As we all know, I don't have a green thumb. But I'm determined to grow one. Goal #59 on my 101 in 1001 list is: Learn how to keep flowers and plants alive & have some in my house and yard.
One of the things I love about my house is that it's in an area of Phoenix where we like to pretend that we don't live in a desert. The yards are irrigated so people have grass and mature trees rather than rock yards with cactus. As I walk through my neighborhood, I feel so much more connected to nature and can see more evidence of the change of seasons. I can't believe how much joy this has brought me in the 7 months I've lived here.
The lady I bought my house from left me with a wealth of potted plants to care for but since I moved in the heat of the summer, they didn't have much of a chance. Here's what was left of the sad lot:
One of the things I love about my house is that it's in an area of Phoenix where we like to pretend that we don't live in a desert. The yards are irrigated so people have grass and mature trees rather than rock yards with cactus. As I walk through my neighborhood, I feel so much more connected to nature and can see more evidence of the change of seasons. I can't believe how much joy this has brought me in the 7 months I've lived here.
The lady I bought my house from left me with a wealth of potted plants to care for but since I moved in the heat of the summer, they didn't have much of a chance. Here's what was left of the sad lot:
Since spring is in the air, I decided to put some of those empty pots to use and plant some flowers. The problem is, I've never planted a flower in my life.
Thankfully, my friend Andrea loves gardening and volunteered to spend a day with me last weekend helping me and holding my hand through the process.
We started the day at a local nursery with a plan: four hanging baskets, five window boxes, and a few larger pots worth of flowers that would not easily succumb to death. I, of course, wanted to take the ranunculus home because they were JUST SO PRETTY. But Andrea advised that they would be pretty for a month and then keel over. So they were out. Only the hearty and strong made it into our cart.
Or should I say carts. When all was said and done, we had three carts full and that didn't even count the four bags of potting soil and the bag of fertilizer:
Thankfully, my friend Andrea loves gardening and volunteered to spend a day with me last weekend helping me and holding my hand through the process.
We started the day at a local nursery with a plan: four hanging baskets, five window boxes, and a few larger pots worth of flowers that would not easily succumb to death. I, of course, wanted to take the ranunculus home because they were JUST SO PRETTY. But Andrea advised that they would be pretty for a month and then keel over. So they were out. Only the hearty and strong made it into our cart.
Or should I say carts. When all was said and done, we had three carts full and that didn't even count the four bags of potting soil and the bag of fertilizer:
It was quite a feat fitting it all into the car, but we did. We then drove back to my place and unloaded it onto my back patio - our camp for the day.
I'd like to say it was fun getting dirty but I'm the kind of girl who is generally adverse to dirt. On me. But I DO love making things beautiful. It was so fun to see our creations come together! From beginning to end - including the shopping - the whole process took seven hours. But I'm in love with the results!
I now have four beautiful hanging baskets of flowers along the front of my house:
I now have four beautiful hanging baskets of flowers along the front of my house:
I also bought three larger flowering plants that I adore. This one is my favorite right now:
I love the texture and light green-grey color of this one. It's supposed to bloom with blue flowers in the summer!
We also planted some snap dragons that have yet to bloom (yellow pot) and I'm hopeful that the pink flowery plant will grow into it's new home:
Along my back screened in patio, I have five window boxes filled with a variety of marigolds - so bright and happy!
I love the poofy texture of these orange ones. They are happiness in a pot.
I also planted some nasturtium seeds which should grow in 5 or 6 weeks.
So now the real test starts. Can I keep them alive? Any tips are welcome. Phoenix is about the toughest climate to grow things in - extreme heat and very dry. But just in the short week since we planted them, I'm loving my flowers SO MUCH. I can't thank Andrea enough for spending the day with me! And it was hard work! I couldn't have done it without such a sweet friend!
Happy weekend and happy spring!
So now the real test starts. Can I keep them alive? Any tips are welcome. Phoenix is about the toughest climate to grow things in - extreme heat and very dry. But just in the short week since we planted them, I'm loving my flowers SO MUCH. I can't thank Andrea enough for spending the day with me! And it was hard work! I couldn't have done it without such a sweet friend!
Happy weekend and happy spring!
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