Palm Seedlings

Palm Seedlings=Nightmare

Today was a full day of outdoor work. The pollen has about finished from the trees. My poor cats, 2 of them, suffered allergies really bad. I bought some wipes and have been cleaning eyes for a week. Things are getting better for them and we are not sneezing as much anymore.....however....

Now that it has all stopped, clean up must begin. While watering the rose garden under the palm, I noticed hundreds of little grass shoots coming up. Knowing it wasn't grass, I groaned. Palm seedlings had begun sprouting and those little buggers were like weeds!!! I pulled and dug and pulled and dug all morning. It was not fun. I tried to see the positive in it, but it didn't work. Note to self for next year....DO NOT let the seeds sit on the ground!!! I'm sure there are still more but I think I got the majority.

Meanwhile two evil things wait for me.....1. The weeds. This spring has had a lot of rain and therefore the weeds have become large plants. I have been weeding for about 3 weeks. Today I used spray and hopefully it takes care of it all. My plan for this upcoming week is to work a section a night cleaning up the damn things. 2. Leaves and pollen. It's not silver or gold like in that Rudolph special. It sucks. People say..."What a lovely mulch!" I say what a pain in the ass to clean up. There are about 10-11 bags worth on the ground. Remember when I wrote that the oak trees looked like they were dying? Well, now they are super green and lush....what a difference 3 weeks make!! However, things are still dusted with pollen and more pollen...it's nasty. So that awaits me next weekend.

I also purchased several catsclaw vines to cover a wooden trellis at the front gate....so I dug and dug more today. Those will look nice once they reach the top of the trellis. I also purchased plumago and sweet potato vines. I planted the potato vines but not the plumago. Too tired. I sprayed, planted, fertilized the bamboo and rose garden, trimmed, watered, and cleaned the courtyard.

Several people asked for requests and I'll do my best to help. One I definitely can do, but the other holds a challenge. I have the North and Eastern sides to contemplate. It is difficult because old growth is there and it isn't attractive but because it's old, it offers shade and green.....which for the desert is wonderful. The owners on that side all want something different or no changes at all....which puts me in a spot....what do I do? For now, I'm focusing on the sides and the courtyard until it is all done......then.....I will tackle the monster that lies ahead. I'll need to sit down with the homeowners next year and get their input. I know 5 homeowners have their take on things.....plus, the planters. I don't want to put anything in those things....but they look absolutely stupid without anything in them....so again, I'll need to sit with the homeowners and talk. Well...that's all for this week. I have more rose pics....this week it was the week of the reds....I'll post soon. Promise. Until next week....