- grow more plants from seeds
- use more cactus in the garden
- sit in my outdoor seating areas
GROW MORE PLANTS FROM SEEDS. Sure, there are certain plants that I grow from seed like beans, cucumbers and zucchini, but why don't I grow more plants from seed? The answer is complicated. I think first and foremost, I've convinced myself that growing plants from seed is difficult. As a result, I don't bother to plan ahead and put in the effort. After all, why go to all the trouble, if I'm not going to be successful?
New Year's resolutions are about changes in attitude, so this year is going to be different. Growing plants from seed just makes sense. It's economical, plus there's so many cool varieties that you can grow from seed. I'm already mentally preparing my plan of attack. First, I'll get my seeds organized. Then, I'll hit up the catalogs looking for something that really sparks my interest.
I'm going to start my seeds in the house, so they'll be ready to go as soon as spring has sprung. My homemade growing rack has been enlarged to accommodate more seeds trays. I've already started some sweet peas, plus a flat of basil and rosemary to donate to my garden clubs plant sale.
 |
| Tiny Basil Seedling Makes It's Debut |
 |
| Trailing Rosemary Cuttings |
 |
| Sweet Pea Seedling |
USE MORE CACTUS IN THE GARDEN. I've mostly steered away from cactus in the past, because, well, I don't know... it's pointy, it's deserty... Honestly, I love perennials, and my cottage garden style just didn't seem to mesh with cactus. However, I'm becoming more and more convinced that the two can blend together.
In the garden blog, Digging, there was a recent post called Agaves Green Up the Winter Garden. In this post, Pam showed me that not only can cactus blend with Perennials they can provide the evergreen, structure in the garden that I have been looking for.
In late fall, I planted a small area using 'Color Guard' Yucca and Parryi Agave Truncata. When winter brown has taken over, the yellow and green is quite welcome.
SIT IN MY OUTDOOR SEATING AREAS. I love constructing outdoor seating areas. I have several outdoor seating areas and benches scattered around my property. Seems like I would do a lot of sitting, right? Well, here's what happens... I sit for about 5 seconds, I see a weed or whatever, and the next thing you know, break is over.
I'm sure the answer to this resolution is staring me right in the face. I just need more seating areas. What? That's right, more seating areas mean more opportunities to find one that is weed free. Surely a weed free seating areas means that I will sit longer. Phhhew... this resolution is going to be an easy one.
Good luck with all your garden resolutions.
These look like good resolutions...ones I have seen on my own list.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a productive 2012...and, taking time to enjoy it.
Happy New Year!
I guess I'd better get going on starting my seeds for the garden club.
ReplyDeleteLove your seating areas.
Cindy S.
Thank you for a very nice and interesting tour of your dream greenhouse construction I really like you taking into consideration the cost of warming it to keep frost away, many people would forget this very important thing, and just take the first and best looking. I myself live in a warmer part of Scandinavia (Denmark) but we have frost on and off from the middle of october and sometimes as late as may, so we have to be on our guard if to keep those tender and lovely plants from af warmer climate. I will drop in again.
ReplyDeleteHenrik
I also was against starting most of my plants from seeds (mostly because you have to plant them like right now in order to have them ready to go in March). But I also can't pass up buying seeds, so thus I started planting my own seeds. I didn't have great luck until I decided to just finish off the pack -for some reason, planting a few seeds never worked, but by golly, if I plant 50 then all of them will sprout. This last year was finally a success, but I still usually end up buying a few tomato and pepper plants even though I have them from seed as well...
ReplyDeleteHere is to spending a little bit of time in your seating areas enjoying your new plants! Happy New Year, Ally. See you soon ;)
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog, when I was looking foe a place to buy "Queens Tears".. and boy have I enjoyed your posts.. I get so envious when folks have chickens, I love your garden. In the shape Im in right now, I cant do a lot of yard gardening but I sure like to work in the house, just the flower tho.. haha...I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your home, greenhouse [im so jealous]] yard ,,pool.. oh ya know,, all your posts.. thanks for my hour of pleasure. .molly sewnmom7@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete