In early April I paid two gardener friends to remove the sod. This was a long hard job, and of course it snowed again just to delay progress!

By the time the right hand side was completed, the snow had melted at the other side so that work could be completed there.

The soil was then forked over and the roots and weeds removed. The largest stones were stacked at the base of the barn wall in case they might be needed for future barn repairs. After a spraying of Roundup on the dandelions and burdocks growing out of the concrete, some wood chips for a path were placed along the wall. The soil is actually quite good despite the many pebbles in it.

Once May arrived, the lilacs leafed out and the white tulips bloomed. We divided three large Nepeta plants into many, and planted the smaller clumps throughout the new bed. The cuttings from wallflowers which I grew under lights over the winter, were planted here as well.

I purchased some stepping stones and placed them in strategic spots for easy access to the back of the new garden. By the time the lilacs bloomed, my rose order arrived and five roses were planted. Digging deep holes for them was a difficult task because big rocks surfaced and needed to be removed. Then the clematis order arrived and both C.Juuli and C.Rogouchi were planted near the roses. Small three-foot tall bamboo supports marked their location. Adjustments may need to be made over time if these vines prefer to grow vertically rather than as 'weavers' in their new home.

Then it was time to plant the seedlings of feverfew, foxglove and penstemon. A few grasses, geraniums, lilies and verbascum were added, as well as flowering chives to discourage wild rabbits from using my garden as a salad bar.

Finally in June, after days and days of rain, I spread many wheelbarrow loads of rich compost over the entire area. Even though the lilacs were beginning to fade, the roses and clematis looked healthy.

I have enjoyed all the planning and the gradual process. I am usually impatient and eager to complete an activity quickly. This just was not possible because of weather, plant orders, soil delivery, etc. It has been exciting to watch it come together. Now comes the next part -- waiting for growth, blooms, for color. WAITING, that's the hardest part.