Since we have another 30 day quarantine under executive order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus through the whole month of April, I have been trying to think of ways to stay productive in order to stay sane. Thankfully, we have had some warmer, sunny days here in South Carolina this last week. There’s no better time to get busy gardening. 
My first flower is in bloom. It is a purple clematis that I planted near the front entryway back in February. I know the picture shows a blue flower but trust me, it is purple. It is cheerful to see it here every time I come and go through my front door. The hostas and purple heucheras or coral bells are growing nicely and give the corner next to the walkway a shot of color too. I plan to plant some boxwoods near the front wall as I don’t want anything to grow too tall there and block our view of the garden from the front porch. 
My husband has been planting some foundation shrubs and trees. It has not been an easy job. Each time he has dug a hole, he has hit mounds of large gravel or mostly rocks. Honestly, builders seem oblivious and careless regarding plans for gardens around new homes. We have uncovered deep gravel pits within four feet around the entire foundation of the house as well as within four feet of either side of the driveway. Obviously, these are the prime locations for specimen plants. My poor husband has been diligently working each weekend for the last month. Each session only ends up with three plants in the ground. We are deterred but are not giving up.
Here are some plantings so far. Hopefully, the plants will live. We have tried diligently to improve our horrible planting conditions.
We found two beautiful Japanese maples at a local nursery. They are called coral bark maples. They provide winter interest as the bark shows off its pretty red branches throughout the cold months. 
Along one side of the house, I am starting a bed with a small maple and some dwarf mugo pine shrubs.
I have pots of zinnia seeds starting to sprout near the front door. They will help me stay motivated as I can see new life emerging and the plants growing a little each day. They will provide a time marker, so to speak, to carry me through the long days of the next month.
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
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