THE POWER OF THE PLANT

Since my two cats are very much a part of my life and my house, here is a little comic relief of sorts. These siblings couldn't be any different. Blackie is a needy mush and Sparkie is an independent typical feline who wants affection when it suits her. Love these two to death! My babes! Blackie Sparkie

My wonderful neighbor Patty showed up at my door with a pot of pansies and a bottle of wine.  Just a little gesture to cheer me up after going through a bit of a rough patch. The kicker is, Patty has been undergoing chemo, a double mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer which she was diagnosed with last year. A couple weeks ago after falling from a dizzy spell two malignant tumors were discovered on Patty's brain. Surgery has successfully removed one tumor and the other will be treated with radiation. During all this Patty has kept a smile on her face and strength in her heart. Below are the pansies, now planted under my horn beam tree. Given to me as a gesture to cheer me up because of my "rough patch". It's almost silly to think I should have anything to complain about. These flowers make me smile every time I look at them. What an amazing lady Patty is to still be thinking of others while undergoing such a tremendously stressful time in her own life. Much l

I was not sure my Salvia would survive the winter. They fully disappeared and left me wondering when spring arrived if I'd need to but new perennials to fill in the space. I'm happy to say that they not only returned, but returned with strength, abundance and beauty. The flower stalks are more than I could have ever imagined. The plants are strong and noble. In Nassau County Salvia is legal while in Suffolk and the surrounding areas this plant has been under scrutiny due to its hallucinogenic effects. Some dry the leaves and smoke them or make a potent tea that apparently is stronger than LSD. While I'll never know the effects I'll take the experts word on the matter. For me the plant is beautiful and when pruned regularly throughout the summer, it blooms the entire season through. Salvia under river birch shot at night

I'm very pleased with my second season landscape. All has survived our Long Island, NY winter and with the well established root system the trees, shrubs and perennials have returned stronger than before. River Birch (left) dianthus bath's pink, horn beam tree and variegated willow shrub red filagree lace japanese maple (40 years old)

The neighborhood is anxiously awaiting the new growth on the two Royal Empress trees I planted last spring. While the first year was exciting to watch for the speed at which the Empress shot up, this spring the "beanstalks" have hardener and taken on a woodier look. Beginning in early spring I pruned each new bud that appeared lower than where I wanted the tree to branch out. Here are the two Royal Empress trees after winter dormancy and about a month of active growth. The trees did bloom later than most of the other trees in the neighborhood.

The perennials and trees are returning. So much beauty awaits. This here will soon be transformed into a lush landscape of color. Beautiful to watch its transformation.

I love that many of the trees, shrubs and flowers are indigenous to Asia. So it's fitting to add Japanese garden statue. My sister bought this for me for my birthday. Thanks Dane!