New growing zones, warmer weather, deep freezes, groundhogs and alligators (Texas) predicting an early spring, plants greening up… what are we in the old Zone 5b to do. 😳 I guess I’ll just cautiously saunter into spring – keeping a watchful eye on the weather app and the forsythia bushes. Around here there are always surprises!
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS
I am not sauntering in the potting shed. It is full steam ahead! Seed starting and winter sowing have been keeping me busy.
WINTER SOWING
I am doing more winter sowing than seed starting as we are traveling a bit and I think the seeds have a better chance outside! I want tons of different flowers and herbs but don’t need large quantities, so many of the jugs are divided up with multiple types of seeds inside.
So far I have planted…
- Hollyhocks
- Statice
- Rudbeckia
- Stock
- Celosia
- Gomphrena
- Coneflowers
- Bachelor Buttons
- Scabiosa
- Yarrow
- Foxgloves
- Larkspur
- Snapdragons
- Orlaya
- Sweet Alyssum
- Ageratum
- Strawflower
- Lady’s Mantel
- Mignonette
- Sea Holly
- Ammobian
As I type this list I am reminded of how many of these I planted last year but they were eaten or destroyed. 😫 Praying for fewer critter issues this year!!!!!
Later I will plant tomatoes, zinnias and cosmos when the weather truly and consistently warms up! I was amazed last year at how wonderfully these warm weather varieties did last year with the winter sowing method!
If you want to know more about how I do the winter sowing method, here is a post I did last year with details. WINTER SOWING LINK
Some of last year’s results…
FLORET FLOWERS
Are you familiar with Erin Benzakein and Floret Flowers? If not, check them out at the link below.
Erin and her team have done amazing work as flower farmers in the cut flower industry – adding so much beauty as well as education!
Her latest work is exclusive seed varieties. These exclusive seeds went on sale this week. So many were waiting by computers and phones to place our order. Same as roses, I rarely see a packet of seeds that don’t interest me – especially when paired with the word “exclusive.” I love zinnias and from the pictures Floret has done amazing things with them. My order was small but I am very excited to try two of the new Zinnia varieties.
Rose friends, Erin has an amazing rose story as well. She was the last person to interview Anne Belovich – just 7 months before her death at 97! Anne gave her permission to take cuttings of her roses and take she did. Her team came in and beat down the brambles to find the gems. Anne’s roses are in great hands with Erin! You can read about this adventure here.
ROSE CHAT 2024
Look at this collage!
So many wonderful rosy friends are coming to chat this season. Each one is unique and amazing. I can’t wait!
Sunday, Feb 11 and Sun, Feb 25 the first two podcasts will be released. Both are fantastic!
Gaye packed so much fascinating information from her research on this one. We go back to the pre-historic days!
Randy gives us so much great information on using beneficial insects. Covering all the basic questions and so much more!
Here is a link to find the new ones or listen to any of the previous ones anytime! LINK
SAUNTERING OR FULL STEAM AHEAD?
Are you sauntering into spring too or is it time to be full steam ahead in your garden. I just checked and more daffodils and snowdrops are popping up but it will be awhile before bloom. That’s okay. I’ll enjoy the posts of my southern friends for a bit longer. Seeing the babies come back is one of my greatest garden pleasures. I am happy to saunter and take it all in.
Until next time, here’s a bit of spring beauty from last year…
Your industriousness at starting seeds early is amazing! I think that I am spoiled living in a warmer climate. I scored two Zinnias from Floret as well, Alpenglow and Precious Metals. Very exciting!
I was tempted by Alpenglow too! All are so pretty! I look forward to your pictures! Dark winters are made lighter but seed starting! ☀️ Glad you have wonderful winters!
Winter isn’t over yet here, but I’m taking advantage of every atypical mild day. Soil is still frozen so that mostly means pruning, picking up sticks, and just looking around and imagining what it will be like in another month. One snowdrop bloom so far and two witch hazels blooming. Lots of winter aconites showing yellow but not opening. C’mon, guys!
We have had strong winds so we have sticks all over the garden!! Will be my task tomorrow! I love walking in the garden this time of year. So much to see! I’m also seeing hoof prints. One extra big deer showed up on the Critter Cam but so fewer than last year. I think it’s because they still have plenty of food in the woods. 🎉🎉🎉 Nice to hear about your garden!!