"Gardening is not a rational act."
– Margaret Atwood
2/3/17:
So here's my list of new plants to try in 2017:
• Rhubarb
• Snap Peas
• Rhododendrons
• Delphiniums (Larkspur)
• Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria)
• Dahlias
• Wisteria
• Borage
• Pineapple sage
• African blue basil
• Squash? (something that can be planted vertically and doesn't need constant full sun)
And here are plants I've tried to grow before, without great success, that I'll attempt again, with improved strategies:
• Parsnips (will plant in deeper containers, with looser soil, and water more often)
• Tarragon (will plant in larger container, with better draining soil)
• Kale (needs better protection from bugs and snails)
• Flower Rocket (dubious about the success of this oddly packaged product, but will plant the second "seed roll" soon)
• Morning glories, non-bush variety (considered a weed by some, my plants have never lived long, may need more sun)
• Columbine (have a single plant, starting more from seed is not working well)
With these plants in mind, I visited a garden store yesterday after work and picked up a rhubarb bulb/crown, some radish, pea and larkspur seeds, and a pH meter. This device also tests soil moisture, sunlight levels and nutrient balance (nitrogen, phosphorus and potash). It will be so helpful to gather data with this, and use what I discover to grow healthier plants. As I like to say: the garden is both my art studio and my science project.
Clicking on the small images below will bring up the full version.
Sage blooms.
Recent purchases.
Successful weeding.
As I evaluate the space I have and designate pots for spring plantings, I've been cleaning up the garden a bit every week. When the drizzle stopped this morning before work, I took a few minutes to rake up leaves around the smaller pots on the north side of the house. I noticed while doing this that the sage has started blooming, and a magenta camellia has opened on the bush by the side porch. I tackled the lawn a bit as well. After a week of rainy weather, the ground is saturated: perfect for weeding. Even the big taproots of dandelions and the like are pulling free of the soil without a ton of effort.
