plant + shoot

nature photography with a zen vibe

Gardening

PLANT: 3 calming flowers you can easily start from seed

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Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.

Luther Burbank

 

Candy Cane Zinnias grown from seed

There is nothing more fulfilling than infusing my day with flowers that I have grown in my garden. From the moment I plant the seed, I become inextricably vested in the wellbeing of each and every flower yet to bloom. When the seeds germinate, they begin to tug on my heartstrings and they never let go. No matter the weather, I go out every morning to care for them and once again each evening. It is a joy to nurture them over. When they burst into bloom, so does my heart with joy. I’m joyful because they are beautiful and easy to grow.  And because they represent what is still slow in this busy world. I think I have cared for them, but in hindsight they have cared for me. I’m joyful because they are there for me when I need to escape.

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PLANT: The joy of growing microgreens indoors

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Have you ever dragged your feet on doing something even though it was extremely simple to do? Something that you knew would be easy to tackle, would require little effort and afterwards you would be so glad you did it? Well, that is my story when it comes to growing microgreens. Unopened seed packs have been sitting on my kitchen counter for months. Then one day, out of the blue – I stopped planning and started planting.

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PLANT: What is your garden word of the year?

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I get really excited about the beginning of a new year. I enjoy the process of ringing in the new year with family, choosing a fresh new calendar, refining my diet and exercise habits (again), and setting the intention for my garden for the upcoming year. Whether you are in the midst of a frigid winter like me (temps were 12 degrees F last night) or joyously growing in a warmer climate, January is still the perfect time to think about the purpose of your garden. To get your gardening juices flowing, think of one word that encapsulates one thing you want give your energy to this year? Your options are endless. So, what will be your 2018 garden word of the year?

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PLANT: I Certified My Garden as a Wildlife Habitat

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Since attending the Garden Blogger’s Fling earlier this year, I’ve been a bit more inspired to visit gardens whenever I can. I’ve noticed that many of the gardens – both public and private – have areas that are designated as certified habitats. I’ve seen butterfly and pollinator habitats, and a few specifically characterized as Monarch Butterfly habitats. Other gardens had spaces more broadly classified as wildlife habitats. After carefully exploring the plants and design features in each of these garden habitats, I realized they were very similar to my own. I grow many of the same plant varieties and offer sources of food, water and shelter to make my garden attractive to wildlife. That’s when it occurred to me that I could certify my garden!

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PLANT: Pause to See Beautiful Autumn Fall Colors

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Downtown display of vibrant fall foliage colors

This week was a BIG deal in our house. It was also a big deal in my dad’s house, and my mom’s house, and my auntie’s house and my grandma’s house. Why?? My son got his Learner’s Permit! I don’t know any kid more excited about driving than mine. He has been counting down the days to his 15th birthday for more than six months. And naturally, the entire family joined in on the hugely anticipated countdown.

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how to prune overgrown tomato plants

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I currently have a tomato jungle growing in my raised bed garden. Many of the plants are taller than me and have stems full of thick leaves, which makes it nearly impossible to see all the fruit that’s growing. If you know me, then you know I like an organized garden so these unwieldy plants are not fitting into my design plan! But more importantly, densely grown tomato plants are more susceptible to disease and pests. So a bit of careful pruning is definitely needed to make things look more tidy and to keep the plants healthy by increasing light and air flow to all parts of the plant. So where to do I begin? First, let’s discuss why some tomatoes grow out of control while others stay compact and bush-like.

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