A Little Dirt, a Little Sun, a Little Water...

Frozen. That's how I feel. No, not because of the weather - the weather has been absolutely magnificent! I feel frozen because in my determination to finally begin learning how to garden, I've bought plants and just don't know what to do with them! How I envy the seasoned pros whose lush gardens seem to just magically burst forth from spring to fall!


I, on the other hand, am the owner of a few scantily clad landscaping beds and about an acre of possibilities. I know nothing of soil or pH balances, plant nutrition, drainage, or sun exposure. I am...afraid to begin in earnest.


{I love you, sweet and innocent little plant. I come in peace and I will try really hard not to accidentally snuff out your young life. }

I did plant some hollyhocks earlier in the week though I'm not sure if they are in the right location. I also spread some perennial wildflower seeds but I'm afraid I may have over watered them already.

And I've bought herb plants for an "herb tea garden" that I just don't know where to plant. I've been told that mint {and I bought several mint herbs - apple mint, lemon mint, and chocolate mint!} grow fast and can be invasive, so I've changed my mind about planting them near my other landscaping beds.


Now I'm thinking my herb tea garden could perhaps grow along the fence line out in the back yard, though it's not very convenient or interesting. I have romantic ideas that involve just stepping out barefooted through my kitchen door and collecting a few leaves for tea whenever it strikes my fancy. Tromping out through the back yard to the fence line {that borders our neighbor's unsightly backyard} is not part of my romantic imaginings. Also, the fence line gets full sun... nearly all the plants I bought say "full sun to part shade". I've been assured by others that they are hardy enough to accept full sun, though.


I read once, in a book by Celestine Sibley I believe, that you just have to plant, do your best, and see what happens. Nature is full of surprises and in most cases, all that is needed is a little dirt, a little sun, a little water, and a lot of patience. The rest just takes care of itself. As with anything else, you learn what works and what doesn't - and you simply try something different when things don't quite work out as planned. I need to try to remember this and not be afraid to truly begin!

{Thank you all for your support in my decision to cut back on my blogging time. It seems that many of you feel the same way and it's nice to know that I'm in good company! }