Snippets

The week that we get inundated with rain (most reports put it between 8 and 11 inches), my super-dooper electronic remote rain gauge decides to quit working. I just know that we've had 'a lot' because the perimeter of my yard is under water. (A - thankfully - rare occurrence.) What must the people whose gardens will be featured in the upcoming Kankakee and Champaign County garden walks be feeling right now?

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I succumbed to the hype and planted a Double Knock Out Rose outside my kitchen window this spring. Now I'm not sure that I like it. I can only describe its vibrant red blossoms as 'electric.' Beautiful, yes, but almost too much, I think. They're like a big neon sign flashing 'Look at me! Look at me!' I'm thinking of putting The Fairy rose back in its spot. (It started out there four or five years ago, but has been moved every year since. - Yes, I know...I know...)

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I have one very large blossom from a 'Cincinnati' peony sitting in a vase on my desk right now. It's huge, ruffled and lightly fragrant. (It's also lasted a week, which is a definite plus.) That bloom makes me happy every time I look at it. - Not just because it's beautiful, but because it reminds me of the people I love who live in Cincinnati. (That IS why I bought it, after all.)

'Cincinnati' has deep, vibrant pink blooms that are edged with silver. You'll like it even if you don't love anyone who lives there. (Check out Klehm's Song Sparrow at www.songsparrow.com.)

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Talking about peonies, I was disappointed in my tree peony this spring. It was the first year that it bloomed and I got very excited when I say the enormous buds developing. The blooms - though large - weren't really anything special, though. Besides, they only lasted two or three days. Guess I'll stick with the herbaceous varieties.