The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence they say. Like most gardeners, I often dream about having more space to plant things, and occasionally wish to garden in a warmer climate. Kind of greedy for a zone 8 gardener, right. Recently, with the onslaught of spring chores, I've been feeling grateful that my space isn't larger. There are still some major projects to do out there but they're achievable without heavy equipment and a staff. As the Agave ovatifolia put in the ground three years ago continues to grow larger in the front garden and the first blue poppy of the season opens out back, I'm grateful to be exactly where I am.
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While it's sweet now, it's even better when it has those cute little buds, open blooms and metallic blue seeds all on the plant at the same time.
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So I'm months behind, the garden has pots and tools strewn everywhere, nothing has been moved out of the greenhouse yet, the truck is once again full of organic fertilizer needing to be spread (Thanks to the Tom, no matter how many times I empty it, somehow it gets filled up again.) and I'd be embarrassed should a guest walk through the garden while it's looking this awkward, I'm happy to be in the midst of the visual cacophony, content with the space I have, and elated that, totally by chance, I ended up living in this climate.
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2013
2015
Where else, besides the magical British Isles, could one grow both of these in the ground?
While I'm about two months behind in my garden tasks, the plants just keep going.
The frosting on the cake for me was the return (actually, because of our mild winter, they never died back and are growing in several areas) of Tropaeolum speciosum. I've had this plant before, it seems to come and go where and when it wants. Every time I see it for sale, I get some to try in different areas hoping that one will prove just right for it's desires. Last summer, it grew through the fence behind the house and bloomed beautifully in the alley. At least we got to see it on the way to and from the garbage and recycling bins back there.
This year, one grown in a huge pot is growing up the porch where I see it every day! Hooray!
While it's sweet now, it's even better when it has those cute little buds, open blooms and metallic blue seeds all on the plant at the same time.
So I'm months behind, the garden has pots and tools strewn everywhere, nothing has been moved out of the greenhouse yet, the truck is once again full of organic fertilizer needing to be spread (Thanks to the Tom, no matter how many times I empty it, somehow it gets filled up again.) and I'd be embarrassed should a guest walk through the garden while it's looking this awkward, I'm happy to be in the midst of the visual cacophony, content with the space I have, and elated that, totally by chance, I ended up living in this climate.
For what about your garden are you most grateful today?