CONFESSIONS OF A PLANT ADDICT

I don't remember planting that. Whatever happened to ....? Where did I plant....? Those are my gardening season laments. Only a true plant addict could understand the planting frenzy that takes place in my garden between last frost in May and first frost in October.

There are the plants from the garden centers that I can't resist even if I have no room for them. There are the "pass-alongs" that I can't say no to. And the volunteers, who would toss out a plant that elected that special place in your garden to take up residence. Why can't I keep track of what's growing in my own garden and why don't I know the names of every plant.

I've tried keeping a garden log. That lasted about one day. I kept a journal for about one week. I tried taking pictures of each plant as I planted. Aha, I never matched the photos with the plant tags. I've come to the conclusion that I'm unable to keep track because knowing exactly what plants reside in my garden beds is just not that important to me. I love surprises. I have no interest in the predictable or the mundane. I don't mind (too much) if Black-eyed Susans pop up in the middle my beautiful pink Turkscaps. Do I need to know the name of a plant to appreciate its beauty. I consider it fun and a challenge to search out the identity of the inevitable mystery plant.

Added to that, I like wildflowers, Chicory, Queen Anne's Lace, Milkweed, Goldenrod . Weeds, maybe to some, but I like to include them with my cultivated plants. Oh, and then there are the exotics. I love Brugmansia, Banana, Canna, all of the summer bulbs, anything unusual. Of course the exotics and bulbs require handling and care after the outdoor growing season. And then there are the houseplants, some of which are cuttings from summer annuals. Would you believe I've even collected a few Orchids.

Oh no, it's now becoming clear, my passion for plants is getting out of control. I'm becoming a four season plant addict. HELP!!

ANGELICA

Angelica! Have you heard of Angelica? When I googled I found Angelica, NY; Angelica Glass; Angelica Corporation, etc. This post is about Angelica, the herb. According to legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream about an angel as a cure for the plague. As an herbal medicine, it has been used for fevers; infections; blood purification; protection from contagions; perhaps as a cure for every conceivable malady. Today, it's main use is as a flavoring for confectionery and liqueurs and as an attractive addition to the garden.

Actually, if you want a conversation starter for your garden, Angelica would be it. Angelica can grow to a height of 6 to 8 feet. It's eye-catching and hardly anyone recognizes it.

I have grown Angelica for about 5 or 6 years. At first I thought it was a perennial. When it didn't return the following year, I concluded it was an annual or a perennial not hardy for my zone. When I did some research, I found that it is a biennial. I was excited to think all the little seedlings near the site of the original plant would be towering giants the following year. Alas, that didn't happen. The following year, I had horizontally larger leafy plants but no signs of a flowering stalk. More research. "Angelica usually only blooms every two, three, or even four years". Thank goodness I'm a patient person. This year I'm being rewarded with a blooming Angelica.

Seeds, Seedlings, Babies

It's getting close to decision time. Will I or won't I start seeds!

Starting plants from seeds is a lot of work. Am I really up to the challenge again this year? Seed starting, I think , is a lot like baby starting and child rearing. First the seed is planted. You cross your fingers and wait and wait for a sign of germination. Finally, if you're lucky, the test is positive, you see a tiny bit of green emerging from the moist brown potting mix. You're overjoyed to see the new life you helped to create. But then, the real work begins. Coddle, coddle, coddle! The new seedlings need lots of tender loving care...must have enough light, must have proper moisture, must be protected from damping off. I'm tired just thinking about all the monitoring. Weeks pass as you pamper the seedlings and watch them grow more strong and vigorous. Then the time comes to prepare your babies to leave the house. Gradually you expose the seedlings to direct sunlight and the open air. They have to be ready for life in the real world. Finally, it's planting out day. You carefully and proudly put your very own beautiful little plantlets into the troweled out little holes in the garden bed. As you step back and admire your work, you give yourself a pat on the back . What a proud parent you are!

TIME TO RAKE AGAIN

Two days in a row! The weather has been beautiful for two days in a row. Maybe it is spring after all. Until yesterday I hadn't entered my carless garage since I'd put away the rake in October. Yesterday the rake came out again along with the pruners, clippers, garden gloves and leaf bags. I had done a pretty good job of putting the garden to bed in the fall but snow fell before the last leaves on the elderberry trees had fallen. Consequently, there were lots of large wet leaves to rake. It felt good to finally be able to get outside and do yard work. I had to remind myself , however, not to go overboard on the first day out. Somehow raking uses muscles that are never used for any other activity.

Yeah! My crocuses are finally blooming and other early bloomers are beginning to emerge

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CLIVIA

I began to take pictures of my orange clivia when I noticed the flower stalk emerging from the nest of brilliant green strappy leaves. I was in Los Angeles about a month ago and the clivias planted along the streets there were starting to send up flower stalks also. So it seems that although my clivia's atmosphere is artificially controlled, it received the same message as it's California relatives, it's time to bloom. My clivia has been in bloom for a couple of weeks now. Each morning I smile when I come downstairs and see those spectacular bright orange flowers brightening the living room. Clivia is related to amaryllis, the popular Christmas flower, did you know that? Another not so well known fact, clivia is a native of South Africa and is named in honor of Lady Charlotte Florentia Clive, Duchess of Northumberland.

NEW TO BLOGGING

Wow, my first blog! The page is blank and I get to talk about whatever I want.

I could talk about my garden but since I'm in Michigan, that would be my gardens of the past or my forthcoming garden. I'm sure I'll get around to mentioning both, plus posting pictures. I could also talk about my houseplants. Just like me, my houseplants are more than ready to get out of the house and bask in some real light and warmth.

Today, however, I'll talk about my shop on etsy. I registered on etsy in January but actually set up my shop about a month ago. I have slowly added inventory since then. I create art using pressed plant material and garden photography. I use a microwave press and phone books to press. I use a digital camera (Sony) for photographs. My favorite flowers to press are pansies and violas. (They are so beautiful and their "faces" are so interesting.) Most of my art pieces are quotes or sayings embellished with pressed flower arrangements. I like to think when people look at these art pieces they will smile and feel a bit happier about life. The other items in my shop are bookmarks which I create using photographs and scans of my pressed flower arrangements. I embellish the bookmarks with real pressed flowers. Don't beautiful bookmarks add to the enjoyment of a good book!