So this blogging thing didn't really take off last year.... Whoops. I guess we had a lot of other things on our minds last season. Its hard to believe that Dad had his stroke just about a year ago, March 9th, 2007. Its with a great big sigh of relieve to report that the "old Mike" is coming out of his shell. We weren't sure if he was still in there, but he is! The last few weeks have been a complete turn around. He is out and about puttering in the yard, and was out back hunting a time or two. Its great to see the change!



The last couple of days here in Portland have been AMAZING ... an early tease to spring for sure. It seems that every year here in Oregon we get a couple of weeks of amazing weather. The mild weather, and a glimpse at the sun made working in the Herbary a treat. There is something so relaxing about working in the dirt, listening to the Sandhill cranes, geese and odd bird noise from the neighbors.



Big project this week -- deadheading the main garden, clearing the shelves, planting gallons and general upkeep. Mom (Penny) made it all the way to the "F's" without too many distractions. Dad (Mike) was focused over in the saints bed. He decided to remove some of the germander border, as the crabgrass had taken over. It seem that the germander is only good for a couple years, okay its probably been growing since we started the Herbary ... shoot fourteen years ago? Anyhow, I am of the camp that likes to keep the hedge cut short, and dad like to let the germander flower. I can understand, it has pretty pinkish purple flowers. But the bright green leaves are attractive IMO. I think time runs out, and dad gets his flowers more often than not.  So tomorrow I will replant the hedge, and turn the soil in hopes of staving off the crabgrass. We need to put in a new Portuguese Lavender, as the old one was scraggly and spent. The huge purple Spanish flowers are beautiful against the silver mugworts, artimesias, and lady's bedstraw. Speaking of which, I need to cut back the bedstraw to a small amount again this year. Its amazing how that plant takes off! The glossy green foliage and sweet smelling yellow flowers are nice, but wow, they spread like fire!



I took a risk earlier this week and cut the barberry hedge in half, and half as wide. The hedge in the last couple of years has gotten a bit too overwhelming. So I took the gamble, cut it back before it started to sprout, and we will see. Personally I wouldn't be too upset if I had to take it out, I sorta like the boxwood hedge, but the contrast of red and green is rather catchy. Lets just say that the thorns are less than pleasing.



Lots of projects to come. We are building the new greenhouse starting in March. A load of mulch is in order, as well as a dump truck of shells ... there is going to be a lot of shoving! Let the fun begin!



Photos to come soon... fingers crossed!



Heather