| Posted on Saturday, January 03, 2004 - 02:17 pm: |   |
Hello Journal: Tis a new year indeed. DH still has a job. Thats good. Xmas and NY was wonderful but we sure are tired. The last of the kids left this afternoon. Tomorrow is a day of rest - much needed. Having company is not physically exhausting but it's the chaos. We love to see them come but we also love to see them go home.
Our weather is sure upside down. Today was almost 10C and we have no snow - not a flake anywhere. There is no ice on Lake Huron or other small lakes and rivers. My tulips are coming up and I have no snow to dump on them - I don't know what is going to happen. I know I'm going to lose some plants to winter kill this year as they have no insulation (snow) to protect them when the cold weather comes back. A truly weird weather pattern for us as we normally have lots of snow by now (2'+). Dh took down the outside decorations and lights this afternoon and Monday I will start undressing the indoors and put stuff away. This year I have decided on a new storage system for Xmas stuff - I'm putting everything away room by room and marking the storage containers as such so that next year I will have an idea of what is in each container - instead of 10 containers marked Xmas there will be one marked - kitchen, LR/DR, rec room, etc. I am hoping this makes the job easier instead of pawing through 10 boxes to find two items for a certain place.
Now that the new year is finally here I will start to look at seed catalogues (until now safely stored away) and I have my reminder for the Canada Blooms Flower Show displayed on my fridge. March 3 - 7, 1004 at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre and the theme this year is "Tides of Time". Oh I can hardly wait for March to roll around and see all the lovely flowers again. With no snow to brighten up the landscape here - everything is very dreary - dull gray everywhere and naked trees, naked gardens. |
| Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 11:14 pm: | |
OK - I can't wait any longer. Starting tomorrow I'm planting some seeds. DH and I have made a wonderful seed/plant stand for the nursery. I went to the store this aft. and purchased all my seed starter mix; water trays, and fungicide. Of course I bought a few more seed packets! One can never have enough.
I've got hyacinth bulbs being forced in the kitchen window sill; I have coleous that I have babied along and am now taking slips and rooting them up for potting; same with wandering jew. Both these I have to winder over for the wall basket at the front door - total shade and these are the only plants that grow there. Our amaryllis is about to bloom; the xmas cactus blooms have come and gone and much enjoyed while there were here. Now the big decision is which seeds to start first. |
| Posted on Friday, January 30, 2004 - 09:21 pm: | |
What a wonderful day NOT! It has been snowing and windy thus blowing snow; and more snow and more snow. Today we had to clean the rooves off because there was almost 2.5 ft. of snow on the flat top garage. As it was still light and fluffy it was not a hard job but time consuming and it's amazing how big that roof is when you have to shovel it! When that was done it was on to the house roof. The wind here usually come from the west, thus the snow drops mostly on the east side of the roof where it attaches to the garage. Suffice to say it was 5 hour job to clear the rooves. DH took a vacation day and we started at 10 and finished at 3. Then there were words over who got the shower first! He won, the crafty devil. Then it was time for a much deserved nap followed by a late dinner. For all my worrying in December about inadequate snow protection for my plants.......well that has been taken care of by Mother Nature. The gardens are all tucked in for their winter nap. All the time we were shovelling there was more snow coming down and it's still coming down. The weather man is saying it should ease off tomorrow to light flurries. We've been getting 10 - 20 cm. (4-8") of snow every 12 hours since Tuesday. I took a little break up on the roof to survey the garden area from an aerial vantage and saw so many possibilities that I had never thought of before. Back to the drafting board and redo this years plans.
Oh - I forgot to add that all the snow that was shovelled off the rooves had to be again shovelled or moved with the snow blower to snow storage areas. Mountains of it. Oh my aching arms tonight. |
| Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 09:55 am: | |
I have my new seed stand up and running and the first of the seed trays in place under the lights! What a delight to play in the dirt. We have had the "flu" here and that was not a delight and now I've got to get caught up on housework and laundry that has been ignored for the past 5 days. One bonus of the flu - weight loss - 8 lbs. Oh - it's still snowing. If it keeps up we will have to shovel it again! As Kaveh would say - BLARGH!!!!!!!!!
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| Posted on Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 02:40 pm: | |
I'm so pleased with the seed stand. Working like a charm (once we got the ant problem solved). I have butterfly bush germinated and delphiniums germinated so far. The next two weeks will see a planting marathon going on. Caster bean, cobaea scandens, clitoria ternatea; tropaeolum; thunbergie; caudatis amaranthus; tampala amaranthus; anagallis, ageratum; iberidifolia brachycome; california poppy; iceland poppy; delphinium consolida; anthonia apicata; nigella damascena; morning glory, pennisetum glaucum; natthiola; nemesia; painted daisy, snapdragon, salpiglosis, zinnia, cleomes, datura, sunflower, cosmos, venidium, chilean glory flower, mexican daisy; astilbe, columbine, coral bells, canterbury bells, delphinium; delphinium laurin; gaillardia; holly hock, lavender; penstemon, rudbeckia; foxglove; calendula, flax. I've got the plans all worked out for the garden stairs now and will be starting the physical work as soon as the snow is gone. I've also been working on some plans for DD's newly landscaped yard. We went over the plans this morning for the front yard gardnes and they are delighted with them. Now I will spend a few days working on their back yard plan. I still have to work on my own plan for the back of the house but have some tentative plans but still not 100% happy so will work on this plan some more. Counting the days til the Canada Blooms show and Julie arriving. |
| Posted on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 02:05 am: | |
Got to planting today - three flats worth. Dwarf Penstemon; Penstemon - Tubular Bells Red; Flax - red; flax - blue; Cup & Saucer vines purple; cup & saucer vines - cathedral bells (white); Amaranthus - Love Lies Bleeding; Amaranthus - Joseph's Coat; Ageratum - pink; Larkspur; dwarf Larkspur; Ornamental Millet Grass - Purple Majesty; Salpiglossis. It felt so good to play in the dirt! Tomorrow will see me planting again. I got a great deal on cell packs at the dollar store - guess I was in the right place at the right time because these were going like hotcakes. Now I wish I'd bought more. I'm off for an eye check up tomorrow and then off to Barrie to visit the only nursery in our area that is open - Bradford Greenhouse Nursery. I need more cell packs and I have a wee wish list of seeds I will check for while there. After the visit to the greenhouse we are picking up grandson (Travis) and he will be spending the weekend with us. He and Bapa have a long list of plans of things to do but Trav is bringing his backgammon board so that after dinner he and I can play and he can beat his Amma. |
| Posted on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 03:17 am: | |
Got the Blue Pea Vine planted Sat. nite (late). Today checking everything on the seed stand and low and behold the ornamental purple millet seed is up and looking great! Delphs are coming along as well as the Amaranthus - Love Lies Bleeding and Joseph's Coat. Quick germination for these varieties.
Busy weekend but fun. I was beaten soundly at backgammon but I ruled in dominoes.
Tonight we had some friends over for dinner and had a lovely afternoon and evening with them.
Not nearly as elegant as EJ's table, nor was the meal as eloquent but we had great time. |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 02:57 am: | |
Oh my - how plans get changed. DH has decided that for the 3 days I will be in Toronto at the Canada Blooms show he will be painting the interior of the house. We've been planning to do it but I wasn't quite ready for now!!!! However one does not argue with a husband when he is in the painting mood. So tomorrow it's off to the paint store. My friend who was here on Sunday works in a Benjamin Moore outlet so brought her sample books with her and we spent quite some time choosing the right shades of the colors I have chosen.
The living room/dining room is going from a very tired pale peach to a lovely olivy green - CC590 Grassland in the new line "Ultimate Matte", which is washable, and the ceilings in 2145-60 Minced Onion; the adjoining halls will also be grassland but at only 1/2 color strength. The white bathroom is getting a new color too - 2073-50 amethyst easter egg. And then the kitchen - no new color - just refreshing my blue & white.
The rec room in the basement is next. From a very pastel yellow we have chosen 2160-40 Roasted Sesame Seed - a lovely honey tone tan for the walls and 2160-60 Kansas Grain for the ceiling. These are quite bold colors for us but Hazel assures me they are not what she would consider bold. We've always lived with whites and pastels and now we are stepping out of our safe area to a little stronger colors.
I'm picking Julie up on Wed. a.m. at Union Station in Toronto and off we go to Canada Blooms. We will be home in Midland on Wed. nite and then back to Canada Blooms on Thurs. However Thurs nite we are staying at my DD's as I have to have Julie back on the train to Ottawa Friday morning and I'm sure by Thurs nite I won't feel like the long drive back to Midland and the drive Friday back to Toronto. I've got my list made and ready for seeds I want to purchase at the show and perhaps a sprig or two (or 6) of that lovely bamboo. So by Sunday night here the house will have had a total makeover. I'm changing all the accessories the following week - even the display pieces in the china cabinets.
I got a lovely surprise on Sunday night when I was checking my seed stand - the ornamental purple millet grass, amaranthus Love Lies Bleeding & Joseph's Coat are all up. Germination in 4 days. Happy dance!
A friend of DD ## sent me some seeds - bachelor buttons; aster grego mix; dianthus - red and light pink; Gerbera daisy (yellow); Lemon Grass; Blue anemone; some pampass grass to try; anise; foxglove; celosia; also Santa Claus melon and Christmas Pole Bean seeds. I've never heard of them but am willing to give them a try.
There were also a few seeds that are just not viable up here in our climate and I have listed these on the Trade & Swap gallery for anyone who wants them.
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 05:53 pm: | |
Well - tomorrow is almost here! The big day when I go to Toronto for the much anticipated flower show - Canada Blooms and best of all I get to share this event with another gardenbuddie - Julie (aka jak3).
I got another surprise this a.m. while checking the seed stand - the flax are up. Everything is coming along wonderfully - right on schedule. The camomile tea didn't work too well so last week I bought a little product called "No Damp" and it seems to be working wonderfully. No sign of catalpa, clematis nor angelica germination yet but I don't give up easily. I keep watering the little mud pots diligently.
Went to the paint store and bought all the paint - 9 1/2 gallons. DH is going to be busy.
I am so excited for tomorrow to arrive!!! |
| Posted on Tuesday, March 02, 2004 - 07:42 pm: | |
Have a great time Jodi! I can't wait to hear all about it. I bet those little guys will sprout while you're not watching. |
| Posted on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 02:08 am: | |
Yes Ro - they are sprouting. Cobea Scandens (Cup & Saucer Vine) is germinated; blue & red flax, Amaranthus - Love Lies Bleeding & Josephs Coat; Penstemons; purple millet grass; delphinium Laurin; Ageratum; Salpiglosiss are all up and now thriving (no damp off here) with the daily watering and spraying with "No Damp". They sure were thirsty when I got home tonight. No TLC today.
What a day today was - first one of the main stations on the subway line had a fire so that line was off service; had to use the secondary line and it was crowded; accidents all over the city blocking all the routes and exits I had planned on using; the train was 1.5 hours late but we made it to the show about noon and didn't leave until 5:30. We did the market section today and didn't miss one thing - we eyeballed everything and handled many items. WE bought seeds, and seeds and more seeds. I bought a bundle of bamboo for a friend and I bought my very first "bromeliad"(?) air plant. It is so sweet. Then the drive home to Midland. We arrived at 8:30 and then it was cook dinner and eat and try to adjust to the shocking new color in the bathroom. I'm not sure about this but as DH said - do something with it because I'm not repainting it! So I have to work with it and forget just how shocking it is. We had a white bathroom and now it's a very purple amethyst. I wanted a washed out, muted amethyst but this one is very bright and bold. Sure is a change for us. I'm not one for bold, shocking colors. Oh well - I'll work with it and tone it down with accessories.
We finished dinner at 9:30; I downloaded some of todays photos from Canada Blooms on the Tomorrow thread in the Social Gallery; we chatted and Julie had a good look around the GB site with unlimited access! Haha. And now it's time for bed as I am vewry, vewry tired. We plan to be out the door in the morning by 9 a.m. which should put us down at the show in time for the 11:30 lecture. Then meet Harold at 1 pm and just look and gawk and ohhhhh and awwww at all the displays. Can't wait.
I won't be able to post photos tomorrow nite as we are staying at DD's tomorrow nite, but Friday aft/evening I will post more photos. One very happy and tired gardener here tonight. |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 - 02:51 pm: | |
I am doing the happy dance. My cup and saucer vines are up about 3". I am very pleased. Nothing from the blue pea vines yet but I'm still hoping. I'm planting lemon grass, pampass grass, more delphs as mine are just not doing anything; more amaranthus (hot biscuits); lobelia cardinalis and the Chilean glory flower today. I picked up SusanQ's idea of little envelopes for every week so as not to miss anything. It seems a great idea. Spent about 2 hours last night sorting all my seeds into the envelopes so am very organized now.
The house painting - OMG - such a big change. First the bathroom update - it is being repainted. DH decided after 24 hrs. that he just couldn't live with it. It is going to become a lovely damask/flax color. The kitchen is done, the halls are done and the L/R has it's 1st coat. The 2nd coat is going on tonight. WE love it. However with all the painting we keep shuffling furniture around and all the bits and pieces are all over the house. We can't even set foot into the guest room; our dressers are covered with glass and china bits and pieces; utter chaos. But it is going to be lovely when finished. Wow - does the change of color in the L/R ever make the furniture come alive. It does not blend into the walls anymore - it stands out. Well off to plant. Posted some photos on the starters in the garden forum last night.
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| Posted on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:36 pm: | |
Today Jake and I planted some canary bird vines, purple bell vines; tritoma (red hot poker), asclepias (butterfly weed) and some wood betony (lambs ears). All plants are doing OK but nothing on the larkspurs yet and the first tray of delphs were very poor germinators as only 4 of 25 came up. I didn't get very good germination on the Delph laurins - about 25% so will plant some more of them.
Tomorrow Jake will go back home and we will bring Travis back. On the weekend we have a family dinner planned for baby daughters birthday. Andi & Rob & Casseo will be here for the weekend and I think they are planning on leaving the wee one here for a couple of days with me returning him next Tues or Wed. I love to see them come but I also love to see them go home. It has been a non-stop day with Jake but I love it. We are crossing our fingers that his "grass" and "bird vines" do well.
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| Posted on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:03 pm: | |
Oh he's so cute and looks like he's full of mischief Jodi. I think amma is going to vewy vewy tired. |
| Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:36 am: | |
Well journal as Ro predicted - this Amma is vewy vewy tired. It has been a whirlwind of a March Break with one grandson or another here and me at Casseo's house for the last couple of days. He was so ill - temp. of 105 but no infections - throat and ears clear, chest clear - just a virus. Poor wee toadie. Lots of loves and cuddles and rocking. We took Jake home last Mon. nite as he had severe mommy-itis and brought Travis back with us. Travis and I went cross country skiing; did some snow shoeing in the bush and went to a local hockey game; also shopping for new shoes for his gym classes. Played endless games of back gammon and dominoes too. Friday we went grocery shopping for the big birthday feast we have to celebrate the March birthdays - DD#3 and mine. Sat. I cooked and cooked and cooked some more but I do love cooking. I cooked baked beans, cabbage rolls, a full roast beef dinner with all the trimmings and baked two cakes - a black forest chocolate cheery cheesecake and a regular chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting. It was quite a busy 10 days and I am glad to be home again. My seeds are doing wonderfully. Jakes lemon grass and canary vines have germinated and I will be nursing them very carefully so that his first attempt at seed growing is a good memory for him.
Ohhhhhhh - today is my birthday and I plan on spending the day planting more seeds and pricking out seedlings as per Kaveh's wonderful lesson. Butterfly bush definately needs to be separated and a few others also need potting up. The cobea scandens are now 6" tall; have 4 sets of leaves so into 3" pots next. Have to pot up the purple ornamental millet grass too. They are 6" tall and now have 6 leaves and when they get to 10 leaves they start to show purple color. I can hardly wait for that to happen. The amaranthus loves lies bleeding needs pricking and so does the amaranthus joseph's coat so busy fun day tomorrow. Pots and soil mixture are ready. Haven't a clue about dinner but I'll worry about that later. Like Clary says - late dinners are the norm during planting season. I totally agree. |
