Remember these beauties from my neighbor's garden?
aren't they just the most gorgeous flowers?
My neighbor has 3 large hydrangea bushes that she graciously allows me to pick blooms from.
In return I share fresh veggies from my garden. She happens to be a vegetarian, so it works out well.
I have about 5 hydrangea plants that I've been trying to grow for years, but they've never taken off. After so many years, they are still as small as the day we put them in the ground and, of course, don't produce gorgeous blooms like these and that's why I don't just go out and buy more plants.
So, I planted a few of the leaves from my neighbor's shrubs last June and hoped for the best. You can read about it here. Over the months, I did the best I could and didn't let the soil dry out and kept them in a sunny window in the breakfast room.
Hoping....
...and waiting patiently
that they would grow.
Growing things takes patience...uh, just like raising children.
Sometimes you think your work is all for naught...
Then, one day they surprise you and you see that things are "taking".
See the new growth?
I think they'll be ready to plant in the ground come Spring...which is only just a few short weeks away.
Which brings me to the seed starting...
I haven't had much luck starting seeds indoors. I tried it with tomatoes, peppers and some herbs and just found it easier to go buy the plants.
But the stubborn part of me just wants to try again...
So, a few weeks ago I saw some inexpensive galvanized metal shelves at Ikea for $14.99.
Since Mr. Fanatic LOVES putting things together, I let him do it for me ; )
Not sure I needed 2 for this project, but I'm sure I can use them somewhere else later.
I already had a couple of large covered starting trays, so all I needed was to pick up some seed starting mix at Lowe's.
I mixed the dirt with water in a large stainless steel bowl, then filled the tray with dirt. Then I planted 18 broccoli seeds, 9 onion and 9 collards. Will plant more broccoli in another week. I've had a tough time with broccoli, but there's always hope.
I know it's kind of strange, but I put the shelves up in front of the office window. It's the only large, southern facing window in the house, so hopefully they will do well there.
The cover will help keep the little seeds warm.
I'm already looking forward to fresh broccoli ...
and hoping for a successful garden.
Are you ready for Spring?
It will be here before you know it!
Pam
