Friday, April 30, 2010

Plant sale

I do love a good plant sale.  This morning, Mama, Daddy, and I were early birds at the Piedmont Plant and Flower Festival at the Greenville Farmer's Market.  We were not disappointed.  I will be going home with:

- Two Julia Child roses (a floribunda type with lovely yellow blossoms and a hint of licorice scent when flowers are warmed by the sun - so said the plantsman who sold them to me!)

-a Confederate Jasmine which I hope will happily clamber up and completely cover the lattice screening at the bottom of my porch.  It will remind us of it's presence in the spring with a delightful delicate scent.  One garden writer said, of this popular southern vine, which is also called a star jasmine...

On moonlit nights the warm spring breeze wafts exotic fragrances about that summon me outdoors to witness thousands of tiny white star-like blossoms glowing in the full moonlight.

- a Gardenia. More delicious fragrance

- a couple of penstemmons for the terrace.  My Fine Gardening magazine said this is one perennial everyone should have in the cutting garden.  Soon I will.

- a Lady's Mantle.  I used to have huge gorgeous Lady's Mantles in my Massachusetts front garden but they haven't done well for me in NC.  I'm trying again. I cannot resist the beauty of this plant in the early morning with dew glistening on her crimped edge leaves.  Please, dear Lady, grow for me this time. 

- Basil.  Lots.  For pesto, of course.

- Peppers.  Lots.  Different varieties.  Because I love them and they are always prolific in my garden.

- Cherry and Roma tomatoes

- Pickling cucs

- Parsley, chives, mint.  I can never really have enough herbs.  There is really nothing like walking out in your garden, picking herbs, and bringing them in to use in your meal.  I am a much happier and more creative cook when I have fresh herbs at hand.

I have my work cut out for me when I get these plants home.  Dirt under the fingernails kind of work.  I can't wait!

Mama and I admiring the wacky garden sculptures made from garden implements and other household items.  Very fun.  I love that little rooster with his rake tail and fork comb.

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