Robert and Michael's GardenBlog - 1999 Edition - Fellsway East, The West End of Malden, MA

Spring of 1999, our should we say early summer has arrived here in Massachusetts...New record of 97 degrees set on June 07, 1999 and we were almost 5 1/2 inches below average for rainfall. What a contrast from last year (see text below!) Check back as we update this page with new pictures (the garden is ablaze in blooms) and stories.

Update: July 1, 1999: IT RAINED!!! Almost an inch and 1/4. The first time in almost five weeks. They are saying that on July 4th, it may hit 100 degrees, smashing an old record, with head index close to 110 degrees (which it did!). Looks like yet another crazy weather month here in Massachusetts.

Update: July 29, 1999: We are still in drought conditions. Last week we had a series of tremendous thunderstorms which eased it a bit, but officially we are still 4 1/2 inches below normal and looks like more days of 90 plus weather ahead. Very high humidity has caused powdery mildew to attack the lilacs and zinnias for the second year in a row; now the verbena and the coreopsis are suffering from it also. The Lily Beetle has reappeared this year (see more info below).

Bad News: Hordes of Oriental Beetles (brown and about 1/2 inch) are ravishing the plants, most especially the white Simplicity Rose Hedge. We have spent several nights (when they show themselves) handpicking them off the flowers which they decimated. Earwigs have made their first appearance also and seem to favor the roses. The tomatoes have Blossom End Rot and we heard that if you apply crushed Tums (with calcium) it will help. We'll see...One of our azaleas, one new lavender and the Graceland Rose bit the dust. At least the aphids weren't as bad as last year and we've only seen a few Japanese beetles due to the dry spring conditions.

Update: Thanksgiving day, we are outside cutting fresh roses for the dinner table (which is actually pretty nice) but the plants need to go to sleep for the season.

Update: December 21, 1999: We here in the Boston area have set yet another new weather record. It is now 5 days after the last official day when it is the latest with NO SNOW whatsoever. And we are again up to 2 and 1/2 inches below normal for precipitation after having copious amounts of rain from 2 tropical storms in September and October. Looks like it will be a green Christmas.

Update: January 13, 2000: Our first snow in 303 days (another record!) About 5 inches to help insulate the plants.

The Apricot Beauty Tulips did not disappoint (Source: Brecks)	The front walkway in its' spring glory.
The newly installed walk from the front yard to the rear. Canadian bluestone steps and used cobblestone border (8,000 pounds we hand carried and installed in one weekend).	Here you can see about 4 or 5 months worth of growth. Everything is filling in quite nicely.
The foxgloves Michael started from seed last year finally bloomed.	The astilbe bed with the new fence. This is their second year also and they grew tremendously!
The view of the new walkway looking up towards the front of the house; new fence replacing rusting chain link.	The orange lilies looking even better in their second year. They must be in the perfect spot.
The irises our friend Elizabeth gave use last year bloomed nicely this year. The yellow flower is Evening Primrose from Robert's stepmother's garden in New Hampshire.	The campanula and lilacs put on a great show in their second year. Also some more of Michael's foxgloves.
The White casablanca lily has a wonderful smell.	The stargazer lilies were spectacular until the high heat cut their blooms short..
The lily bed in its' second year. Some of them reached over 4' tall. Must be the well drained soil and lots of sun that they receive.	The New Guinea impatiens, regular white impatiens, bleeding heart and the red verbena have done well, thanks to the copious amounts of water we have given them.
The clematis planted last year grew over seven feet (!) and put on a spectacular display of hundreds of white flowers in August and September. Definitely worth the wait.	This is the native perennial sunflower in it's second year and it is doing marvelous, indeed!
Robert is enjoying the Sunday Boston Globe amidst the Geraniums, Black-Eyed Susan Vine, morning glories and herbs on the deck off the kitchen.	Michael standing in front of the Mock Orange bush.