Seed Starting Update and Some Thoughts

We've been working diligently at the weedy mess at either end of the long flower beds that flank the driveway, and have the battle scars to prove it. Given an inch, blackberry canes, wild sumac trees, and all types of invasive weeds take a yard. Literally. We had to take a pick axe to the ground to dig up the roots. I'm happy to report that we have at least cleared away the detritus around the pallets of stones for the walkways. The next step is to borrow or rent a rototiller and make sure that all the roots of the plants are taken care of.  We weeded the areas at the back of the garden too for good measure, clearing and placing big chunky mulch around the wisteria and forsythia. We even used landscape fabric on several sections to keep weed seeds from sprouting.  No more weeds!

We have lots of plants on order this spring. Our idea is to plant as many ground covers as we can among the perennials so that weeds won't stand a chance. I have on order a grab bag of perennials, several trees including weeping cherry and magnolia, and ground covers including sedum, phlox, and Mother of Thyme or "walk on me" plant.  Drought tolerant and deer-resistant sedum should survive in the back of the garden where nothing else grows; phlox will cover the hillside; and I have no idea where my hubby wants to put the Mother of Thyme. In other spots in the garden, I've got pink Oenethera (Evening Primrose) running amok, so I'm going to have to dig some of that up and move it about.  I think I will plant it on the edge of the woods and see what happens.
 In the vegetable garden, horseradish, onions, beets, various lettuce, radishes, broccoli rabe and Swiss Chard seeds are all sown, and the strawberry plants divided and replanted to spread them out. Now we await only the warmer spring weather to add the rest of the vegetables. I have several heirloom bean seeds on order, good for storage and cooking, and potato sets for russet potatoes to get in.  We are waiting until the local Southern States has sweet potatoes and asparagus plants and I am converting a bed into asparagus.

Inside the house, all five seed trays have shown life.  I have perennial seedlings now including Gaillardia, Echinacea, Poppies, Penstemmon, Monarda, and yellow Missouri Primrose.  Vegetables that are already thriving include several types of tomatoes, parsley and basil. I'm surprised that my pepper seedlings haven't emerged yet, but I planned to supplement any seeds that aren't doing well with plants from the garden center, along with one or two plants such as eggplant. We don't eat enough eggplant to justify seed starting, but it's not expensive to add a few to the garden.

All in all, things are going well.  Last week we had two inches of rain - two inches!  If we get a little rain each week, the garden and I will be happy.

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Like you, I've been drawn to the television set and the images streaming out of Japan. I find it difficult to comprehend entire villages, families, livelihoods washed out to sea and gone in the blink of an eye.  Give thanks now for what you have. This morning I stumbled over pet toys on the bedroom floor - Pierre had dragged up his fuzzy black baby, his jingle mouse and a few soft toys and left them in my path.  After tripping over them and stubbing my toe on the dresser I got angry. Then I stopped and gave thanks. Thanks that I am alive and well and have a healthy, mischievous cat who leaves toys everywhere. I am grateful for my blessings and I invite you to express your gratitude today too.