The first garden post of the season

As far as I can tell, this is the first garden post of the season, so here goes.....

Today I needed a break from reality and took the day off work (seriously, I hardly even read email....okay, I did a little, but not nearly as much as I thought I would) and played in my dirt ALL DAY!  It was one of the best days I've had in a long time.  14 hours in my dirt, visited 3 nurseries, and about 2/3 of the way through with the planting.  It was quite simply a lovely day.

The peony bush only blooms these big, beautiful fuchsia-color blooms for about 2 weeks and then goes quiet the rest of the season, but it's worth it because this is so pretty.

I can't remember the name of this interesting and intricate purple flower, but I am so happy it's in my garden.  Drought-tolerant and happy to grow on the west side of my house where it soaks up sunshine.  If you figure out the name, email it to me.

 This is along the eastern border of the property.  I selected four varieties of purple sun/part-sun flowers to go with the perennials and I think it will be terrific!

Two of the patio pots - the bigger has a marigold, a plain-leaf sweet potato vine, and a traditional fern.  The bottom pot has three of the four purple varieties shown above + a black heart sweet potato vine.

The iris in the backyard are very close to blooming - they are always a week or two behind the iris on the east side of the house, which have already bloomed.  The pictures of that side turned out lack-luster so more next tour.

 My favorite pot, although this photo doesn't do it justice.  There are 8 different plants in this pot - and I love it!

Welcome to Garden Season 2011!  There's something so relaxing and exciting about planting a garden, carefully selecting each plant, and then watching it grow.  I am a good plant mama for my plant babies.

A shot of the big flower bed + veggie garden in the back - 8 varieties of veggies this year.  Should be a yummy harvest!

 I planted both of these trees a few years ago and absolutely love them still.  They make me smile every time. 

On a tree-related note, I desperately want a Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar tree, but can't bring myself to spending $150 on a tiny tree.  I went to Millcreek Gardens today and oogled one for awhile, but couldn't pull the trigger.  So, if you're reading this and thinking, "Sarah's a super gal, I should send her a tree for her garden" - send me a gift certificate for a Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and I'll pick out the perfectly shaped one at MG! ;)

Happy gardening everyone!