It used to be "6-pak" fever, but now it is "4-pak" fever. The fever I am referring to is what Northwest gardeners get this time of year. The condition begins in March and continues until the display racks are down. It is difficult for me to walk by a display of annuals or perennials without browsing, and usually buying. They are calling to me; for $1.49 I can buy a 4-pak of seasonal happiness. This brings me back to the 6-pak; everything is getting smaller, including the way plants are packaged and sold.
This year I am doing lots of transplanting and dividing in addition to treating my case of 4-pak fever. It is satisfying to dig up clumps of ground cover in need of a new home. I am becoming more ruthless about pulling out or moving plants that are not happy in their current home. It was not their fault I bought the wrong plant for the wrong place. I am trying to create more than just a June garden.
My gardening goal is to add more long-lasting color. Our garden is way too heavy in the color, lavender. The beds are the quintessential part-sun/part-shade loving plants. We're talking hostas, Jupiter's Beard, helebores, and ferns. We do have one great ALL sun corner and that is where we grow sweet peas, zinnias, and raspberries. I love them and love to share them, and they are a reminder of my Nebraska roots.
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There are a few things from my garden I can share. I have some ajuga and lily of the valley looking for a new home. Anyone out there have white or pink perennials they would like to share? Mercer Island is prolific with great gardeners and I would love to have your favorite plant suggestions for extending my June garden.
Weed on.