noticed a few unsolicited suspects like the lovely dogwood (which was a tiny volunteer a few years ago, and look how it is now a tree!), and behind it, this Japanese Maple tree. I am actually noticing several, which would be great if we lived in the forest, but we don't. Trying to maintain a balance of relaxed woodsy gardening and planned, specific garden beds, I always feel guilty pulling out volunteers like this one. We replanted one near the driveway and walkway last year, but now I am seeing several of these. We have two very mature Japanese Maple trees on our property and now the third replanted one, so maybe it is time to do away with a few of these volunteers. Last year we also found this pussywillow volunteer that we have moved from the backyard to the front. Speaking of the front yard, my first purchase from the nursery this season, some geraniums. We always had geraniums growing by our front door when I was a young girl, and of course, their scent brings me back home to my Mom, so I love to have them there whether I am coming or going. I hear that the weather will be turning tomorrow and getting back into the fifties, so I will practice restraint in the garden for a little bit longer.
♥, Susan          

Comments

[Megan]

Geraniums remind me of my grandmother. She had them, always red (I believe) and planted in a circle in this gigantic pot she had. My mom has the pot and has taken to planting geraniums now. :-) And I wish I had some volunteers like you do! My volunteers are weeds, too many holly bushes, and more weeds.

[Brenda Kula]

Oh, I wish I lived nearby and you could give me those volunteers! I've wanted a Japanese Maple for the longest time. And that dogwood volunteer is straight as an arrow!
Brenda
http://viewfromthepines
http://cozylittlehouse.blogspot.com

[Sher's Creative Expressions]

Oh how I wish I lived closer. I'd take those volunteers off your hands. . .no problem!

Blessings,

Sher

[Robin]

Everything looks so pretty blooming.....it was cold in the 40's today..I had to wear my coat!

[jenny]

My mother always had geraniums, too. Because they have what I call an "earthy" smell,I never used to like them- but I find I don't mind the scent any more.
Maybe because I do more gardening than I used to, and I can appreciate the beauty of the geranium flower? Who knows, but your arrangement is pretty.

[KateinNJ]

I have always wanted red geraniums in window boxes, our front windows are in shade.:-(
Princess picked out a pink geranium at the garden center, and has it near her play area.

[Jenna Ericson]

It was so nice to be home... :)

And I'm really really glad it was such a good surprise. :D

[laura @ the shore house]

I bought some geraniums yesterday, too. I'm amazed by how well my little garden I planted last year is growing! There's really no room to plant any annuals...except sunflowers which are a must. I'll find the room!