Making a Plan

It is time for me to really start planning out the flower beds for this spring and summer.  I know that I am going to actually draw out some plans and do some research on the plants before I just dive into it blind like I usually do.  It saves time in the long run for me to plan out for these things and stick to the plan, for the most part at least.  Symmetry is something that I really like to make sure to incorporate into most everything that I do.  I like to have things look appealing in that way to the eye.  There are many people and experts that know much more than I do that would like to approach things in a different way and lend a more creative approach.

Pictures will be set to come in the future.  I know that I have promised these before, but I am thinking of actually following through in the near future.  I challenge you to plan out your space and make a plan before starting your planting this year.  Don't forget that you can make a plan that spans over the season or one that will span over a few years.  Depending on your budget you might want to smart small and simple and then expand upon your plans over time.

Planning for Spring

Today after a night of storms and rain I noticed that some of the flowers in the beds on either side of my front door are starting to appear.  Luckily the day turned out to be very nice here this afternoon.  There were many places in the midwest that did have severe weather and my thoughts are with those people and families that were touched by the storms.  The notice of plants emerging has encouraged me to remind everyone to be looking for these things in their own beds around their homes.  It is a great time to move these new plants to other destinations and to even pot them and give them as gifts during the spring months.

The Gurney's catalog came in the mail a few weeks ago.  The arrival of this catalog is always a hint to look forward to spring planting.  My mother and I are planning on doing some vegetable gardening this summer.  Being able to can and put up vegetables for the fall and winter months to come is always a great way to be sure that you know what you are putting in your body.  I am looking forward to spending quality time with my mother over the summer and learning how to can a preserve food for the months to come.  

Alive and Well

I am proud to report that my house plants are alive and well.  Well, they both could use some TLC.  So far they are alive but need to have some dead leaves removed and a little more water added.  I did water and turn them both the other day a week after re-potting.  The water that was added was not sufficient enough to keep up with the plants.  I am going to baby them a little this evening.  I was afraid of over watering when I tended to them the other day.

For the most part if you water house plants once a week and turn them once a week or every other week you are pretty much good to go.  One thing that you must keep an eye on is the amount of light and what kind of light they are exposed to daily.  My plants require indirect low light.  Knowing that I have limited plant experience and historically bad luck with plants I decided to keep things as simple as possible to start with at least.

My house plants were purchased from a store and I do like them.  It is important to know that if you have a friend or family member that has an indoor plant, especially a vine, that you like you can usually just get a cutting from that plant and place it in water and sit it in a window to get it to take root.  Once you see healthy roots the plant can be placed in a pot with soil.  The plant should do fine from that point on.  Make sure to thin your plants and re-pot them when necessary to keep them from becoming root-bound.  Fertilizing is recommended every 2-4 months, depending on the specific plant.

Good luck with your indoor plants and start planning ahead for the upcoming spring weather and planting season.

House Plants

Thursday I purchased two small house plants.  The crazy winter weather has made me long for spring or winter, either one really.  We have had a very mild winter and it makes me long for either cold weather and snow or warmer sunny weather.  The strange mild winter has made me want to think about my garden for the upcoming year.   I know that I have made posts on here previously and my gardening hasn't really panned out like I had hoped.  This year I am hoping to change all of that.  I do enjoy spending time outside and intend to make time for that this year.  The house plants are a start to my gardening efforts this year.  My mother and I are planning on starting some flowers and vegetables from seeds this year.  The planting process won't begin until around March.  I will share more about that when the time comes.


Now is the time to be concentrating on my house plants.  I did have a cactus at one time in my bathroom.  It died.  This might have been because of the moisture, but I mean I couldn't even keep a cactus alive.  This should be an interesting next few months.  These house plants should be fairly easy to care for and I hope that I am not getting in over my head.  I invite you to follow along and contribute and helpful comments and curious questions.  Throughout the process I will share information that I find helpful regarding plants.  During these "winter" months that will involve house plants.  Happy planting to all.

It is Spring Time Again

It is finally Spring Time again. I didn't do such a great job on this blog last year and keeping it updated, but I will be attempting to do a much better job this year. A garden is always a nice way to start off a morning or end a day. This will also be a great place for me to take amazing photos with the camera that I received at Christmas. My husband is a wonderful man. He also gave me a bird feeder and stand for my birthday. Now the birds can enjoy the flowers and the food. The new camera will feel loved as well with all of the photos that I will be taking throughout the spring and summer in my garden. Let the weather become warmer once again and let the flower bloom.

Ask & You Shall Receive

Yes in my last post I was complaining about all of the dry weather and then either that day or the next day the rains came.
My impatients are in the ground and doing pretty good. The marigolds that I planted in the pots are really suffering. I think that I should have used Miracle Grow potting soil for that instead of the cheap stuff. They are still a little green and there are a few blooms. The begonia is doing quite well in it's pot. The little pink blooms are gorgeous. The Wandering Jew that I bought is doing well, I do recommend these because they are a great plant that needs little care. The vines that I transplanted from my mother's are starting to spread more around the bottom of the tree in the front yard. This vine doesn't climb very well, but is awesome ground cover. This plant is very hearty and doesn't need much care either. I have not been able to set out the crape myrtles that I boght yet. I had to let the grass and weeds die from the round-up before I was even able to think about planting. Now that will have to wait about a week since I have to clean out the area and will be out of town. I know that when I get back next week I will have a great deal of catching up to do. I honestly don't think that it will be that bad because I hope to be refreshed and ready to dig in, literally.
I am leaving today to go visit my sister and hopefully the plants will still be looking good when I get back. I gave them a good dose of Miracle Grow and a good watering this morning. My lovely husband will be staying at home and if he gets the urge he might give them a drink while I am gone.
I am really happy with the look of my front yard right now. I am planning on putting out some fall plants when that rolls around. I think that mums would be quite nice. I will probably keep the fall plants to planters so that I won't have to mess up my beds. I love fall but have never thought about plants for that time of year, this should be fun!

Hot and Dry Weather

The past few weeks have brought hot and dry weather my way. Much of the country is experiencing this uncomfortable weather. Hopefully we will see some rain this week. I know that about a month or so ago I was complaining about the rain and wet weather, but now I need rain.
Today my lawn looks like the first frost occurred a couple of nights ago. This obviously is not the case, but the grass has enough brown patches to make it look like fall is upon us. I have been attempting to bring my flower gardens back to life. I am concentrating on them even though they are not at all what I had planned. There are not as many beds or plants that I anticipated. Gardening has not been the priority that I wanted it to be this summer. That is okay though. I have still enjoyed working in the gardens and spending time outdoors.
Some readers might be wondering why I don't water my lawn. Honestly the thought has occurred to me, but it has always seemed quite bizarre in the past. I feel that watering my lawn will never happen. I enjoy being outside, but I am not that consumed with keeping up appearances.
Rains, rains come again some day soon, just don't stay for too long.