Not Just Veggies

Look at me, I grew flowers! A while back Renee of Renee’s Garden kindly sent me her new 2009 offerings. I was a little intimidated when I discovered several of the seeds she sent were flowers. I typically do not grow flowers from seed because I’m just not that good at it. I can’t even get cuttings to root so I usually let my local nursery grow the flowers for me.

But on December 15, 2008 I brought my A-game and sowed Summer Splash Marigolds, Scented Gold Wallflowers, Bouquet Cosmos-Double Click and Bergamo Bouquet. Unfortunately Bergamo Bouquet did not germinate but the others are thriving.

My favorite, Summer Splash Marigolds, will mature to a height of 1 ½ feet and they’ll anchor the corners of my raised bed. Cosmos are neat and I’m looking forward to having a garden full of butterflies and bouquets of cosmos all summer long. The Scented Gold Wallflowers will only mature to a height of 9 to 12 inches. The seed packet suggests planting these is a pot. I think I’ll solicit my favorite container gardener for ideas.

I’m pretty proud of myself for growing these but I think thanks should go to Renee and her high quality seeds for most of my success.

What's Growing On?

A couple of weeks ago I received a package from Renee’s Garden; one of my favorite seed suppliers . I was asked to trial test the new 2009 seed varieties and a test it will truly be. Out of 12 seed packets I received only three are vegetable seeds and the remainder are ornamental flowers.

I don’t gravitate towards ornamentals. I have an extremely difficult time watering anything that isn’t going to feed me. I planted brussels sprouts amongst flax, pentstemon, and daylilies just so the non-vegs can be assured of some water. The only flowers I’ve been able to successfully grow are daisies, marigolds and coleus. I kind of have a black thumb for all others.

The torrential rain has forced me to soil block at the kitchen table. I was planning on blocking yesterday but after hours in the garden, a long walk with Wrinkles, and three hours of cooking, I shined the whole project. I’m behind my planting schedule already and I need a heating mat stat.

I’m clearing out the beds slowly. Here’s Sunday's harvest. It made a delicious salad.