English Emma Blooms

Yesterday was a good day. I spent a whole lot of time gardening. I planted the rest of the sunflowers along the south side of the house. I dug up some daylilies and put them along the south fence where I had put some mulch. I then planted some sunflowers where the daylilies had been, in the bed on the east side of the house. I moved some hosta from under the hammock to by the sliding glass doors. The only problem with the backyard is that I cannot get the hose to reach the bed on the east side. I suppose I will have to use the sprinkler.

I will be mad if none of the sunflowers come up. I have put such careful effort into planting them. I had a shoot the day before yesterday, and yesterday it was gone. My little bottomless pots looked like someone had gone digging in them looking for seeds. :(  I planted at least a thousand a year ago and none of them grew.  Yet the volunteers grow under the bird feeder...

I have ordered some cosmos seeds for the front. They are my absolute favorite. I also ordered a book and some licorice for Friday, my last day of school. I sent Den a couple of books for her birthday. All Quiet on the Western Front is my book of the year. I also sent her a Jill Mansell book that I ordered for myself. I love Jill Mansell, and it looks like she has written some new books. I read her first one, which was about a wedding and was really funny. She does touching romantic comedy.

 It was a day of visible progress. I moved plants, made choices about beds, adjusted the yard, planted seeds, and continued turning the garden into something intentional.

I can be disappointed if the sunflowers do not come up without making that mean the effort was wasted. Gardening always includes negotiation with squirrels, weather, soil, timing, and whatever invisible gremlin raids the bottomless pots.

My new bulbs arrived, and I’m so excited to plant them! I think I’ll wait until after October 4 to put them in the ground. For now, they’re tucked safely in a box in the refrigerator, just waiting for their time.

One evening this week, I also need to head over to Dr. Cho’s to trim the lilacs and do a bit more work in his garden. I’m leaning toward Friday night—there’s nothing else going on then. It will be nice to spend some quiet time outside, get the work done, then come home, take a long shower, and settle in with a good movie.

There’s something comforting about this rhythm—gardening, caring for plants, making plans, and then rewarding myself with rest. It feels like a reminder that balance is possible: a little work, a little care for others, and then time to recharge in my own cozy space.

Creating a lavender topiary, also known as a lavender tree, is an enjoyable gardening project that adds elegance to any space. This beginner-friendly guide outlines the steps to craft a beautiful lavender topiary that will thrive for years.

What is a Lavender Topiary?

A lavender topiary involves the art of pruning live lavender plants into decorative shapes. While many associate topiaries with boxwood or yew shrubs, lavender topiaries provide a unique floral twist.

Choosing the Right Plant

Lavender is ideal for topiaries due to its full shape and hardiness across various temperatures and garden zones. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others, so check labels to determine if winter protection is needed. Healthy, full foliage is essential for successful topiary creation.

Supplies Needed

• Pruners or Garden Snips: For trimming.
• Terra Cotta Pots: They allow for proper drainage.
• Sandy Soil Mix: Combine potting mix with horticultural sand.
• Support Stake: Use bamboo or similar for stability.

Steps to Create Your Lavender Topiary

1. Select the Main Stem: Choose the strongest central stem as the trunk and cut off other stems at the soil level.
2. Remove Lower Leaves: Trim leaves from the lower half of the chosen stem.
3. Water and Care: Regularly water and care for the plant as it adjusts to its new shape.
4. Trim for Shape: Gradually trim side shoots to encourage a fuller topiary form.

Supporting Your Topiary

To keep the lavender upright, tie it to a bamboo stake using pantyhose strips, which are flexible and blend well with the plant.

Experimentation

Different lavender varieties can yield varying topiary heights. Don’t hesitate to experiment with shapes and sizes to find what works best in your garden.

Conclusion

Creating a lavender topiary is a fun and rewarding gardening project that not only beautifies your space but also provides a delightful aroma. With patience and the right techniques, you can enjoy a lovely lavender topiary for years to come.

Happy Gardening!