Herbivore

I find it slightly cruel (especially on nice days) that this is the view from my desk. Looking to the blindingly beautiful sunshine outside. Today I gave in, followed the light and just sat on a concrete block in the parking lot for about ten minutes while my skin just soaked up the sun. I'm seriously thinking about bringing an outdoor/camping chair to work on nice days and just sitting outside to read over my lunch break.

On Saturday I finally found the time and courage to visit a greenhouse/landscape center. Thankfully, a SUPER nice and helpful lady chose to help me out. I feel SO much better, knowing that planting season is just around the corner. Now that I actually have a steady direction, I feel like I'm ready to start moving.

I'm going to do six Boxwood Shrubs on the corner of the house - three on each side. They're evergreens so it'll be nice to have at least some color through the fall and winter months. (That was a big deciding factor.) Of course mine won't be this big for a couple of years, at least. I refuse to pay $40 a shrub for the 5-gallon ones. I'll stick with my 2-gallon-ers for $17.98 thanks very much. My patience will be worth the money I'll save.

Boxwood Shrub

I had wanted to do perennials in from of the shrubs, but I'm having such a hard time finding some that I like. In the lead are Columbine. BUT, since I'm not committing myself to have the same flowerbed each year, I could totally bypass perennials for now and just plant bulbs in the fall - then I'd just do shrubs and good 'ol annuals. It would give me more time to make up my mind!

Columbine

So, if I do Columbine, they would be planted in front of the Boxwood Shrubs, then in front of the Columbine would be an annual similar to this guy...just something basic but colorful.

Superbells Plum

In the back flowerbed (which still needs to be cleaned out - zoiks!) I'm definitely doing either Hydrangeas or Azaleas. I'm leaning towards Hydrangeas because it's always been a dream of mind to have my own bush. (Or Gardenia, but I'd need to do some investigating for that...I don't even know if one would grow up here.)

Hydrangea

Azalea

Last night Dan mowed the grass and tonight I think he has a project going on in the garage. That means I'll hopefully (fingers crosses!) be able to clean out that back flowerbed. We now have ant spray, so if I see any of the little guys while I'm digging, I can have instant protection! Due to the high threat level though, I think I'll forego the Crocs and stick to my rain boots so the dreaded Red Ant doesn't have easy access.

Hopefully the shrubs will be planted in May and the perennials/annuals will be going in the first weekend in June! Boy will I be excited to see this project finally come together! Much hard work, top soil and planning has gone into it!

P.S. I'm pleasantly surprised that we already have Forsythia growing! Either the previous owners of our house or our neighbors planted about four bushes as a little divider of our yards. I love how in early spring the unruly plant brings a little bit of rebellion and color! Every time I see the bushes I smile :) Ours aren't quite this full yet, but they'll get there...

Forsythia