High Hand Nursery & Spring Gardening

Saturday Beth and I took a road trip to the  High Hand Fruit Sheds in Loomis. 

To start the day we attended a class on irrigation systems.

The class was very helpful in understanding the actual mechanics of irrigation systems, watering tables and times, soil conditions, and what not. 

We had been to the Nursery once before, but this was the first class we attended. 

The class was free of charge, and we are already planning on attending another class in May about attracting beneficial wildlife life to your garden.

I learned something too, that I had forgotten for a bit, and that is - I really love learning, and how empowered it makes you feel. I've always been a sort of self teacher, in most aspects of my life. 

After the class we spent hours shopping in the Nursery.

When one shops for plants with Beth, you will learn ALL the scientific names of everything! 

Beth is passionate, really passionate,  about plants, and extremely knowledgeable as well. 

We both came home with arm loads of plants.

Upon returning home from the trip, I planted in the garden for the rest of the evening. 

I was so happy to have gotten everything, except one bush,  in the ground  as we had a good amount of rain on Sunday. 

My purchased included....

Ornamental Strawberries

planted in the raised bed in the small garden. 

Dianthus & Erysimum planted out front in the walkway. 

Lamium

Georgia Blue Veronica

and Waterperry Veronica

Sedum

Bleeding Heart

Sorbet Raspberry Viola

These were all planted in the little red bed in the small garden

This is a Ninebark 

I haven't decided exactly where to plant it yet. 

A few other things, not new, but looking good are my Japanese Maple and Sweet Peas. 

 This Maple tree began a number of year ago as a sapling from my Mom's garden. 

I never expected it to grown into a 'real' tree, but boy did it ever, and I love it. 

And Gosh... I never knew how expensive these trees were until a few years ago...wow! 

We ended the day having a wonderful lunch at the

Conservatory . 

It was a very good day indeed. 

In other news...

this week I need to plant a few more seeds and fertilize the Orchard. 

I've been working on a quilt

(that should have been done in February)

Best of all..

My sister will be arriving this weekend and will be staying here for a week!!

I'm so excited, and can hardly wait for her to get here. I haven't seen her since New Year's. 

I'm hoping for sunshine next week! 

"We get up in the morning and we do our best, and nothing else matters"

The Girasole Lady