After my company left on Sunday, I got out to the garden. There was a big job I’d been meaning to tackle for weeks.
Since planting them, I’ve learned that if you want to keep pussywillows looking good in a small space, you need to chop them back periodically. As you can see if the picture above, I was well past that point. (and also my birdbath was in need of cleaning.
I went at it with the pruners and about an hour later…
It looks a little drastic – especially on the willow in the corner, but I can guarantee you – in a month or so, it will be be all filled in and reaching for the sky again. I also cleaned my birdbath and planted it up with some portulaca. I sometimes forget to keep it watered, so the portulaca should be able to take the drier conditions.
In addition, I also gave a pile of perennials (hyssop, false sunflowers, asters, and sneezeweed) the Chelsea chop. It means they will flower a little later, but it should keep them a little tidier later in the season.
But in the meantime…
The first peonies have bloomed!!!
Wandering Cat Studio 
Pruning is scary business. We had to cut the camellias way back this year and it freaked me out. The hydrangea looks better than ever with its haircut. I just bought a soaker hose for it. I’m not going to let it suffer in the heat this year.
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Thank you for the reminder; I’ll trim back our pussywillow soon, especially where it’s going over into the neighbor’s yard.
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Good for you! The pussywillows will be much happier for the haircut. I love that birdbath. I do miss my birdbath in Spokane. I loved watching the birds give themselves a bath.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
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Your peony is a beautiful color.
Sitting out on the bench would be so relaxing. It looks like a lovely area to just take in the flowers and the birds.
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A beautiful spot in the garden!! I can just remember the aroma—ahhhh!
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What a productive afternoon! Love your peonies. The peonies bloomed out here weeks ago so I get to see them again in your photos.
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Nice Trim! Your peonies are lovely!
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