Gray skies and periods of rain have dragged on for days. The rainfall is needed, but I prefer a daylong drenching and then move on to sunny skies. I’m okay with a few days of rain per week with pleasant, sunny days the other five. Of course, my vote counts for nothing on this matter, and fortunately, there have been periods when I’ve been able to get out when the rain slacks to drizzle. I think I even moved a plant, though that was days ago and I don’t recall what it was or where it was moved.

There has been just enough rain earlier this spring to keep the garden looking at its spring best, but now there is a reserve with soil deeply saturated. I don’t water anything except something newly planted that appears in desperate need, so I can complain only a little about the soggy weather.

The magnolias damaged by freeze a few weeks ago are nearly recovered with new leaves almost covering the blackened tips. Crape myrtles are slowly recovering, though there are inches of dead branch tips that were beginning to leaf out just before the freeze. Japanese maples are beginning to flush new growth and continuing to drop browned leaves. A few more weeks will be necessary before the brown is hidden.

The progression of iris blooms has been slowed by the lack of sunshine, with their damp leaves reminding me that several vigorous clumps (above) will need to be divided to clear the paths in the lower rear garden. The tunnel beneath the pendulous branched hornbeam (below) that leads to this part of the garden is nearly blocked by rain-soaked, low hanging branches that are likely to require pruning again when the sun returns in a few days.

The ‘Moonrise’ Japanese maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’, above) just outside the sunroom has grown vigorously and is likely to add a few more inches with damp soil and cooler temperatures. It’s likely I’ll need to prune the white ‘Henryi’ clematis that winds through its branches that is also growing with unusual vigor. It must poke in and out of layered openings in the maple’s branches and not shade the foliage. Most clematis are easily managed and at most I expect a few snips to take care of it.

The tree lilac (Syringa reticulata, above) is at its floral peak with large clusters of white blooms. I suppose that flowers are too high for those able to enjoy the scent, but they are greatly enjoyed from the sunroom where many of my indoor waking hours are spent.

Several plants delivered and planted a week ago did not appreciate the mid-ninety degree temperatures (Fahrenheit), so the cool, rainy days are a blessing to relieve their midday wilting. I expect that by the time the sun returns they’ll be adjusted to the transplant. Certainly, I’ll be happy to see the sun again.