Yes, the winter experiment continues …
Here are the additional seeds I have added to the winter family tucked away in their mini greenhouses. The original list was on my last post… here.
- Tall White Alyssum / grows to about 12″ / Baker Creek
- Blue Star Columbine /grows to 24″ / Burpee
- Kilimanjaro White Marigold / grows to 18″ / Botanical Interest
- Nicotiana Lime Green (Last year’s seed)
Next sowing will be in April when I will start warm season seeds like tomatoes, zinnias, cosmos and such.
LOOKING BACK…
This is my third year doing the winter sowing method. There have been many successes and some failures but it is still such a fun project! Below is an assessment of the previous years…
- ✔️ Some germination
- Ⅹ No Germination
- ⭐️ Outstanding Germination
2021…
- Larkspur (French Alouette) ✔️
- Delphinium (Magic Fountain) ✔️ (took an extra long time)
- Lavender (Munstead) ✔️ (took an extra long time)
- Ammi ⭐️
- Sweet William (Double Blend) ⭐️
2022
- Munstead Lavender ✔️
- Bachelor Buttons (Cyanus Double) ⭐️
- Strawflower (Tall Double Mix) ⭐️
- Candytuft (Old Seed) Ⅹ
- Delphinium (Magic Mountain) ✔️
- Verbena Bonariensis ⭐️
- Orlaya (White Lace) ✔️
- Phacelia (Lacy) ✔️
- Larkspur (White) Ⅹ
- Poppies (Buttercream) Ⅹ
- Foxgloves (Carousel Mix) ⭐️
- Celosia Pink Champagne ⭐️
- Scabiosa (Fama White) Ⅹ
SNAPDRAGONS
I have always loved snapdragons, my kids loved snapdragons and they’re not only beautiful in the garden but also a completely fabulous cut flower.
For several years I’ve found flats of little snapdragon seedlings for sale at Menards. Each year I was on pins and needles to see if that would have them again. Bonus: They were the tall “Rocket” variety I love in solid colors – both pink and white! PERFECT! It was risky to wait but I didn’t have to start from seed.
This year I have gone snapdragon crazy. Have you seen how many gorgeous ones are available from seed??? If they do well in the jugs, my cutting garden will be very happy. If they don’t — well I’ll be scampering back to Menards! Seriously, who am I kidding, I’ll head to Menards anyway for the basic white and pink ones! If you want some, you better get their early and often! They show up without warning.
Snapdragons I’ve been seduced by this year through seed catalogs and online sources:
ROSE CHAT
The lastest podcast to be released was my chat with Gaye Hammond on up-to-the-minute information on Rose Rosette Disease. Next will be Dr. David Byrne on The Research Journey of Sustainable Roses.
Coming in March there will be several released over the next few weeks as part of the SPRING FLING…
Here is a podcast player where they can be found…
ROSE PRUNING: MAKING ORDER OUT OF CHAOS – Rose Chat Podcast
INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY
Local friends, on Tuesday, March 14 at 6:30 pm the Indianapolis Rose Society will have it’s first in-person meeting of 2023. Your’s truly will be giving a program on English Cottage Gardens. Click here for details.
BLOOM THYME
There is only one bloom in my garden and it has come much earlier than previous years. Actually 3 weeks earlier than last year. The beautiful crocus. Welcome back!
BLOOMING INSIDE…
MOVING FROM BROWN TO GREEN
With the warmer temps and tons of rain, I am seeing more green than usual! Someone told me this week that we are on course for spring to arrive 3 weeks early. That is exactly how early my crocus are.
Even the evergreens are beginning to lose a bit of their bronze winter hue. Green is certainly welcome here. Yes, green is not only welcome as it speaks to the coming season — it is so peaceful and soothing. Reminds me of a favorite scripture…
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul:
Psalm 23
Yes, green is very soothing and such a welcome sight but we won’t forget about winter. We know just how fickle it can be.
Friends, I would love to hear about seeds you are growing this year regardless of the method. And, what about snapdragons – thumbs up or down?
Until next time…
Foot tall alyssum?! That sounds . . . odd. Common alyssum is so delicate that it can not support its own weight more than several inches above the ground. That would be something to try in our white garden, if only it got sufficient sunlight. (We grow common alyssum there, but it does not thrive. A shading tanoak still needs to be partly removed.)
Hello, I have enjoyed your Bloom Time Friday and seeing your lovely pics. Especially loved the Psalm 23 as this Sunday am, Feb. 19, 2023, Pastor Charles Stanley’s tv sermon was exactly on that scripture. I am visiting my daughter and enjoying all of her very beautiful camellias in bloom. She has five varieties. Her yellow daffodils are also in bloom now. Have a great week!