“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1
Hello dear friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter, even though it certainly didn’t resemble Easter’s past. Ours was quite stressful! Alabama, along with several Southern states, were under severe weather threats. The weather began kicking up around 4 p.m. (central) with strong thunderstorms and wind. Tornado warnings were soon issued in the western part of the state and eventually moving northeast where we live. Needless to say, the night was very long with severe thunderstorm warnings and eventually a tornado warning in our county. It is very frightening to put on a helmet, hard-soled shoes, and take shelter in your safe place at home. Thankfully, we are fine and had no damage. But many of our fellow Alabamians, including a very close friend, lost their homes. There were no deaths, which is miraculous considering the level of damage. Our close neighbors in Mississippi and Georgia did suffer fatalities. The added stress of tornado losses along with COVID-19 is extremely hard to manage. I hope you will join me in praying for all those who have been impacted.
With more time at home, we have worked on several projects. One project is redoing a major part of the landscape in front of our home. Hopefully I can show you in the near future, but today let’s talk about April gardening.
This photo was taken early Easter morning.
Rain has been more than plentiful in the first part of 2020 with above average temperatures…conditions that weeds love. We usually plant annuals between the soft touch hollies on the lower level. With the quarantine in place, we will see if this works out this year.
The pair of Japanese ‘bloodgood” maples that are in the back corners of the garden are their prettiest in spring and fall!
Sunshine ligustrums are taking on their chartreuse color with longer days! The garden table and chairs received a fresh coat of paint!
I am not going to be short on seeds this year. I ordered some from Floret Farm. I cant wait for zinnias, sunflowers, celosia, and asters! I have said this numerous times, but I highly recommend planting zinnias. They are the flower that keeps on giving!
At the front entrance of the garden, Butch planted a pair of “little lamb” hydrangeas. The flower petals of the “little lamb” are the smallest and most delicate of any hydrangea. Since this photo was taken, they are leafing out.
The bronze statue is taking on a warm patina.
The Agapanthus will be blooming in a few weeks. We think the one lone plant behind is a hollyhock. We planted seeds last year, but the plants did not do well and never bloomed. I read where they store up energy the first year and will bloom the following year…we shall see!
The snowball viburnums can be seen from behind the garden…
…the blooms have been stunning…
…and quite large!
This photo was taken on Saturday afternoon. The storms on Easter took their toll on the blooms!
The Lady Banks Roses have bloomed longer this year than I ever remember. Even after Sunday’s storms, they still have blooms!
I have really enjoyed having a picnic table next to a wooded area. It feels almost like a park setting. Several Althea (Rose of Sharon) have come up voluntarily from one that was planted a few years ago! They reseed easily and usually near the parent plant.
The red of the maples highlight the green of the ligustrums…I love the color combination!
Thank you for your visits and gracious comments. Wishing you a delightful day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Beautiful as always
Thanks so much!
Hi Pam, So glad you and Butch are safe and damage free from the storms on Sunday. They came through our area around 4 am. We were fortunate only to lose some tree limbs. It took its toll on the azalea blooms and viburnum…sniff. I love a virtual walk in your garden! Thank you for turning me on to zinnia seeds. I planted some last weekend but have noticed the squirrels have been digging in that area so I may have order some more. We have some local nurseries that are offering online ordering and curbside pick up so maybe you can find annuals that way. Happy Gardening ♥
Thank you dear Mary. I am glad you only had tree limbs down. We are supposed to have frost tonight. I haven’t planted my zinnia seeds yet, probably next week. No nursery curbside here. Happy Gardening to you 💗
Pam, your garden is so pretty. So much to enjoy in each season. It is wonderful that you had no damage. I can only imagine the stress of these dreadful storms. I have sat through many a hurricane, but never a tornado. To me they are far more freighting. We saw the damage in Mississippi and it was close to Collins where my mom was from. The storms seem to be getting more severe.
Enjoy your garden and I know you do. Having a garden is truly a blessing during difficult times. Have a lovely week, stay safe and well. ❤
Thank you Sandra. I was in the garden all morning, it is so therapeutic! Wishing you beautiful gardening days!
Good morning, Pam. I’m so happy to hear that you and your family are safe. I know all too well how frightening those severe weather days and nights can be. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to all of those affected. I have so enjoyed my tour of your gardens this morning. Your Snowball bush is stunning. I agree the contrast of the Japanese Maples and greens is so pretty. Take care, sweet friend!
Thank you Shannon. I know you have had to weather many tornado warnings. Stay well sweet friend!
Pam, your gardens are the gardens of my dreams!
Thank you Stacey. Have a great week!
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s home. My prayers are with them all. Our crazy weather came at 5:30 am with a tornado warning. Luckily the storm went around and no tornado ever dropped. It’s so scary to hear the alarm go off when you’re in a deep sleep, though.
I love the blooms on the snowball viburnum! They’re beautiful!! Glad to hear you’re safe!
Thank you Michelle. I am glad the storm went around.
Beautiful colors of spring, Pam! I really love the early spring garden, where things are tidy and plants distinctively in their place. Although I love the color the annuals bring to the mix, the maples, bushes and other perennials such as the Lady Banks and Snowball have their chance to really shine. Believe it or not, we were even under a tornado warning early Monday morning (middle of the night), almost unheard of in WV with these hills and valleys. Grateful you were spared, and joining you in praying for friends and neighbors who were not.
Thank you Rita. I worked in the garden yesterday morning cleaning and weeding. I am most surprised you were under a tornado warning.
Praise the Lord you and Butch didn’t have any damage from the storms. Those years I lived in NC I never saw or heard of a tornado in or near our area but now it seems they are a common occurrence. The weather patterns have changed. My sister is always telling me how severe the wind is even without a storm. Mama would say in March we would have wind because of the ides of March and other months were calm. The world is a different place. I so hope and pray those people that lost their homes will find shelter from life’s storms and safety from this god awful virus. Looking forward to the updates on the front yard work. Stay safe,
Thank you Alice. We seem to have wind almost daily, not just March anymore. Thank you for praying my friend!
So glad you were safe from the storms. We had them here in NC as well. Your garden is lovely.
Thank you Penny! Stay safe
So thankful for the “good” news that you and Butch are safe but I am so sorry for your friend’s loss. It truly was a stressful time. The tornado alarm went off in our area about 10:00 am and we hunkered down in our safe place. God was good and honored our prayers. Your gardens are so beautiful and I am so glad to get to enjoy the fruits of your labors even if it is in pictures. Stay safe.
Thank you so much Bobbie. I am so thankful that you are safe. Take care!
It’s already looking beautiful. Thanks for the recommendation of Floret. I’ll check out their seeds, as I’m not going looking for plants and seeds this year. I want to do a lot of zinnias so I’m glad they have worked for you. They’re one of my favorites. Some here are up in arms because of our stay in place, garden centers are closed till at least April 30 (or beyond, depending on conditions.) I don’t quite understand the uproar, since anyone with half a brain in Michigan knows that you don’t put plants in the ground until mid-late May in Michigan and seeds are easily ordered. But it has been nice here and I think people think it’s later than it is! I love your beautiful garden and I always look forward to watching it bloom!
Thank you Jeanie. I hope to begin planting seeds this weekend! Stay well.
I’m so glad that all is safe with you and yours! And that your gardens were protected as well!
I am so sorry for your friend’s loss… I can not even imagine dealing with the loss of property during Covid-19. I am praying for your friend!
I enjoy seeing your Spring Gardens… and hopefully your annuals will still be planted. Our nurseries have …order ahead and pick up at the door. And I see Zinnia Seeds! Oh I bet you will be planting soon! We hope we can get some in at the LakeHouse but by the time we try to arrive there… it may be too late. So I will enjoy yours!
Happy Tuesday! Enjoy your week my friend. And sing praises that you and yours are safe!
Thank you my friend. I will be planting seeds this weekend. I hope to get annuals, we shall see. Take care!
Your garden gives me so many ideas! Thanks for sharing and I just ordered some seeds from Floret flowers!
Thank you Debbie. Happy gardening!
Those storms ripped through here on Sunday night, taking down a 100 ft tree next to the house, thankfully it fell away from the house. Another one broke off about 50 ft up, and the top section is touching the ground, but it is still attached. Lots of twigs and leaves and branches down all over, including the veranda, roof and driveway. It was a full clean up day yesterday, and now on the wait list for our tree guy to come take care of the one still standing.
Carole, I am so glad that tree did not fall on your house. Tornadoes are horrific!
Prayers said for all those impacted by the tornado and gratitude that you were spared harm. Your garden has great “bones”
and even before blooming, it has impressive form and flow. The seed envelopes and Springtime hopes now come forth.
Hopefully Corona fixation will subside and we can return to a more balanced way of life, with gratitude for survival and
prayers for those whose lives have been dramatically changed . We know the stuff we are made of and we will endure,
while taking the proper precautions, including reliance upon Him. After this weekend’s storm, the sun is now shining,
but we expect it to be 30 tonight….brrrr…. must blanket the garden.
Thank you for praying, Mary. We have a frost warning for tonight, so we have blanketed some sensitive plants. Seeds will be going in the ground this weekend!
You always have a lovely garden Pam and I am sure it takes lots of work and love. I am so thankful you all are okay from the storm and so sorry to hear about your friends and others. I saw some of the devastation effects on the news and our family prayed for those in harms way with this storm. They can be so frightening. We are were under tornado watch on Monday til noon and I was praying for the Lord to allow that storm to pass. We got rain but all was okay. Stay safe dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy. Hugs and blessings to you!
Pam, your gardens look amazing! I think I need to order some seeds, The Lady Banks and the Snowball are gorgeous. Love the Japanese Maple too. A beautiful garden to enjoy while sheltering at home.
Thank you Linda. We are planning on planting seeds this weekend!
My thoughts and prayers do go out to all of those affected including your friends. I can’t imagine having to deal with the virus and loosing your home. Your hard work in the garden shows and is such an inspiration to us all.
Thank you so much Karen. Gardening is hard work, but the reward is worth it!
I am so sorry for your friend that lost her home. Double horrible with this virus. Praying for her and all that was affected. So much happening all at once.
It was a stressful night Sunday night for us too. Our weather did not begin until around midnight. It is very scary when weather happens at night. Needless to say we didn’t sleep well. Have been very grateful everything was ok. Limbs and debris down but that’s all.
Your garden is looking very pretty.
Your snowball tree is gorgeous! Amazing your Lady Banks have lasted so long.
Have a good week.
Thank you Bonnie. I am so glad you didn’t have damage from the storms.
Pam, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. These are perilous times. Your garden is so amazing. I love your Japanese maples. I have several smaller ones in front of my house. Your snowball tree is outstanding and your Lady Banks have lasted a long time. Like you I have planted zinnia seed. Have not been able to get to a nursery for annuals that I love to add. Thank you for such beauty that brightens my days. Said a prayer for you as I knew the tornadoes were heading your way. Blessings my dear friend.
Thank you Dianne. Thank you for praying for us in advance Dianne, that means so much to me!
Oh, Pam thank you for letting us know you are okay after such a ferocious storm. We had lots of rain and the severe wind (not classed as a tornado) began about 10 p.m. There were downed trees from extremely soggy soil (2-3″ of rain fell just on Easter) but no injuries in the immediate area. Praise God! We were very concerned about you and Butch! We shall continue to pray for those impacted by the storms. Your landscaping is gorgeous! The colors are spectacular! We’re under a freeze warning tonight! I rescued the blooming Irises by cutting them & bringing them inside. Stay safe sweet friend ❣️ Clara ♥️
I am so glad you were safe from the tornadoes. We have a frost warning for tonight. I think it will be safe to plant this weekend. I know you are enjoying the irises inside. ♥️
Glad you are safe…Sending prayers to all of you. I saw the storms on TV…Your garden is heavenly,such beauty!
Thank you dear Maristella!
Hi Pam, we were without internet until yesterday but never lost power. Our house came through unscathed, but just miles away the devastation is incredible. The enormous Borg Warner plant (largest employer in that county) looks like a bomb went off; many of my church family are employed there and had just been furloughed. The guard was killed. My late brother’s widow had her house condemned yesterday. She was asleep in her bed when a tree fell on the bedroom. Other friends have total loss or major damage. I’m used to going through hurricanes, but never anything like this.
Roxanne, the devastation from tornadoes is horrific. Alabama was hit with 11 tornadoes, but no fatalities…what a miracle. I am so sorry that many of your church family have lost their homes, that alone is overwhelming. But, then add this pandemic and it becomes unbearable unless you have your faith firmly planted in God. Prayers for all that have been so greatly impacted all across the South.
I am so thankful that you all were spared 🙏🏻
Good Morning Pam,
I left quite a lengthy note just a moment ago, then received an error so we shall see if this one sticks.
So thankful that you are safe and well. We are all having a time of it with the pandemic, tumultuous and life threatening weather too. It is all very unsettling.
Your gardens are spectacular and you have created an outdoor haven for every season. I too love the picnic table at the edge of the forest. I am going to begin taking notes on your garden, so I will know what to plant in mine!
Stay safe and well,
Jemma
Jemma, blog commenting can be so frustrating when you lose a long comment. Thank you dear friend. I will be planting zinnias this weekend!
Pam, Until I read this, I had no idea that the weather was so bad for you and around you. So grateful that you did not have any damage, but I am concerned about your friend who lost her home? So sorry that I did not call and check on you. This is, as always, a lovely post. You and butch have created such a beautiful garden. Stay safe.
Thank you sweet friend. I will tell you the details on our friend when we talk.
I’m grateful that you made it through the storm, that you are safe, and restful enough to share this beautiful post with us. It’s vital that we continue to be honest, yet forward looking during this tough time.
You show us how, friend …
You are so encouraging, Linda. Thank you.
Your yard and garden are such a haven, and soon will be full of even more beautiful blooms! Happy planting! I am go glad your were spared the worst of the weather…an Easter we will always remember for sure!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna. We have a frost warning tonight according to Mr. Spann.
Wow your plants look so good! That snowball plant is fabulous and lives up to its name! All the petals on the ground are so pretty!
Thank you Liz. Happy gardening to you!
Praise the Lord for protecting you all during the awful storms. We had them here, too, but not nearly as bad as you all were hit. I feel SO sorry for the many who are dealing with on top of the rest of the world’s chaos. It almost seems too much to bear. Surely God is trying to bring us all into a closer state of dependency upon Him, and through that He will show His great love to mankind. I have to continually remind myself that HE is in control. May He bless you.
Your garden is stunning as always I cannot wait to see it when all the flowers are blooming.
I live in Pensacola so we might be backdoor neighbors.
Blessings,
Kippi
Thank you Kippi. Pensacola is about a 5 1/2 to 6 hour drive from where we live!
I’m so sorry about all of the storms. I can’t get over how beautiful your garden and yard are. So serene and peaceful. I would love to have those surroundings!
Thank you Pam, it is hard work but rewarding!
I’ve featured your garden today at TFT. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Pam!
I’m just in from clearing fallen limbs off the lawn, and that’s about the extent of gardening possible in April here in the Northeast, but I sure did enjoy your images!
Praying with you Pam. Love those Japanese Maples, a beautiful contrast in your garden. 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you so much sweet friend♥️
I read about those tornadoes. So scary. I am glad that you and yours are okay. Your Spring garden is beautiful!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
I’m so thankful you and Butch are safe and that your property is unscathed. Your post has reminded me to pray for those who are experiencing the devastating affects of the storms of life.
Your ‘sunshine ligustrum’ really lights up that corner of your yard. I looked them up in hopes of purchasing them for my garden (as I love chartreuse), but it looks like they wouldn’t like my northern planting zone.
I love hydrangea, so will look for ‘Little Lamb’. SO cute!
I just love your blog. You bring inspiration and visual delight to my day. Thank you for sharing and may our good and gracious Father bless and keep you in His care.
Hugs, Cindie
I just signed up for the email from the Floret farms. Thank you for the info. My question is does it take more than one package of seeds to get a lot of flowers? Do I have to plant the seeds or can I just throw them on the dirt. Is it too late to plant? The only seeds I have used in the past is for Morning Glories which are beautiful, however they take over the back yard…
Love your garden.
ps
I placed about 10 different packages of seeds in my cart…
Hi Rosie. Yes, you will want to plant more than one pack depending on the size of your area. Always plant more than you think, because some will not come up more than likely. Plant at about a quarter of an inch deep and lightly cover with dirt. It is not too late, we have not planted ours because we have had so much rain, we need some dry days. What state do you live in?
Oh my goodness; this is the loveliest garden I have ever seen! SO many incredibly beautiful photos! I live in Texas but grew up in Oregon and visit every April to see family AND to behold the glory of Pacific NW flora at its finest, namely lilacs, tulips, and rhododendrons. But, sadly, because of this pandemic, our trip was cancelled so I will miss out on my favorite flower season. All that to say, your post was extra sweet since I have been missing flowers and Texas is not the kindest to flora due to the heat (other than bluebonnets, which are pretty). I absolutely love snowball viburnums and yours are perfect!
I am so sorry you missed your trip to the Pacific NW this spring. The climate produces big beautiful blooms. It can be really hot in Alabama during the summer. I love to garden, but it is always a challenge. Thank you so much for your visits. It is so nice to meet you. I am jumping over to visit with you.