Splashes of color

When I was a young pup I was privileged to be introduced to Dorothy Neil, a Mount Vernon native who married and raised her family in Oak Harbor. Dorothy wrote a newspaper column and referred often to her “garden friend,” who was actually her husband. Mel didn’t relish the thought of seeing his name in print on a routine basis. Hence the “garden friend” moniker. I have also been blessed with a garden friend whose handiwork begins to shine each year about this time. A Saturday morning jaunt around the yard yielded photographs of apple blossoms erupting on our espalier, tulips beginning to show color, rhododendron blossoms in full bloom and lush, green leaves unfolding with the promise of flowers to come. A successful garden requires attention. It’s time for some “sweat equity” with my garden friend.