i got something to grow!

Okay, just wanted to show everyone that I CAN get something to live for more than a week and even get it to grow. This doesn't happen often. This Hollyhock is something I bought when my MIL and I went to the gardens on Mother's Day. Every year we go, and every year I hesitate whether or not to buy anything to plant. I always vote on not buying because I know one of two things will happen. One, it won't ever get planted. Two, it'll die within a month. This year was different. I decided to buy this and a couple other things. I planted it within about 2 weeks of getting it. So far, it's bloomed great and looks beautiful.

There's hope for me yet!

Green Thumb Yet?

                                            Begonias, overtaken by Impatiens

                    Rose moss, verbena, lavender, rosemary, birdbath

                                          Pentas (planted pink and white)

                   Yea! Ripe! And tasty! Just picked another one today.

                                                     Dusty Miller and Verbena

                                                                 Avery's Daisies

Okay for those of you who are really good at the gardening thing, please don't laugh. I'm just getting into it and have been enjoying it, thanks to my MIL. I just decided to quit thinking so much about what to put where and with what, and just plant.

So, I'm the proud mother of 3 finally ripe tomatoes and plenty more growing. That's the extent of the veggies so far. Luckily, Ian's only picked and tossed one tomato over the fence.  I've got a bush bean plant started, but not sure what it's gonna do.  Not really even sure what one is.

Then I've got the decorative items. I'm one of those that sees it wilted or 'dead' blooms and thinks, 'That's it. I've killed another." MIL says, "no, they'll come back. Just keep watering as needed and watching." So, I do, and they bloom. Puts a smile on my face. Avery has a couple as well and she's very proud of them.

Goal for next year or later this year....pull the front bushes and plant veggies in back.

Black Thumb Gardening

No, that's not my beautiful landscaping. Wish it was! Okay, I've been threatening for years to try out gardening and finally plant landscaping stuff. Now that I have a little time by myself before summer starts, I thought it'd be a great time to start. There are no pics, because I start out VERY small. It's kind of like me trying to add wall decor to my house. I'm too 'chicken' because I think, "What if I don't like it there? Now I've got a hole." Yep, that's my thinking. It's not really the small decor that worries me. It's the larger, sinker needed, type stuff. But I've finally concluded that I CAN cover the hole if needed.

Okay, how does that relate to my gardening phobia? Well, I think "What if it dies? How do I know what kind of soil or fertilizer to use, or which part of the house offers the right amount of sun during the day? How do I know what will grow well together?......" Thanks to my friend, Jill, who suggested I just go for it or I'll never start.....I did just that. I read a bit on-line and then just did it. I bought a potted tomato plant, and just a few flowers. I plan on a ground garden for veggies soon, but I have to wait until I can figure out how to keep the rodents/rabbits/other creatures of the night we have hanging around out of it. So, for now, I'm good with potted. I transplanted 2 of the flowers (verbena) into an area under a tree in our front yard; one of the begonias into a pot to use as a house plant; and then one begonia and 2 impatiens in an outdoor pot on our front porch. If anything dies? Okay, I just go buy more. I think I'm reaching a break-through!

I have also decided to really start using the tools I have....my mother-in-law and the internet. I have read so much on-line, I've decided to start a 'gardening' folder. Today, Avery and I are going to start a compost bin. Should be exciting! When I'm feeling more confident, I'll attach pictures.

Any suggestions out there.....I'm all ears!