Thanks Ginny, I would go nuts for a creative outlet in this suburb if it wasn't for the gardens

These columnar Apple Trees were planted 3 years ago.
My dream is to see three blinding bright column of blossoms.
Alas I really have to hunt for the blooms.

I hope your dream comes true. It's so good to have a vision and then watch it happen, just as you've done with your gardens.

Maybe another year will see more blooms.

Would love to see that, Jo Ann.

Jo Ann the garden is looking great

The planets have aligned and the Garden Guy showed up.






There is a drawback, I have to hover a bit to make sure he weeds before he composts. I am keen on removing lamium,so when I found it covered he had to redo.

The hovering part is a killer. If we don't do it we know we'll regret it.

He used to be a great weeder, taking dandelions out of iris clumps etc.
That was 6 years ago. I had forgotten his shortcuts to give a garden a great appearance. I was a bit crushed when I saw dandelion in the compost. This will be his last job here. I have two women who weed and clean. They are signed up for a mid summer weed and Fall cleanup.
Today we continue Lamium removal. I think I need to be on top of this as the lamium gas taken over some liatris and yarrow, not to mention lilies.

Pics from last evening.
I love these species tulips.
Tulipa Whittalli



Dwarf iris Brighde

Frustrating for you, Jo Ann. Sometimes you have to cut a service person loose, even if they had previously provided good service.

Debra.
So true. This is his swansong with me.

Lamium is forever. We can think it's all been eradicated but somehow it returns in unexpected places.

We had to let go one guy, back in 2011, because he preferred talking to his brother (on the phone) and working one-handed. Too many instructions just were not followed or perhaps not understood.

My guy didn't show up this AM. It just makes me furious.
I have two women who are reliable so they get all my business from now on.

Wise choice, Jo Ann.

That's so irritating. You're making the right move, JoAnn.

I should have added that the former guy talked to his brother about every ten minutes though the brother works 7 miles away and he lives with his brother. Couldn't they catch up with any news after work?

Pirl, you and I have the same disposition.
When I had the pottery business I used to get up early and make 50 pounds of clay into an inventory of mugs, casseroles and bowls.
Then I did the desk work.
I was always available for conversation with a gallery about business and orders.I bent over backwards to ship what the customer wanted.
I am a stickler for honoring my obligations.
This just frosts me. I knew before he started weeding I wasn't going to hire him again. I had forgotten James's shortcuts and come when he pleases attitude.