Is it just me, or are those hosta plants GORGEOUS? Holy canolies people, they make me smile every time I walk past them. I only wish the 2 packets of allysum seeds would hurry and and grow some flowers because right now, it looks like I have a bunch of weeds growing under my hosta plants.
Yesterday The Girl and I made a trip out to Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery in Puyallup to look for espalier trees for the backyard. While we were there we spotted an Amethyst Falls American wisteria plant and I had to snatch it up. I’ve planted purple wisteria alongside almost all my garden gates in our previous homes and I just LOVE it’s delicate flowers.
Originally I was looking for both a grafted apple and a grafted pear espalier tree but all Watson’s {and surrounding stores} had left were pear trees. So I grabbed the last two they had. These particular pear trees will produce Bosc, Anjou and Bartlett pears. I’m not sure if we will get any pears this season, but we should get a few next year for sure.
Finding fruit trees this time of year can be tricky as most nurseries get their bare root trees in around January or February. Had I known we would be installing a fence, I would have jumped on the snatch up all the cool fruit trees bandwagon sooner. However, I’m still keeping my eyes peeled for an Italian plum and a Fuji apple tree.
I need more space. The back patio is starting to fill up!
Benefit #1 of having a college student home for the summer. They need money and are willing to dig holes and plant trees on the side yard where nosy neighbors pass by 10 million times a day. Oddly enough, nosy neighbors don’t stop to chat with teens doing yard work. OH HAPPY DAY.
New Goal – Have The Girl plant everything on the side yard for me before the fence goes up. Then I’ll be able to hide behind the fence and garden in privacy.
Pretty genius if you ask me.
Note to self: I probably should have waited for The Girl to build a teepee as it is visible from the road. If questioned I could claim my Indian heritage {I am 25% Cherokee after all}. This could however prove problematic if HOA discovers pictures of me in pilgrim costume. Hmmm. Maybe teepee should be dismantled until the fence is installed.
Have a great day everyone, and get out there and plant something {or have your kids do it for you}.
~ Mavis
Beks says
I was at Menard’s with my mom on Monday, and found Urban Apple Trees. I wish I got enough sun to make them worthwhile. I’d LOVE to grow apple trees!
Sandra says
Hi Mavis,
You may be the only one to think outside the box to help me.
I have a huge dining room window that is triangular and goes from knee-length to the top of a very high vaulted window that is the focal point of the house.
This winter a lightening bolt hit this 12 year old weeping purple redbud tree. It slashed the main limb on the left side of the left tree. We also have a matching tree on the right side of the window. I know I shouldn’t be so upset about it but I planted it and the chickens like to hide under it for shade in the winter. Do you have any ideas? I actually did think of wisteria on the right side of the trunk. I don’t think I could find a matching tree sized like it but I am looking.
Thank you, Sandi
Sandra says
Sorry, I meant summer not winter.
Sandi
Madam Chow says
Wisteria is very invasive. If you plant it in a living tree, it will eventually choke it to death. I love wisteria, but I keep it away from everything else. Maybe a climbing rose if the tree is still alive?
Sara Schroeter says
I’ve always loved raintreenursery.com for fruit trees. They keep them bareroot in storage until June I believe so selection is always pretty good.
Mavis Butterfield says
Thank you Sara. I have only used them for mail order before but I will give them a call.
Cecily says
Did you try Portland Ave Nursery? They still had Italian prunes last time I was there.
Mavis Butterfield says
I will give them a call. Thanks!
Lisa says
I thought that having things so close to AC units decreases the airflow and the efficiency. Have you noticed any changes? I’ve been avoiding putting plants near mine in my small yard.
Lorrie says
My husband works for Orchard Supply Hardware in Oregon. Just wanted you to know they will be building up in Washington soon! They are California based and they do carry many trees, shrubs and plants that they do not carry in most garden centers in Washington. They regularly carry Meyer lemon trees for instance! I hope you check them out when they come in. Women love the stores. 🙂
Carly says
Hey Mavis,
I found your blog about the same time you planted the 2 packets of allysum seeds. In awe of everything Mavis (and needing beautify my PNW front yard) I went out and planted a couple packets of allysum seeds as well. They were doing great and two little leaves popped up everywhere, but (there’s the but) now they are gone. I mean like POOF gone. I didn’t do anything special when I planted them, just raked and water. Is there some special care that I am missing?
Mavis Butterfield says
How odd… I wonder what ate your plants. I’ve never had that happen to me before with allysum.