This spring has been one to remember

I don’t know how everyone else’s gardens have been responding to this spring’s strange weather, but the grounds here at loose ends are really happy, and plants that seem to have just pooped along for the past few years seem to have overnight tripled and even quadrupled in size this year.

Every day is a new discovery as I walk up the path to the back door. Ground covers that I nearly had given up on are now lush and spreading at an alarming rate. Some wild violets wandered in from somewhere last year and I welcomed their bronze foliage and tiny purple flowers. Now, this spring, I have them cropping up everywhere.

We have a lovely clump of sea oats that has been happily living (and behaving) in a self-controlled clump for three years. Last weekend, I saw literally hundreds of tiny sea oats babies poking their little chartreuse heads up in all kinds of places that they didn’t belong. What happened to turn a perfectly polite garden resident into a one-plant population explosion?

And, of course, it isn’t only the invited plants that are on a “take no prisoners” campaign. We now are on our third full frontal attack on those pesky fellows known as weeds. Because we don’t like using poisons, my husband and I hand weed most of the grounds around the buildings. I have always maintained that I didn’t mind weeding, actually enjoyed it as a sort of meditation time. Well, let me say, I believe I have reached and even over extended my personal meditative requirements.

Whether you're looking for handmade paper, furniture, fabric or accessories, you will find it at loose ends. If it is unusual, organic and fabulous, then loose ends is the place. Showroom hours are 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and the first Saturday of each month 10 am - 3pm at 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, or visit us online at www.looseends.com Questions? Give us a call at (503) 390-2348.

This spring certainly is one to remember. For four years, I have coaxed, pleaded and occasionally threatened the various ground covers that I planted between the slate stepping-stones on our side yard path. Last fall, I seemed to be losing the fight, then suddenly, about three weeks ago (I swear it was overnight), the blue creeper simply appeared in full splendor and glory.

For three years, an unknown green plant has shown marginal interest in growing (and no interest in flowering) on an iron arch near our front door. Although I still don’t know the plant’s name, at least I now know that it can get smothered in small, yellow roselike blooms when it wants to.

The wisteria vines on the warehouse were covered with fat purple flower clusters just two weeks ago, as was the golden chain tree with its bright yellow bracts. Climbing roses that were rudely transplanted from a property two years ago are now, for the very first time, loaded with fat buds, just waiting to burst open. Clumps of perennials are spilling out of their allotted areas, self seeding pansies, nasturtiums and violas are springing up in unexpected places, and even some of last year’s tender annuals are putting in a repeat appearance this spring. Snapdragons and geraniums, which, by all rights, should have perished along with last November’s Thanksgiving turkey are back, bigger and better than ever.

Sandi Reinke is an author, frequent television guest and lead designer for loose ends (www.loosends.com), a Salem-based interior décor, garden, and casual lifestyle company. To ask Reinke a decorating question, e-mail info@looseends.com or mail her at the showroom address, 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, OR 97302. Phone: 503-390-2348.

So, as I get back out into the gardens here, I wonder … but then, wondering is a good companion activity with weeding.
June 3, 2005