Farewell, Fluffy Friends
As any ardent fan knows, a heavy rain often brings an abrupt end to peony season, transforming their fluffy ruffled petals into a slick sodden mess and smashing their heavy heads to the ground.
The torrential downpours this past Sunday coupled with an early bloom, definitely signaled the end to their peak at Schoolfield. Still, it could have been worse. Buttressed by chicken wire supports, the stronger stemmed and late blossoming types soldier on.
The silver lining being there was no hesitation to bring the survivors inside, filling the house with their soapy scent.
While only seven days in, June has proved to be a very kind month to the garden (so far). Not only did the peonies put out a good show, my roses, which I passively neglect in the hopes that they will quietly fade away staged a surprising comeback. Two of the three William Baffins, which I was ready to pull out of the ground earlier this spring had their sentences commuted.
Even the red rose climbing on my pergola which frankly I thought had already expired is pushing out blossoms.
But, the best news this month – no sign of the woodchucks returning to the property yet, while the deer and rabbits have been most respectful, contenting themselves with clover and grass.
Saturday I decided the box around the terrace was due a much-needed haircut
although straight lines are not my forte, I was pleased with the results.
This past weekend also signaled the Garden Conservancy’s Annual Open Days in my neighborhood. This year we visited the Ketay garden in nearby Claverack which we had never seen before.
It featured multi-textural open plantings, punctuated by modern sculpture, that meandered around the home, opening up to panoramic views of the mountains beyond. If you missed this past day - there are more coming up every weekend within driving distance - Click Here for a full schedule!
On Sunday we were over at the Hudson garden of our friend Richard Eagan. Always a fun party, the rains even abated temporarily, allowing us to enjoy the magical experience of his densely planted backyard oasis for a period, before we headed home to more downpours, which means I am confidently taking a week off of watering!
