Daily Log

May 4, 2024

I’m grateful to have the flexibility to work in my garden since I’m self-employed. I’ve started listing tasks to tackle in the garden, focusing primarily on maintenance and updates such as staining the beds and deck. I plan to take down all the fencing for reinforcement and repositioning, clean out the beds, and enrich them with nutrients. Our local gardening organization is selling strawberry roots for $1.00 each, and I’ve already planted 20 more. I intend to buy another 20 to scatter throughout the yard. I’ve added 15 new plants to one of my beds that’s three years old, and placed another 5 around a rhubarb plant. Additionally, I’ve sown another packet of wildflower seeds in my wildflower wheelbarrow.

My goals for this spring include finishing the stonework, planting creeping thyme, and placing yarrow around the pine tree. I also plan to stain the deck, chairs, and benches. I’m setting up a garden art studio to sell my artwork on Fridays during the local Farmers Market and to host live videos from the space. I need to learn how to prune trees—a task previously handled by Tim—and to purchase an arbor for the elderberry plants. I’m also looking to learn about pruning currant and jostaberry bushes and to hang fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere.

Top Self-Seeding Flowering Plants

Mar 13, 2024

Here are a few popular self-seeding plants to consider for your garden:

Nasturtiums: These flowers are annuals in most climates, meaning they complete their life cycle in one year.
Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Sunflowers

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist): Planted these in my fairy garden. They are delicate blue or white flowers surrounded by feathery foliage creates a charming and ethereal look.
Hardiness Zone: 2-10
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

California Poppies: Vibrant orange, yellow, or red blooms that thrive in sunny and dry conditions, adding a burst of color to your garden.
Hardiness Zone: 6-10
Sunlight: Full sun

Cosmos: With their daisy-like flowers in various shades of pink, white, and purple, Cosmos attracts pollinators and adds an airy elegance to the garden.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Sunlight: Full sun

Cleome (Spider Flower): Tall spikes of unique spidery blooms in shades of pink, white, or lavender create a striking vertical element.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Larkspur: Tall spires of colorful flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, perfect for adding height and vertical interest.
Hardiness Zone: 2-9
Sunlight: Full sun

Forget-Me-Nots: Small, delicate blue flowers that form a carpet of color, often used for shaded areas and woodland gardens.
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Sunlight: Part shade to full shade

Borage: Bright blue, star-shaped flowers and edible leaves that attract pollinators while adding a touch of flavor to salads.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Sweet Alyssum: Fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers that form low mounds, suitable for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Poppies: Various types of poppies, such as Oriental poppies or Shirley poppies, produce eye-catching blooms in a range of colors.
Hardiness Zone: Varies by type (e.g., Oriental poppies are often Zone 3-8)
Sunlight: Full sun

Black-Eyed Susan: Bright yellow flowers with dark centers that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sunlight: Full sun to light shade

Verbena Bonariensis: Tall, slender stems topped with clusters of small purple flowers that create a whimsical and see-through effect.
Hardiness Zone: 7-11 (often grown as an annual in colder zones)
Sunlight: Full sun

Hollyhocks: Towering spikes of flowers in a variety of colors that add a cottage garden charm to any landscape.
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Sunlight: Full sun to light shade

Solstice 2023

Jun 22, 2023

On the serene morning of June 21st, 2023, as the world commemorated the solstice, I embarked on an inspiring journey of connection and discovery. The day was marked by a special encounter with a creative soul and a reminder of the preciousness of life and relationships.

In the early hours, I had the privilege of conducting an interview with a gifted artist hailing from India. Through the powers of technology, this enlightening conversation was broadcast live across the globe via YouTube and Twitter. It was intriguing to delve into the artist’s journey, learning about the intricate nuances of his creative process and what led him to the mesmerizing realm of photography. This interaction was not only a celebration of art but also a testament to the beauty of cross-cultural connections.

After this whirlwind of creativity, the day took a more somber turn as my partner, Tim, returned from his preliminary radiation visit. The doctors referred to this as a “dry run” in preparation for the real thing. Starting from tomorrow, he will undergo radiation treatments for 15 business days. The medical team advised him to brace for fatigue but encouraged him to stay moderately active. They recommended short afternoon naps, no more than 45 minutes, followed by light activities like walking.

Tim, however, has been taking much longer naps, often lasting up to four hours. There’s a part of me that believes he should listen to his body and rest as needed. But then again, the medical advice must have its own merits.

In an effort to embrace the day and keep spirits high, we decided to explore a new eatery that had recently opened in town. Our choice was a BBQ place, known for its delectable brisket and cornbread. The meal was flavorsome, though a bit on the expensive side. The sides didn’t quite live up to the expectations, but the brisket and cornbread were savory delights.

Returning home with full bellies, we decided to relish the simple pleasure of nature. Our garden beckoned, and we succumbed to its allure. The tender warmth of the afternoon sun and the gentle rustle of leaves served as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, even in times of uncertainty.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on its events. It was a day that encapsulated the human experience, from the excitement of new experiences to the concern for a loved one’s health. While life might not be perfect, there is immeasurable value in the moments we share and the connections we make.

Today, I am grateful. Grateful for the creativity and inspiration drawn from others, for the love and companionship of my partner, and for the simple, unadorned moments that make life worthwhile.

Launching Garden Season 2023

May 22, 2023

Garden Season 2023 Launch

The 2023 gardening season has started on a steady, measured note, providing a distinct contrast to the hasty warming experienced in 2022. That year, a late May snowfall arrived with a harsh surprise, laying waste to the prematurely blooming vegetation.

This year, however, a gentler, more gradual warming has given our gardens a fighting chance. When a hard snowfall hit, it didn’t spell doom for the currant bushes, their blossoms still safely nestled away.

Following our established tradition, we’ve planted a profusion of flowers, breathing life and color into our gardens. In a bold move, we’ve also added two large tomato plants to the mix. They now claim their own space in sizable pots, eagerly awaiting the warm summer days ahead.

Contrary to last year, we’ve decided to give our greenhouse a break this season. This pause will allow us to undertake some much-needed repairs, ensuring that it’s ready and functional for future plantings.