Montreal Botanical Gardens

It really is a must to visit the botanical gardens in Montreal. They are terrific.

Brr!

Freezing temperatures in Dallas last night and today. The fountain is frozen this morning. It is hard to believe we were at 80 degrees last Thursday. The low tonight is below freezing again - then it is back up to 80's by the end of the week. Welcome to Texas weather!

Spring Planning

The garden is going to be terrific. Cold weather has delayed us a bit. Trimming and planting perennials is going to have to wait for warmer temperatures. I think trumpet vine will look good on it. I am not sure it will get enough sun after the Pecan tree greens up.

Painting the wrought iron and trellis is going to have to wait for temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Actually I don't mind - I hate painting!

Growing

The plants are home! Four new Mary Nell hollies were planted by North Haven Garden's subcontractor. I know they look small - but they were too big for us to transport in the Jeep. The new dwarf burford hollies will make a nice hedge after they grow a bit more.

Progress

The old garden has been removed. Branches, roots and trash are piled up on the street for our monthly pick-up.

New plants are ordered and standing by to become part of the garden. We have a slight delay in planting the Mary Nell hollies from North Haven Gardens. Luckily, it is only 2 days.

Even the old trellis has found a purpose in the new garden. It will be perfect with a new coat of white paint.

We cleaned up the old wrought iron fence using a wire brush. Thank goodness for electric drills! It really sped up the job. Painting on the other hand took longer than we had hoped. About 2/3 of the fence is done. The remaining will have to wait.

President's Day

Wow! I am so sore and tired. The new garden is coming along nicely. Tons of progress. I cannot wait for the new bushes to arrive on the 24th. I spent the entire day trimming all the existing hedges and shurbs. That is what I get for listening to 1080 am radio and the Neil Sperry show yesterday. He inspired to me to get busy before all the evergreens start growing this season. I hope I beat the clock!

Plenty of work today but no pictures. I ran out-of-steam and then it was dark.

Helpers

Plenty of help today working in the new garden. Funny the pups were absent when all the digging was required. Here they are helping with the final clean up.

The Look

This is the new look for our back garden. I am working to capture the same look and feel as our side garden. I think it will look good when it is done.

New Green

I love NorthHaven Gardens! I has to be one of my favorite places to visit and spend time. I am the proud owner of four new 15 gallon Mary Nell Holly bushes. They are perfect for my new backyard garden. I broke down and decided to have them planted on February 24. That gives me two weekends to prepare the garden. I had better get busy!

First step - pulling out all of the old shrubs. Whew - this is a ton a work!

Simple Facelift

A few simple nip and tucks and the front yard is looking pretty good. Just in time for Spring and warm weather. Next step - some Spring color! I cannot wait.

Relocating

The Chinese Mahonias have been moved replacing the 'grape leaf' variety that frankly were not doing very good. These guys were taking over their original location in the front garden. I think they will like their new spot better. I certain like how they fill out this spot.

New Beginning

Well - the old garden has seen better days. These old 'red tip' photinias are not doing so good. The new plan is to replace the back garden just in time for summer. It is going to be a ton of work. I cannot wait to get started.