And So It Begins...

It was a nice day in spring... what can I say? I bought the above specimen. I couldn't resist as was three times bigger than it's similarly priced and potted siblings. And I've been pondering low evergreen ground cover plants but I didn't want the typical junipers (and besides, they're scratchy). This little charmer (which will grow-hopefully- to about four to six feet across but only be 12 inches tall) is a Microbiota Decussata; sounds like something you'd take for a nasty bacterial infection. It's also known as a Siberian (or Russian) Cypress and is the only plant in it's genus. It looks sort of like a juniper but lacier and softer. First thing I bought! (Except for a six pack of white pansies...)

And here's our window sill. It's definitely full of seedlings and germination is a big event. We started Nicotiana sylvestris, teasel, milk thistle, and I think Bob's got a million types of leeks, onions and scallions started- all members of the alium tribe. I have delphinium seeds prechilling in the freezer and am waiting for the next full moon to start four different single colors of delphinium. We're busy with gardening (in addition to many art project) and April is half over. Playing catch up as usual!

A Seedy Avocation

We know we really live here because we're sowing seeds! Last year was too hectic and disorganized to really sow as many vegetables and flowers as we usually do; I think we started morning glories and planted most things from pre-grown nursery stock.
This year finds us (so far) sowing annuals (thunbergia, tithonia, heliotrope, castor beans) perennials (delpinium, holly hocks) and vegetables (three kinds of okra (!!) award winning English onions, lavender, brussels sprouts, and savory). This should keep us busy for a while! All of these infant plantlings are residing on a table in my studio. Add another layer of dirt to our already soiled floor...
Bob also started Indian yellow snow peas that are up and quite happy outside. Our blueberry plants are beginning to flower and I hope they aren't bothered by the chilly (although truly more seasonal) weather.

There is certainly something so encouraging about sowing seeds. Life may suck at times, but small seeds get tucked into warm, moist earth and they grow. It's satisfying and comforting. One night last week, I just couldn't fall asleep. I went downstairs and filled cups and trays with potting mix and started some more seeds. I spent a good hour or so, considering what a funny thing it was to be doing at 1 in the morning. But then it was gratifying to see they germinated just fine.