Other than the historic iris sale and seeds, sorry, just have those two exceptions, otherwise really, really no more plant orders or purchases this year.
It was a fantastic year for plant purchases- I timed things so much better this year. I bought so many things that were on sale or bundled or otherwise discounted. I used a bit more self control and bought less plants that were zone pushers- it doesn't matter how pretty the picture on the internet is if it can't survive winter.
The big acquisition categories this year were roses - same as last year, but then some diversification into peonies, irises and dahlias. Unfortunately, I think the dahlias are not going to end up being my thing after all. The virus issues with them are just crazy and I'm not enjoying checking them for tomato wilt virus and so on over and over. I might just enjoy the flowers this year and not bother with them again after this. Unless, who knows, maybe they will be fine and I'll feel a lot more relaxed about them by the end of the season.
Overall though, no matter how great of a deal I run into on the internet, I just don't have the time or energy to get it in the ground by the end of the season. What I've already acquired is already going to be challenging enough. A lot of irises came with a substantial amount of bonuses- while that's fun, it's also left me with more than I planned on. I just finished potting up an order that was supposed to be 6 SDB's and instead was 36. A good problem to have, but, I had to buy more pots.. lol
Currently sitting on 209 potted iris (mostly SDB adn MDB) that will go into several beds that are currently solarizing. I've got 36 potted peonies- again, super great end of the season clearance. Around 37 miscellaneous- clematis, phlox, hardy geranium, hardy chrysanthemum and hardy hibiscus are potted up and waiting for the beds to solarize. Additionally, 64 potted roses - I know this sounds like a lot, but many of these were band sized. I like them to be at least filling a 1 gallon pot before they go into the ground. A lot are getting very close, so pretty soon they will go into the ground as well. For context, 37 others I received this year are already in the ground. It's just that some grow faster than others.
Then I have all my seed started perennials- probably at least a couple hundred of these, but, these are really easy to plant with the drill auger as soon as the big plants are in. I've probably stuck 50ish in the ground so far this year- but many of these were started late and I found better success waiting until they filled a quart size- so, have another 50ish probably close now.
I will admit that I'm a little concerned that my spacing may be too tight on some beds. I'm really thinking about adding a couple more beds and worst case scenario if I don't fill them this year then I'll have some ready for next year. Spouse isn't thrilled with that idea though- so I'm a bit stuck at the moment. I may sit and actually grid out a pattern to help me get a better rough idea. The other factor coming into play is that I was still trying to give some roses that had a rough winter a shot at survival- but, now I feel comfortable pulling anything that hasn't done something by now.
I plant everything as mixed beds- the roses, hydrangeas are the large anchor points, then I fill in with peonies, then from there I fill in with my mostly SDB irises and herbaceous perennials. It's a lot of stepping back and rethinking as I go along- whether I'm doubting spacing or color combos or whatever.
Anyhow- also hoping to get a lot of houseplants repotted while it's convenient. I hate repotting in the house- outdoors on my patio table is so much more convenient and basically everything inside needs a repot.
I felt like I was setting myself up for an easier summer than last year, but, it still feels a bit daunting.
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