Once again time for delicious organic vegetables at The Garlic Farm in West Granby, CT!



Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris), is a beautiful deciduous climbing vine. It’s flowers are not as showy as its shrubby cousins the mophead and panicled Hydrangeas, but it makes a statement in the garden none the less. Rich, deep-green, leaves emerge on strong branches that reach out from the main stem, giving depth to whatever structure the vine is climbing on. White lacecap flowers are borne on the tips of these branches, giving the plant a soft, frosted look. The bark is cinnamon brown in color and exfoliates from the stem to give a wonderful texture after the leaves drop. It climbs (to 60 feet or more) by twining its way around structure and by small aerial rootlets that allow the vine to attach to hard surfaces. Native to Southeast Asia, it is slow to establish then fast growing once established. It is not condidered invasive and is easy to prune, making it a wonderful addition to any garden!
I’m not usually a fan of annuals planted as one big block of sameness, but here the lack of complexity in the landscape really calls out for something, making this display appear quite brilliant. What do you think?
Each day new signs of spring are emerging, despite the recent cold temperatures. I took my camera out in the yard over the last few days, and look what I found!
Click each photo to get up close and personal!
It won’t be long before all these buds are open and filling the yard with color, and we’ll be looking for the next succession of blossoms to cheer us up!
I hope Spring is on your doorstep also!
Scott
Another day of rain yesterday, and honestly, I am struggling to find the silver lining. Here are a few positives; the reservoirs are full, lawns are staying green and the irrigation systems are not being used as much (Yeah!), most of the wet weather has been spaced out enough to limit basement water (Double Yeah!). What I am most excited about though is the crop of mushrooms that have appeared in our yard. Have a look!
It’s Hard to outdo Mother Nature, when it comes to simple beauty, and I look forward to moments like these. Truly, it’s the little things that make life enjoyable.
See you in the mushroom garden,
Scott