The Seedlings Await!

The seedlings want to go out and grow already. Is it ever going to warm up and stay that way. 

The temperature has been fluctuating so much this Spring. It's a little frustrating for those of us who are ready to get our gardens started, don't you think? 

Peas and  scallions; I will thin out the scallions when I plant them. As for the peas, I think they are hardy enough to go outside but I'm going to wait a little longer until the temperature is more consistent.  

This year I  used newspaper to make my seedling cups.

Last year, I used egg shells but I like to try new things, so I did.

 
Also, I purchased four mature plants weeks ago. I knew it was early, but they were priced nicely and organic.    The fact that they were on the inside because it was too cold outside didn't deter me. Waiting, to go outside, they quickly outgrew the sunny window I had them in.  Finally when I thought it was safe to do so, I put them outside to harden. However,  despite the dipping temperatures,  they seem to be holding up thankfully. I cover them with plastic and a drop cloth at night for added protection.

Ok seedlings, hang in there because soon it will be your turn to go out and grow. 

Have you started your garden or are you patiently awaiting warmer temperatures too?

Tiptoe Through the Tulips With Me

I get so inspired by what I see during the course of a day that it can be overwhelming but in the most joyful way.  The magnificence of the color can be so breathtaking.

After attending a composting class at the Queens Botanical Garden, I spotted these lovelies walking back to my car.

One lone red tulip mixed in a sea of yellow

Immediately it caught my attention.  Had to get a little closer

And even closer.

Further into this tulip trail, I spotted this beautiful red and yellow hybrid.

Again, it drew me in.

Unitil I could see each individual stamen inside.

 I stared at nature's magnificence for a few moments. How could I not acknowledge it?

As I walked away, I turned around for yet another look. As the tulips swayed in the wind, I was mesmerized by their beauty. I was inspired and in present moment heaven.

An Unexpected Presence

Hey! Where did you come from? I didn't plant you. You planted your own seed. You arrived all on your own.  So unexpected. But noticed and welcomed by me.

I cleared the garden for the winter soon to come.  You're all alone, thriving on limited sun and unpredictable temperature changes characteristic of fall weather.

I will water you, notice you and appreciate the surprise of your unexpected presence.

Easy Summer Dinner

Summer dinner doesn't get any better than this! Oven free, quick, colorful, and healthy, what more can one ask for? 

Tuna pasta salad atop romaine lettuce, fruit and sliced peppers from the garden, easy peasy! Served with a glass of ice water with a spritz of lemon (not pictured:) I'm in heaven.

What's your  favorite quick summer dinner?

A Gardening Perspective

I like to garden. I wouldn't say I'm terribly good at it, but it brings me joy just the same. It made me realize that I don't have to be good at something to enjoy it.

I like experimenting and watching things grow - slowly, quickly, or sometimes not at all. Perhaps, in time, as I gain more experience, the results will be more predictable; however,  for right now it's a learning experience filled with magnificence and uncertainty . Even a struggling plant is a reminder of patience, nurturing and contemplation.

Sadly, the Sugar Daddy Peas didn't make it.

My gardening space is rather limited as most of my yard is concrete. I use pots to give myself a little more room.

I am in love with my herb pot. I planted spearmint, basil, rosemary and thyme all in the same pot!

Almost daily, I snip a piece off for mint tea or to add a pop of fresh flavor to dinner. It's my new favorite thing that makes me pause, appreciate and bask in thankfulness. It's the littlest things that get me everytime.

Although things may not turn out as intended and things get a little unruly,

I can still make the best of the outcome, appreciating whatever harvest shows up.

After all,  it's a huge journey from seedling

to mature plant.  No matter the outcome or whatever happens along the way, it's all good and rather magnificent.

How is your garden growing?

Time to Garden

It's time to transplant the seedlings outdoors. I started them about three weeks ago from seeds I had left over from last year.  

I thought I give the seedling process another try as I had a successful harvest last summer. 

This year, however, instead of buying a plastic seedling tray, I decided to go into reuse/repurpose  mode and use eggshells and egg cartons to get the seedlings started.  I carefully washed the eggshells in hot soapy water and punched a hole for drainage. If the shell was too shallow, I would stack two of them together to create a taller and wider vessel.

So far I started onions,

Beefstake tomatoes,

and Sugar Daddy peas.

I thought the peas would take longer to sprout because the seed was so large and hard, but it shot up in a matter of days. Look at them now!

I  was hoping to have a vertical garden structure ready before transplanting anything but it looks like I will be in for another season of ground level gardening. No worries, I will continue to dream of a vertical garden oasis and rely on Pinterest to keep me inspired.

What will be growing in your garden? Have any gardening plans or stories to share?