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!