The Lilac Bush

Herewith the process of planting the Mother's Day gift lilac bush, accomplished with a four-pic collage (thank you Picasa). From left to right, top to bottom:  First the gap in our bushes framed by the wheel-barrow and the green container that will hold the stripped ground cover. Next the digging, the dirt, and a container with broken pottery to help with the drainage. Lilac bushes like to be drained! A close-up of the finished hole comes next. And, finally, the bush in place--but at a distance--the gap now ready to be filled as our little lilac bush "grows up."

The next two photos show the lilac bush from a bit closer up--and Brigitte having a closer look at the results. Notice how her extended left hand half strokes the blooms and half emphasizes: This is Mine.

It all went splendidly. The day was perfect for this little venture, and the usual interruptions, mishaps, and horrid battles with monstrous roots that usually require finding the big axe were missing for once. Brigitte has been wanting a lilac bush now for two years, and here it is--Reality. All that remains for me to do here, by way of a footnote, is to acquaint you with Brigitte's other, ahem, shall we say "favorite" bush? Tra-ra!

In the Wake of Mother's Day

Here is a picture of the lilac bush that features in the picture that follows--where, still unplanted, it served today as a recreational space for a triplet of Monarch butterflies. Monique and John took Brigitte to Wiegand's Nursery and Garden Center on M-Day, and the present was the lilac bush, our very own.

And, oh, by the way. We made this blog to serve as a place for pictures that should be accessible to family far and wide. We won't announce its existence, except to the family, but it is a public space. Postings here will be on a catch-as-catch can basis. There are too many photos on Brigitte's and my hard drives, and accessibility to them is difficult. Therefore a photoalbum in the modern style is, finally, indicated... Herewith, then, the Monarch:

The picture of which the above is an edited enlargement follows:

Mechanical reality intrudes: electric lines, phone, and cable. The poor lilac can barely hold its own against so much brick. But if the weather favors us, you'll soon see it actually planted.