It’s supposed to warm up, but this morning, there’s frost on the ground.
Soggy weekend, and yesterday afternoon, I finally got the 3 yards of loam distributed. Looks like I’ll need to fill in more areas that were swamped by the rain.
Put down some more sod on Saturday.

Last night, I dreamed that I witnessed something I’ve always wanted to see, the migration of monarch butterflies.
There were thousands of them, flying in a narrow formation above a sandy path to the ocean, where they landed on the beach.
The butterflies were big, with wingspans of about a foot.
The butterflies weren’t at all menacing. In fact, in dream interpretation, they are a symbol of positive change and transformation.

As an experiment, I put down 80 square feet (8 5×2 foot strips) of sod in the areas where the seed just wasn’t “taking”.
It was backbreaking work because the ground was so compressed, probably the reason why grass couldn’t grow very well.
Admittedly, the sod is a different kind of grass (Kentucky blue), so the lawn will look uneven, but I don’t care: I couldn’t stand looking at those gashes in the soil any longer.
Fluffles just scared away a dog. Made me laugh. Gave him treats.

Got quite a bit done today, replanted the peony in its own raised bed, spread more loam and grass seed, and planted the rest of the bulbs(crocus, daffs, iris, 70 in all) at #20 and a nice little boxwood at #11, all in anticipation of the rain predicted for tomorrow (someone at New England Turf said we could get as much as two inches).
I told James he could visit, and am now committed to bring him to Sweet Caroline’s to meet up with his family in about an hour. We had barbecued chicken. Ran out of propane, but it came out just fine in the broiler.

Strange start to the week, expecting return calls/emails from at least a half a dozen colleagues and contractors: where are they?
Meanwhile, placed another half yard of stone yesterday and started spreading 3 yards of loam. Got everything ordered and picked up or delivered by early afternoon, also squeezed in a haircut, a conversation with The Turf Company, a visit to a new doc for a cortisone shot (tendonitis) and finding the only in-stock Garden Weasel in 3 towns.

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It’s been raining – actually, pouring – all morning, and in parts of the yard, there are 3 inches of standing water.
I know this because I went out a few minutes ago to feed with Miracle Grow and (to the hydrangeas), coffee grounds*.
Thank goodness for a hot shower and clean, dry clothes thereafter.
Although the yard is much improved, I definitely need more loam in a couple of spots on the right hand side.
Just hope my poor shed doesn’t get flooded.

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After reading an article that confirmed September is the time, finally transplanted the peony from Edgewater to the right hand side of the shed. Was happy to hear rain around 2 this morning (it’s still raining); maybe I won’t have to water today.

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Projects this week include planting a small (6 bushes) blueberry patch in the area destroyed by the idiot with the bobcat and possibly crushed bluestone and pavers for the front walkway. Think the latter will look nice with the blue-gray composite stairs.
Still have some mulching to do and another week and two days of heavy grass watering.
I’m tired.

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Start of week 3 with the new grass. Yesterday, I overseeded the bare areas, fewer than I thought would be needed, with some seed that has been in the basement here for years. It’ll be interesting if it “takes”. If it doesn’t, I still have time to use something else.
Spent a good part of the day at nurseries: the East Sandwich Agway, who were participating in a multi-business Route 6A open house, and Mahoney’s, who were running gardening seminars. Got a lot of excellent info on composting, bulbs, lawns and winter prep.

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Did three of my most hated chores before breakfast today: paid a bill, made the bed, cleaned Mr. Fluffles’ litter box.