Rose Cottage Ltd

Some nasty weather over the last few days in central North Carolina but nothing compared to what some are facing in Oklahoma and Arkansas and out nearer the coast of NC. Tornadoes cause death and destruction of property and flooding can do the same. Never take storm warnings for granted – they could save your life.

I’ve moved most of the plants inside that might have been damaged by hail and/or wind, but the Gardenia has been safe and sound inside since Fall 2014. It continues to bloom – with a new flower or two each day – and with around 20 buds that have yet to open, I call this plant a major success and a good start to the growing season!

I’m even having more success than usual with my Christmas Poinsettia – which you can see right behind the Gardenia. I’m amazed that on 1 May, it still has as many red leaves as it does – this is a new record for me!

Patience pays off and since I’ve never had any patience anyway, I’m glad this little Gardenia is doing so well and blooming so profusely! I babied it all winter – making sure it got as much available sun as possible and now payback time is here! I wish I could make this a “scratch and sniff” image for those who are not familiar with the Gardenia scent. Very sweet – and what falls into my category of “old fashioned” flowers.

The Azaleas have already bloomed outside and most of them even seemed to make it through the recent rain.

Inside, my Gardenia is FULL of potential with about 30 buds that will soon add a really nice fragrance to my dining area.

The good news is that the pollen seems to be through the worst of its “season.” The not-so-good news is that with the warmer temperatures and enough rain, I swear I can HEAR the grass growing. Lawnmowers can be heard on almost a daily basis around town this time of year. But, lawns look fantastic and the heat and humidity has still not arrived. You don’t have to ask me twice to do almost anything outside this time of year!

May is a beautiful month to spend time in North Carolina – even better for those of us lucky enough to live here!

The weather is often sunny but not yet too hot and humid, trees and shrubs are at or near full foliage for the year, and flowers of all varieties are blooming everywhere.

I’m lucky to live on a lake with its own fountain – yesterday I was even able to generate my own rainbow!

In the last few weeks, plants have been blooming – sometimes I forget what I planted where so this can end up being a nice surprise!

This Gardenia – planted in 2011 has decided to “show” itself this year with some very fragrant blooms. Flowers and the blooming season for this plant are relatively short – but worth it. I have a second variety Gardenia that should pick up the slack and start blooming later this week.

Even naturalized plants do their best this time of year.

What better way to hide a rather unsightly fence than a fragrant and untamed Honeysuckle?

The Elephant Ear bulbs I planted last year did not do well at all. In fact, none of them made it. This was possibly do to moles or voles – the little underground thieves who will steal anything bulb-like they can get.

This year I planted more Elephant Ears in two different locations and it looks like there is some sign of success – at least in one location. I’m glad these are thriving since I love the tropical look and feel they add to the yard and garden.

In the last week or so tomato plants, sweet basil, and sweet oregano have been planted. I may be ready for some real homemade spaghetti sauce this year!