Small enough

I needed a job that was small enough. Something I could do outside on a lovely early spring day that would give me a sense of accomplishment. The thought of getting the entire garden de-needled and de-coned in preparation for planting was a bit overwhelming. 

Then I received an email from Rhodo Dave informing me that it was time for the rhododendrons to have their first feed. This may be a big job at his place, where there are hundreds (okay, dozens and dozens) of rhododendrons, but I only have six (plus three lilacs and a hydrangea that get the same food). That was manageable. 

First job with each is clearing the dead leaves and other winter detritus from the ground, then a handful of feed for each.

Even though they didn’t get their final feed last July, it is going to be a bumper year for rhodos.  (That particular food could not be found anywhere. By the time Dave managed to track some down in the States and get it shipped here it was too late to apply last year.)

Check this one out.

Even this one, which I don’t remember producing a single flower since the year I planted it has several blooms.

And then there’s this one.

Pretty much a flower on every branch.

Sadly, not so much on the fragrant planted beside it, which only seems to have a couple of flowers.

Even more sad, because the purple flowers were so beautiful, is this one, which I planted near the front of the house.

One of the joys of rhododendrons is that, unlike lilacs and (as I learned to my cost) hydrangeas, deer don’t snack on them. Or that’s the theory. Unfortunately last year this particular rhodo proved to be the exception to the rule, forcing me to put a cage around it to protect it. The cage clearly didn’t help, as it’s still looking pretty sad and there is no sign of any purple flowers this year.

Rhodos done, it’s time to head into the garden to feed the lilacs.

It’s always a surprise first time I venture into the garden in the spring to be reminded of the bulbs I must have planted years and years ago. The croci were lovely a couple of weeks ago and now there are these. Can’t even remember what they are.

Oh, and look at this little chap.

Spotted him just as I was about kneel down right beside him to take care of one of the lilacs. Surprisingly, my presence didn’t seem to bother him one bit and he was still there enjoying some sun when I’d finished.

Yes, job done. Sense of accomplishment. One thing ticked off the list. Thank you Rhodo Dave.