Way Past Outside Clyde

Early morning in the Fairegarden in late June finds the air dripping with humidity. Sleeping bees are covered in morning dew but are not bothered by the cooling moisture for the temperatures are quite warm, even at night. The density of the atmosphere helps hold the fragrance pumped out by the tall lilies now blooming. Orienpet ‘Satisfaction’ stands guard at the edge of the daylily hill, scenting the air as one steps out the door from the addition to ready the garden. The garden is ready all the time actually, much more so than the house, for visitors. Today a very special guest is coming over the Appalachian Mountains that form the dividing line between North Carolina and Tennessee. Looking at the map it would appear a short drive from there to here, but those lines denoting the roads are deceiving. As the crow flies would indeed be short since the crow does not have to climb and descend the tall peaks with squiggly roads. The out of the way interstate is the only way to make this trip. We learned that the hard way on our first trip to Asheville after moving to this spot in southeast Tennessee. A three hour tour became a five hour slog complete with car sickness. Never again was the pledge afterwards. We have visited Christopher’s mountainside retreat several times, located just Outside Clyde, North Carolina. He also made the trek to the big blogger shindig recently in Chicago. I begged him to swing by my place on his drive home from Illinois and pick up some free plants for his growing garden. Too much driving was his reply, but he promised to make the trip soon. The date was chosen and he arrived right on time. We chatted inside for a while to allow him some time to stretch his long legs before dragging him up the steep slope that holds the garden. Plants that might work for his space were noted and we went to eat lunch. Afterwards the digging began. There were some overgrown baptisias that required removal from the white/yellow bed. Christopher had brought his shovel and set to removing the tap rooted giants in short order. I admired his efficiency. Each step on the blade was precise and strong, the opposite of my own digging technique which is random and weak. Near where he is standing to the left in this shot are a group of perfume factories. Chinese Trumpet lilies ‘Golden Splendor’ were adding sweet smells to the hot humid air. Seeds were saved from these blooms last year and successfully started in the greenhouse. Two more groups will be added to this bed in the newly open spaces created by Christopher’s able digging. I forgot to give him some seedlings, maybe he would not even accept them, for he was not open to all offerings. Next time we meet he will get some for certain. Not only did Christopher bring his shovel and some choice plants, he brought highly prized rocks from his mountain, nice big ones! Many thanks, my friend. There are few things in this world I admire more than rocks, the bigger the better. The Financier came home from work just as Christopher was loading his truck with the plants he agreed to take back for his well planned gardens. As I handed him the camera to take our photo together, a sense of alarm rang through the cinnaberry topped skull. Too late! “Why are you not using the new camera I bought you?” Uh oh, think quick. Well, I had planned on having Christopher show me how to use it but with our constant chatting completely forgot, was the honest reply. Christopher offered to show me some things, but I knew he wanted to get home before dark and it was already later than he had planned to stay. Next time. Out of three tries, a nice shot of the two of us was snapped, showing an honest view of the long wall behind the main house. Time is always too short when bloggers get together. Until we meet again, good gardening to you, my mountain dwelling friend.
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To view the posts where we visited Christopher’s spot click here and here.
Frances