ice, ice...maybe?

We're in the deepest part of an Indiana winter, but it hasn't been very...deep.  Last week's bit of snow, and this week, a one-day ice drizzle.  Todd and I cast mocking eyes on the frozen branches and reminisced about the powerful and much-superior ice storms of our childhoods, but we were careful to watch our steps as we traversed the path to the barn.

I have to admit, even wimpy and short ice storms leave beauty behind.

The birds were happy for the filled feeders!

I stayed in and organized my office/craft room area.  I'm pleased with how it has evolved since we bought this house.  The IKEA cubbies keep fabric and craft supplies organized...

...and other organizational odds and ends work for the other side.  The space is definitely maximized.

In my office, the built-in cabinet nicely stores my overabundance of puzzles...

...and I've got a nice computer space, when the cats allow.  Bosewichte sleeps on my desk...

...and Tabitha controls the area to the left from her ottoman perch.

It's undergone quite a transformation!  Old carpet ripped out, new flooring and paint, and a whole lot of additions.

I'm happy to be completely unpacked and relatively settled!

Have a great week!

sow 'n snow

 At last!

It's no more than an inch, but such a pleasure to see!

There's just something about snow.

The pastels of a January sky are so pretty above the white landscape.

I've been working in my new potting space, starting my big winter sowing project.  I'm about a third of the way done, I'd say.  It's enjoyable to have my hands in the dirt again, prepping my little containers...

...seeing all the different shapes and colors of seeds, those little pellets of potential.

This is A - G from my seed stash.

They need the freeze/thaw cycle to improve germination, so they don't mind this at all:

I've got good company while I work...

...and I love my view!

I try to put in an hour per day.  After all, in about 3 weeks I'll be starting some of the same seeds - and a lot of different ones! - under grow lights.  About the time I put those particular grow-light seedlings (hardy annuals) in the ground, it will be time to start the tender annuals under grow lights.  And then...oh boy...getting everything planted.  Planting will start around mid-March and continue through June.  Oh, and we also have to plow a new plot, lay out a drip tape irrigation system, lay down weed suppression/landscape fabric, and mulch...so while it seems odd to be starting in mid-January, there's not a minute to lose!  Thankfully it's all pleasurable work.  Going out to the barn last week, I passed by an unfamiliar green patch in the side garden.  At first I thought it was some sort of weed...

...but, studying it and thinking about what had been growing in that particular area last fall, I realized that it was German Chamomile.  I remembered the tiny white petals surrounding the cheerful yellow faces, the ferny foliage and the lovely light scent that was released whenever I brushed past, and experienced a moment of pure joy.

German Chamomile.  If all else fails, I will at least have the humble German Chamomile! What a delight to look forward to.  And then I think, what if some of the tulips and grape hyacinths that I fall-planted really do bloom?  Because my skills are so scattershot, I have almost no expectations when it comes to things that I plant.  When something does bloom, I am truly surprised and delighted.  So, as I see it, working on these containers is just another way of creating opportunities for joy.  All of my little failures, too, are disappointing, but I learn a little bit more with each disappointment.   I'm working toward something beautiful.  Maybe this will be the year that it all comes together!  If not, well, at least I've got that Chamomile.  :)  

Have a great week!

filler thrillers

 I was surprised when I sat down to look at photos yesterday and realized that I hadn't picked up my camera in nearly a week.  I shouldn't have been, though...January in Indiana is a tough month.  No snow yet, just a series of cold, overcast days with nary an energizing holiday.  I don't mind it too much, but there's definitely a scarcity of spectacle to photograph.  I always try to find pleasure in little things, but I've had to do a bit of squinting lately.  :)

On our rare sunny day, the sun does make beautiful bokeh-like sparkles on the frost.

The occasional warmer day does give frisky pups an opportunity for a good back scratch.

These cold days are perfect for organizing and consolidating.  Todd has been able to burn excess old cardboard, and I'll add the ash to the garden later this year.  

 My Aerogarden is humming away, and I have tomato and herb plants growing nicely.

It's gotten me in the mood for green things, so I decided to start winter sowing this week.  Winter sowing is using any plastic container (milk jugs are the most popular) as a mini greenhouse.  Just add ventilation and drainage holes, soil, and seeds, and pop your containers outside.  You can ignore them until spring, when they'll sprout strong and healthy.  I went out to my new potting space to work, but discovered that Todd had...ahem...somehow spread his things around.

Thankfully, it only took a few hours to tidy it up.  Quite a difference, right?

I've made the rounds on my favorite seed sites and purchased another 50 -75 varieties of flowers, new for 2021.  I love the thought enlivening a shady spot with a pop of color, like with this Primrose 'Gold Lace.'

photo courtesy of Gurney's

And it's easy to get excited about foxglove varieties that bloom the very first year, like these two glorious Dalmation series beauties.

both photos courtesy of Johnny's Seeds

I'm easily seduced by color and nodding blooms, so I've had to make a concerted effort to focus on the fillers.  Flowers in bouquets are even more lovely when they're set off by arching grasses or interesting foliage. I've made several purchases this year to help me out in this very new area.

Honeywort 'Kiwi Blue' has gorgeous deep blue bracts that are perfect for bouquets.   Sigh...isn't it dreamy?

photo courtesy of Select Seeds

Small purple flowers peek in and out of Apple of Peru's foliage, but it's mainly grown for its little green lanterns.  A messy, boisterous addition to a bouquet.

photo courtesy of Floret Farms

I'd never thought of using Basil in a larger bouquet, but 'Amorotto' is a favorite.  Bonus:  it smells amazing!

photo courtesy of Sage Moose

The gorgeous chartreuse of Bupleurum 'Griffitithi' make it a perfect partner for nearly any color.

photo courtesy of Floret Farms

Eucalyptus is a great filler and dries beautifully for fall wreaths. This variety is 'Small-Leaved Gum,' which is a bit daintier than your typical Eucalyptus.

photo courtesy of Floret Farms

Alternanthera 'Purple Prince' is another beauty with deep purple-green leaves.

photo courtesy of Swallowtail Seeds

How gorgeous is this 'Limelight' Millet?!?  I can't wait to grow this grass...

photo courtesy of Johnny's Seeds

...or these Northern Sea Oats, with their flat nodding seed heads.

photo courtesy of GrowJoy

One of my favorites is Hibiscus 'Red-Leaf Mahogany Splendor.' The name says it all!  It's a hibiscus, but it looks like a Japanese Maple.  

photo courtesy of Floret Farms

It is amazing in a fall bouquet (seen here with my beloved 'Limelight' Millet!)

photo courtesy of sevendaysvt.com

I love the way I'm constantly challenged and surprised in this hobby, which is a necessity for any that I undertake.  If all goes well, this year will be a happy blur of shape, color, and scent.  Thinking about it and planning for it is a delightful way to pass the cold, grey days of an Indiana January, don't you think?

Have a great week!