There are several flower beds

surrounding the house and along the grounds

 

and already some things growing in them are starting to awaken and sprout.

I love cheery daffodils and I cant wait to see these blossom!

 

Although it looks a little ragged, green leaves are starting to appear on this Italian Jasmine,

 

as well as it's buds and small yellow flowers. I rescued this plant from a death of a paved lot being made in town and transplanted it out to here in the country. It has flourished.

Now is the time that the chickens will not be allowed to roam the grounds freely any longer. They love to dig in the beds and can destroy the growth starting to sprout

and they have been venturing off into the woods to lay their eggs. This has started to bring coyotes up into the grounds, risking the flock's safety. So it's time for the chickens to stay in their own penned yard.

This year I am focusing on the flower beds close to the house.

One in particular has this wonderful piece of vintage fence in it. It is just a short piece, but is wonderful for growing vines.  One side of the fence gets morning sun and stays shaded during the heat of the day, because of an old mesquite tree growing next to it. This side is perfect for  Morning Glory.

The other side I have placed bags of fertilized soil along. The ground is covered in grass that is hard to get rid of, and I hope the bag gardening will work.  This side gets a lot of sun during the day. It will be perfect for Zinnia, Marigold, and other blooming flowers.

 

There is a flower bed that runs up to and along side of a shed on the grounds. This bed is shaded during most of the day, and I always find this the most challenging.  I have not decided on which plants I want there, but will do research on the best for shade.

 

An  arch way is at the front of this space and I already have a young Wisteria  planted beside it,  which I am hoping that it will grow and climb.

The old twisted mesquite tree makes a great growing support for Ivy that I hope will grow up and along it.  It all looks very bare and un- impressive at this time.............

However, with the help of the computer...........for right now,

I hope it will look this colorful by the time summer has arrived.

How about you?

Have you any spaces that are both perfect and challenging for growing?

What do you like best for shade?

I would love to hear!