Quote

Soft moss a downy pillow makes, and green leaves spread a tent,
Where faerie fold may rest and sleep until their night is spent.
The bluebird sings a lullaby, the firefly gives a light,
The twinkling stars are candles bright, Sleep, Faeries all, Goodnight.
---Elizabeth T. Dillingham "A Faery Song"

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Seed Spree

Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed.  Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.
-Henry David Thoreau

Well put Mr. Thoreau!  It takes great faith to expect a plant to sprout from the tiniest of seeds doesn't it?  We gardeners are a believing bunch.  I can buy 6 packs of plants all day long but there's just a special satisfaction I get from one plant started from seed.  It's like my own private miracle.  Yes there are disappointments but that doesn't stop me from trying again (and again, and again).  January is fast wearing out it's welcome with me, so to fight off severe cabin fever Glen got me out and about today.  Here is where I ended up--  at the Wal-Mart seed racks of course.


Yes, I am a sucker for the "cheap seeds," but I figure if I get at least one plant..it will have been worth the .20 it cost me.  I plan to have a whole row of sunflowers if my father in law will let me share his garden space.

Apparently seed sowing is like childbirth, you give yourself time to forget the pain and you're ready to go at it again.  I didn't have success with watermelons last year but I'm going to try again.  Also I want to try growing basil because I had the most delicious pesto-type dip at a plant swap I attended last year. So I'd like to try my hand at that.

I paid a little more for these seeds.  I always like to try something I have never tried before, thus I bought the stock.  Anyone grow this before?  I also LOVE love love zinnias so this purple one intrigued me.  I can just envision big bouquets of this.  I have had Johnny Jump Ups before but they quit jumping after a while so I plan to get them going again.

More cheapies.  I have had great luck in the past with salvias (plus the hummers love me for planting them).  Nasturtium is another easy one for me.  I am giving Lupine another go even though they were a no-show last year when I sowed them.

We also stopped and prowled in the thrift stores since I am also having yard sale withdrawals.  I like kitschy stuff so I picked up these smiling faces to hang in my kitchen.  They go with the rest of my retro stuff.
 Stay tuned and hopefully I'll show you the results of today's purchase in a few months. 





4 comments:

  1. The promise of seeds!!! Wonderful to keep a gardener going in January. I hope they all sprout for you. I tried lupines once too with no luck. I hope yours sprout.

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  2. Jen - I am a sucker for the cheap seeds too. You never know what you are gonna get. And I am really looking forward to the spring swap this year - every time I go, it just gets more exciting. :D See you in the spring!
    Tiffany

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  3. I am so ready to plant seeds! I'm having to restrain myself from even going into the greenhouse. I know I could have them up and growing in no time but they all would be overgrown by planting time.

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  4. I had REALLY good luck with that same pack of Violet zinnias. .they were not as purple as they looked on the packet. .more of a deep pinky/purple. But pretty none the less. I also used that brand for my crimson sweet watermelon last year. .and also bought more seed last week. It turned out great here. .but sometimes it must vary a little by the year. Good luck with those seeds. .and wishing spring to you quickly!!

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