February 17, 2011

Evergreen groundcovers and a special award

I had good intentions. The days are longer, the snow is melting, and I thought maybe, just maybe, I could get home from work in time to capture shots of emerging perennials. Two errands later, and after wading through lingering snow and muddy muck, I didn’t have the heart to remove the Oak leaf mulch protecting tender perennial shoots from the elements.

But, as fog and darkness descended on the garden, I did notice three amazingly hardy evergreen groundcovers seemingly unaffected by the harsh receding winter.

Euonymus fortunei

Lamium maculatum

Pachysandra terminalis

I know other perennials will soon poke through, but for now I’m appreciating the evergreens that make their appearance as soon as the great winter blanket lifts away.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On another note, I’m deeply honored to receive the Stylish Blogger Award from Rosie at My Garden Haven, Karin at Southern Meadows, and Lily at The Suburban Gardener. Thanks, Stylish Bloggers!


In accepting this award, I must:
1. Link back to the person who gave me the award.
2. Share seven random things about myself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered bloggers.
4. Drop them a note and tell them about it.

While I’m a fan of many blogs and bloggers, I’m trying to stick to the rules by selecting new blogs (I think these are all newish blogs). This list does not include all of my favorites, but these folks are definitely worth visiting:


OK, finally seven random things about me:

1. I have two cats (Ginger and Oreo), who drive me crazy, but they’re so cute:



2. Most of my recent ancestors were farmers. I’ve been a “townie” my entire life, but dirt-digging is in my genes.

3. I’m not a fan of long winters. Why do I live in Wisconsin? Family and friends…and lots of time to read great books.

4. I’ve gardened in patio pots, large sunny plots, and dappled sunny spots. The most challenging gardening for me is deep shade.

5. My ideal day: temps in the low 80s, floating on a clear lake, soaking up the summer sun, one cold beer, and a dish of ice cream.

6. I have two amazing kids: a son in college and a daughter who will graduate from high school this spring. I will need Kleenex.

7. My best friend is my dear husband of nearly 27 years. I know I can always count on his support.

16 comments:

  1. I appreciate the color, hardiness and reliability of evergreens-especially this time of the year.. I think we're all excited spring is close! Thank you so much for considering me for the Stylish Blogger Award!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bahaha! We DID cross paths...:) That's too funny. And thank you too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, wow! Just checking out the groundcovers and there I am listed! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. congrats on the award and hoping the snow melts here so I can see anything green...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations on your award! I was attracted to your blog because I am searching for new ground covers for my woodland garden. Pachysandra is a native here in the Southeast; I can't believe I don't already have it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the award! back to do my homework!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Beth,
    I have give 4 bloggers the Award. I cannot found more bloggers who I know and..excuse me but I have not fullfilled all requirements because I get two Blog Awards in the Netherlands too (almost on the same day). When you will know what I have done with the Awards, visit my site www.ellystuin.com

    Still very, very thanks for you nominations of my site.
    Greetings and a lovely weekend, Elly

    ReplyDelete
  8. @Rebecca: You're welcome! Will you be participating in the April "Toil the Soil" magazine?

    @Hanni: I'm enjoying your sense of humor! See you on Blotanical!

    @HolleyGarden: Yes, of course! I just checked out your beautiful blog today. Lovely!

    @Donna: Thanks! I'm so hopeful the groundhog was right about the early spring. We all need it!

    @Deb: Actually, the cultivar I have, Pachysandra terminalis, isn't native here, but my understanding is that Pachysandra procumbens is native to North America. I think they're quite similar. Enjoy!

    @Lula: Your blog always takes my breath away. You definitely deserve some awards! Cheers!

    @Elly: I'm not the creator of the award, but I think it's OK for you to claim it if someone gives it to you. You deserve it for your lovely blog. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congratulations on your award and thank you for selecting me, I appreciate it. It is great to see these ground covers looking so nice. Here they would probably be eaten by snails:-).

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congratulations on your award. Thank you for recognizing my blog! I was surprised! I'd like to plant some evergreen ground cover. I noticed my woody thyme perky up in the recent warm weather

    ReplyDelete
  11. Masha and McArtor: You're both very welcome. I'm enjoying regularly visiting your blogs through Blotanical!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Interesting to read your random things about yourself and I see we have a lot in common. Not least the stranded townie and the shade gardener. No wonder your blog is one of my faves! And thank you for the stylish blogger award - will attempt to live up to it sometime soon.
    Laura x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi PP: Thank you for the 'shout out' for Ledge and Gardens. I have been blogging four almost...what four years now and it is the people we meet and the gardens we visit that keep us interested and coming back to gardens. It has been a very long winter. Almost over though.

    ReplyDelete
  14. @Laura: You've already lived up to the award! Yes, I knew we had a lot in common. Cheers!

    @Layanee: Ooops! Oh well, you deserve it! Most garden blogs are new to me anyway. I tried to look at archives to see how long blogs had been operating. I love your blog header and your title!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ya gotta love tougher-than-winter groudcovers! My lamium is still chugging along, too. Wonderful facts! We have a lot in common. :o) Adorable cats! I grew up with four and they ruled the roost.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi TS: Yeah, the groundcovers are incredible! I can't imagine life without cats and dogs!

    ReplyDelete