The wait is finally over...

Papaver Orientale "Princess Victoria Louise.", a photo by Leenechan on Flickr.

"Princess Victoria Louise" finally popped a flower this morning!

We planted three of her last spring, but unfortunately the plants only reached blooming size this year. And let me tell you, this particular plant is enormous, with at least four more buds to open in the next few weeks!

This really is a milestone for us. We have never in our decade of gardening been able to successfully grow oriental poppies in our yard. I guess there's only one spot that's suitable for them--the little south-facing garden that's also home to butterfly bushes Ellen's Blue and Peach Cobbler, peony Louis von Houtte, Buck roses Prairie Harvest and Winter Sunset, and irises Coral Sunset and Oh, Jamaica. To think that two years ago, that garden was nothing but oregano and rogue strawberry runners!

I feel like I should put on a party hat or something. XD

Herbaceous Peony "Buckeye Belle."

Herbaceous Peony "Buckeye Belle.", a photo by Leenechan on Flickr.

Hey, it's here and it's really red.

Unfortunately, we planted it in such a sunny spot that it's very difficult to photograph. But oh, what a color! I think the technical name is "Dark Red" but that's not very romantic. I'll call it "garnet."

Good Garden News?

It looks like the crud on peony "Salmon Dream" was only superficial fungus. I sprayed it with Actinovate last night and just peeled it off this morning. I think that maybe it will bloom after all?

Also, the buds on "James Mason" might have been destroyed by aphids, but I see a new bud forming! And now I have the insecticidal soap, as well as the most awesome hand sprayer ever:

http://www.amazon.com/Solo-418-1-Liter-One-Hand-Pressure/dp/B000BX4VXI/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1337451039&sr=1-1

Oh boy do I wish I had two more of these: one for Actinovate and one for Liquid Fence. It's so nice to be able to lock it into spray mode and coat the entire plant rather than constantly working the hand lever! Maybe if I hadn't gone over budget with the roses this year, I'd be able to buy a couple more...

Most of the new transplants are doing fine, but "Golden Princess" is sulking in her pot. I'm sure she'll recover.

Almost forgot!

Herbaceous Peony "Coral Supreme.", a photo by Leenechan on Flickr.

"Coral Supreme" actually bloomed yesterday. I love the flowers on this peony but boy howdy does it get tall! It's about 4 1/2 ft, and since I'm only 5'1'' I have to stand on tippytoes to photograph it. You must be staking this beauty.

I love the coral peonies, but they ain't much in the fragrance department. Actually, you'd be better off not smelling them.