Springtime

[Eileen]

Hi All,
I know all of you are just chomping at the bit to get your hands in
the dirt. For those who really are, I have attached below an e-mail
from my friend Libby Rich at the Plant Odyssey about when to plant.
Although it has rained a lot I am loving this spring weather as I hope
you are.
Our neighborhood yards with all the blooming azaleas are looking
great. Jerry and Margo Williams have done some landscaping- so check
out their yard at 2832 Monte D'Este Drive.
Frances Thompson and I did some work at the front entrance, but there
is more to do. We are getting some advice and ideas from the landscape
architect for the city of Hoover. I will let you know how that
progresses.
As a reminder- we have a discussion board on the website www.montedoro.org.
This would be a great place to post questions about landscaping or any
other subject.
Take care and have a beautiful spring.

Eileen and Mickey Lewis
Beautification Committee
MDO Neighborhood Assn.

Hey ya'll,

So many of you want to know when you can safely plant. The
conservative planting date for all tender annuals is April 18. All
trees, shrubs, perennials, and cool weather veggies may be planted
from here on out. The summer annuals are not prepared for the cold
weather we still face.

Almost all the benches are full - I'm so excited! I've had the best
time buying wonderful plants that I hope to share with you. We've
added new pavers to make walking more comfortable, finished the rose
section, cleaned up some more; however, if you have any free time,
there are still weeds to pull. Come, walk through my garden.

Letter from Libby:
I've been in my reading room, waiting for dawn to break. Fireflies are
still lighting the sky, bullfrogs croak the night away. I hear the
first bird sing its notes. I know now that I can look down and inch by
inch my garden becomes defined: Dogwoods light the path with their
clean white blooms; a chartreuse Japanese Maple screams that spring is
here; a more reserved maple stands behind it, dignified in its deep
burgundy color. The fragrance of native azaleas are lifted to my
window, a clematis that has twined up a post has opened flowers the
size of my hand. A mockingbird cocks its head and looks at me, curious
as to why I'm so high. With all this beauty surrounding me, it is
difficult to leave my safe haven. May you create a space that brings
you the same peace.

Libby
www.LibbysPlantOdyssey.com

[Alice]

Hi All, Thanks Eileen for the helpful info from you and from Libby. I
think as we ponder our yards and landscapes we could take advantage of
a neighborhood plant swap. It is free, some of us have too much of
some plants, as I do, and all it requires is a willing neighbor with
extra plants. I have irises, mondo grass, daffodils and those orange
lillies that I need to clean out. Otherwise they go in the dumpster.
And I hate to do that. The Willets' have already taken me up on my
offer, anybody else? I may want something someone else has too much
of. I am not suggesting a trade, just offering what we have too much
of. And it could be an ongoing effort done at anytime. It just takes a
phone call. Thanks, alice