Springtime in the South

                Today was the epitome of what Spring in the south is like. The right of passage that begins every season for me with a trip first to Lowes to find those perfect flowers for my planters. Today it was pale pink Dahlias and Purple Lavender. I felt these would complement my aromatic Star Jasmine that was in full bloom of cascades of white blooms. 

                We also bought some yellow Lantana to complement some red Geraniums with a splash of Purple Heart Vine around the mailbox. The vine will bloom delicate red pinkish blooms when mature.

                The front shrub bed already has a mixture of Boxwoods and Nandinas with some Azeleas and  purple Loropetalum from the Southern Living Collection of landscape plantings. Also in the shrub bed is some variegated Lithrope. Also in raised planters sitting among the shrubs are some geraniums. We added some additional Purple Heart Vine. 

                Rounding out the bed will be some Red Knockout Roses. I think this will be a nice finish when we have it all completed. 

                As I trimmed my climbing roses, I clipped a few blooms to bring to the table. Tucking in a little Jasmine into the arrangement made a lovely table arrangement.

                I took a few minutes to vacuum the pool and check the chemical levels for the right balance of PH and Chlorine. As I performed the repetitions of back and forth with the pool vacuum, I let my mind wander to the possibilities of what might come. The clear water looked inviting on such a hot humid afternoon. But there was work to be done still.

                It was time to be off to the farm to tend to the horses and chickens. Once we arrived, the smell of the blooming privet competed with the sweet smell of honeysuckle in full bloom. A friend recently said to me of this wonderful mixture that if heaven didn’t smell this way, they weren’t sure they wanted to go there. Adding to this spectacular smell was the hint of fresh mown grass. It was almost too much for my senses to take in.  

                After returning home, my attention turned to my goldfish pond and some maintenance there. Simple in design but so enjoyable to loll by as the fish slowly float by. Occasionally I can spot a bullfrog. This was one of my better ideas.

                Later in the evening as we were grilling steaks, the smell of the Jasmine was thick and sweet in the hot sticky air off the back patio. As I entered the house through the side door, I brushed up against the pot of Lavender and it caused a release of the most fragrant delicate aroma. I love Lavender! Later as I sat on the front porch at my little bistro table, the smell from my pot of Rosemary was the perfect ending of olfactory stimulation for the night.

                Now when I lay my tired head down, I will envision the sights of the flowers I have planted and those already established, the scents still fresh and lingering in my senses. It is indeed Springtime in the South. Can’t you just hear the crickets chirping and the bullfrogs croaking…