Plant Propagation part XXXIII based on my own experience

I forgot to show you what I made for my Mom...She would be 103 today if she were alive.
She loved orchids, so I ordered these silk ones and they look great. I am going to take them to her grave in about an hour, when the snow stops. lol

Beautiful flowers, JB.

Glad you have a vet who will make house calls.

It is now flea season here. I combed about half a pound of fur off Jennybear last night. It's a neverending job. I'll get one of my big rubber tubs and give her a bath. The short-haired dogs also have fleas but they don't mind being combed. Jenny does. She snapped at me last night and I clunked her on the head with the comb thingie. She apologized for half and hour.

No more scorpions. I did shake the quilt before getting in bed. The door to the little back yard is right by my bed and the weather is nice enough to leave the door open during the day so it probably wandered in from outside. Lots of bugs waking up this time of year. The downside of spring weather.

hugs, katie

Peach and apple trees are blooming.

Guess what...................I am now the proud owner of a white Bird of Paradise. I never in my life owned one nor could I ever grow them from seeds. I am so excited. It is about two feet tall and has two leaves. I am so happy I can hardly contain myself. I love people who do nice things for other people. Later, I must go plant my new plant in a pot to keep in the house. No greenhouse for this baby. JB

Dave, how did you get roots like that?! I wanna know! my plants seem to be moving slowly, but at least they are moving.

JB, when my seedlings emerge, I will have orange bird of paradise ( strelitzi reginae) and yellow Bop ( mandellas gold.) If you are interested let me know and I will save a couple of seedlings for you.

Katie, I am happy there are no more scorpions for you. When I lived in Tucson they were really bad.

My feet are better. I am still very careful and no I am not digging. ( I pay Shawn and his friends to do that for me) . The right foot is still painful but the left only bothers me if i stand or move wrong. I took my friend's dog out to walk they other day and the dog took me over some rough terrain. I will take someone with me who can walk her for me next time.

We have had heavy rains for the past 3 three days, so I have accomplished nothing outside. I did get back into the studio though and made a nice amethyst and sterling silver ring and some earrings. I have other pieces I would like to make, but i am waiting for supplies to arrive. Silver prices have almost doubled in the past 3 months, so I have to be careful what I order.

I found a gorgeous sunrise cactus today and talked hubby into getting it for me. It is a beautiful pink color and I don't have any like this one.I need to do some research and discover whether it is an Easter cactus or something different.

I will check in on you later.

JB, you should definitely move south like all the other yankees are doing.

Well Jnette, my home is Country French and my landscape thinks it is somewhere South of France. I actually do have one of the smaller water bills but I use mulch year round. I push the zone all the time. That is why my garage is 1/3 full in the winter time.

I just about killed myself today supervising the neighbors landscape crew. I was there from 8:30am until 4:30pm. And we did not get done but that is because we ran into a big palm tree root problem in the two front beds.

I will have the husband show me where he wants the succulents planted in the last area and then they can finish on Monday. He is the President of a new Hotel at the Lake of Las Vegas. He wants to hire me as a consultant for the hotel's landscape. It is at least 35 minutes away from our home. Celine Deon lives in that area and she uses a helicopter. I am still thinking about it. And I want to be paid cash. Probably cannot be done by a casino/hotel.

Linda, so glad your ankles are better. Katie, sounds like you are making progress. Dawn, I really hope plants are mailed this week. I just need to learn to say NO.

But when I was down there today, the neighbor had my SUV totally detailed inside and out. Yes JB, you can do that in the West because we do not have snow.

I want to know who you think is on the right and who is on the left in posted photo. My worker will be here tomorrow and I should be done. Later Friends, Sharon. Sorry if I missed someone.

That's alright. I understand. I am spread so thin, I'm transparent. I will get it when I get it and will be extatic when ever it comes Sharon.

That sounds like a huge undertaking Sharon with the casino when you are retired. One it is going to get really hot soon, so that alone would make me say Hell NO unless I can do it in September, or October and then it can still be a furnace. You do need to say no, you don't seem to need the money and Lord knows you have enough projects going.

It was so dang hot today and yesterday but especially today, it was around 90. That means a blizzard will come next week now that I planted some seedlings.

Well, we didn't get a chance to look at houses today. We drove down to Spokane, almost 100 miles, my sister had a dr. appt., figured about 10 minutes, so I waited in the car. She called me on my cell, and said she wanted me to drive her to the ER at the hospital several blocks away. She had gone in and threw up all over the drs. office, bp real high, head ache, and blurry and double vision. They wanted her to use an ambulance, but she wouldn't do it.

And she had just driven me down there and not said a word.

This is the one who fell last week. After a brain scan they said she had a slight concussion and a bruised retina. So, that took the whole day. We got home about 7:00 tonight.

Will have to wait for another day.

Linda, people like JB do not move South because they love the challenge of growing the plants in the North that you all take for granted. That is why she gets so excited about a BOP. She has a white one now, so I bet she would love to have seeds from yours and next thing you know, she would be putting little ones on Market Place and ebay. LOL

Show us a picture of the Sunrise Cactus.

It was up to 80 here today. We both worked on the eastern yard.

I gave Dana more money towards my ATV. Whenever I next go to town and get money from the bank I can finish paying for it.

Sharon, did you say you might have some ideas for fixing the roof of my van. It is very seriously rusted. I tried using spray foam on some of the spots but it didn't help much. It runs well but rain is a disaster. Wonder if I could pitch a small tent inside.

I'm so tired I could just die. I'm glad to be getting the work done outside but the pain in my right heel makes the work really exhausting. However, I'm not depressed and that's wonderful.

Found out that a dog I rescued about five years ago who was adopted by a neighbor had to be put to sleep today. She had an inoperable tumor and was in a lot of pain. Got the news from another neighbor as the dog and her owner have been in Canada. She was a wonderful dog and had a longer and better life with the couple wo adopted her than she would have had here as she had sevral medical problems over the years. She was very smart. She came into my life by showing up at the house where I used to live and telling me that we were to be together. She had a deep cut on the pad of her right front foot. I think she had dug her way out of some place. She loved me a lot but when I had to go north for medical stuff she went and found Lee and when I returned I accepted that the dog had made her choice and I relinquished her. I'm feeling sad about her death.

Very tired, I'll be back tomorrow.

hugs, katie

Cross-posted. Hope your sister feels better. I love the image of her spewing vomit all over the doctor's office. Some not-very-repressed hositlity there, I guess.

Today I also sorted out a couple of boxes of craft stuff for Tony's kids and their friends. Craft paint and a box of little wood items to be painted.

kb

howdy:
did you hear about the dog that limped into the bar????

He was looking for the man who shot his paw ...rip boom

JB you do know the BOP will grow taller than your house???

Linda: I use my Tarantula/kelp/fulvic acid to provide michorhyza and benificial organisms. I also use a 20-20-20 that is also a foliar feed. I try to water with it once a month. at a bare min. I water everyone in with it. I bought an injector that mixes 15 to one. so I mix up a batch of a gallon with 15 times the suggested amount. I can then use the hose or sprinklers to water everyone. I was suprised by the roots. It was a tough time getting the fater growers to let go of all the soil. I buy most of my stuff from

Tarantula
http://cgi.ebay.com/Tarantula-130g-Advanced-Nutrients-Yield-130-g-/130500095883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e62696f8b
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170366144039&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Piranha
http://cgi.ebay.com/Piranha-130g-130-g-Advanced-Nutrients-Fungi-Root-/120701319546?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1a5bf97a

kelp/humic This is not the exact kelp stuff I use but the guy I bought from is in asia doing some kind of self aware thing and is closed. so this is what i plan on switching to.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fox-Farm-Happy-Frog-Fruit-Flower-Fertilizer-4-lbs-/200583199699?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb3b0bbd3

Katie: Do you put down anything for insects around the house? I spread some granular stuff for the tics, flea's, earwigs etc. I also put down some stuff for snails and slugs as they get out of hand if I don't.

Now for my news. well I posted my first ad on a group I wholesale to. and I just got swamped. I have to calculate shipping and get everyone packed up. so I may be a bit slow to respond in the next few days. I also have about 3000 plugs coming this week. so put another log on the fire. I guess its a good thing to have this problem.
Today we (my niece and I) cleaned up the back yard and get the nursery looking a lot better. spent like 3 hours with lots of water/rest breaks. anyway I had a bp of 123/66 with pulse of 117. so now its off to get horrizontal and rest a bit.

I hope I did not miss anyone. please let me know if I did.
Dave

I know I am going to miss someone because I am tired, been a busy day, and I have been doing paper work most of the afternoon. This morning I took the jeep in to see why the trans was leaking again.....of course, when I got it there is was no longer leaking. #%$%^&*

Linda, I would love to have some little plants from the BOP but no seed. I can not grow seeds. Sorry. I would really like to start a collection of them, but they take so long to bloom I am too old to put in a long term lease with anything. Plants included.

Katie, II am sorry about your friends dog. I know my time with Barndog is limited. You must stop overworking that foot./leg, whichever. Stop anyhow.

Sharon, you sound like you are torn between the many things you are doing. I am sure if the hotel wants you they will find a way to pay. Otherwise, Kiss that baby good bye. No one wants cash transactions unless they can deduct them. lol

Dave, I know how bit the giants get and when it does, I am going to cut it back and send it to Jen in a big big box.

Dawn, Lee, Evelyn, I am sorry I have not been talking to you, it is not because I do not love you, it is because I can not remember what the hell you said. LOL I am such an old mess.

I need to stop now. I have to eat some dinner. Do not like weekends, I get so involved with things I forget to cook. Paid bills today and next week and for the rest of the month, I am on a diet. I paid back my Money Market money that I borrowed the past two months, because I spend too much for junkie stuff. So, I am making April my pay back month. So, diet time is here. Salads and fruit and whatever is in the freezer.

Oh my God, Jen, I forgot you. Well, you know I did not mean to do that. I had emailed you and that is all you get, baby. Later. JB

WAHHHH I don't like being ignored!! Stomp, spit.

Those are not going to get that big in a pot and in the house. I don't want it!

I really like that Happy Frog potting mix Dave. And, I think it might be cheaper than the pro-mix I have been buying.

Bob uses the Home Defense spray twice a year. He sprays inside and outside around the perimeter of the house and the windows and doors and I must say we have very few critters in the house. A stink bug once in a while.

I am buying one of those small expanded metal trailers tomorrow and then swinging by and picking up 10 bales of alfalfa for my tomatoes and I should be set. If they come up that is.

Dave, that is wonderful news about your sales. Good for you! Nice to have help for that many orders isn't it?

Well, gotta go make the dog's food. ttyl,

Not one comment on the photo. I am amazed.

Katie, is the top of the van, one big hole or scattered holes. They make a material to mend fiberglass. I have used it on pottery many times. My brothers used something on an old Jeep. I talk to my baby brother every Sunday. I will try to remember to ask him.

We were 93 today and windy. I brought out all the Cannas I dug about a month ago. I thought I had packed them well enough to protect them but they had totally dried out. I still have some of the red leaf/red flower. I only dug them about a week ago. I still have other cannas I did not dig. That I guess is a good thing. I guess it is a good thing I do not do this to make a living. I would have very angry customers.

My blue bulbs are still in the fridge. The weather channel says we are going back to the mid 70s next week so I am going to try and get those in the ground.

My worker was here today and we cleaned up several messes the irrigation rehab laborers left behind. I have a lot of crushed granite, so I watered it with a small sprinkler. That makes it so easy to rake and clean. I butchered the lime and two orange trees. They got hit bad by the 18 degrees and we will probably have no citrus from them this year but they will come back. I have done it before.

I still have about 20 plants still to plant. The irises are starting to bloom and the roses are about 2 weeks away. You can always tell when everything is going to be in full bloom because that is the week we have "high winds".

Jnette, Vern did that once at his doctor's office. Walked in, threw up all over the waiting room and then passed out. They thought he was bleeding to death because his BP was so low. He was sent ambulance to the hospital. By the time he got there, he was fine. He told me he was not feeling well so decided to drive to the doctor's office. About 10 miles by the freeway. This man has a very high IQ but no common sense.

The Hardy hibiscus still look OK. I still have many thing to send you Dawn so do not despair.

I will take photos tomorrow of the plant that JB sent. The willow it right st home with a bunch of other orphans in a special spot in the front landscape right next to my sitting bench. Two of Jnette's made it and Evelyn's addition to my Blue garden. Dawn, your hollyhock seeds are still in the envelop.

Jnette, the invasive plant/bush you sent me, grayish leaves. It was in the holding garden right next to JB's pussy willow, then I moved it into the front landscape and made it through the winter barely. The tree roots was robbing all the water. I moved it and it was living and thriving and then it just disappeared. I was so disappointed. I have been babying that plant for two years. I would really like a larger start. It is one you got from your neighbor. I think woodruff but I may be wrong. I just love plants someone sends me because when I see the plant I think of the individual.

Last comment. Dawn, I have never worked for the money. It was just a side effect. I was kissed on the forehead by God and sent into a job I would love, have a great fun time and make a lot of money. The secret is I saved the money. Many individuals in my same position are now broke because they were into "Things". "The most important things in life are not things....."But I did my job just like I do gardening. Work until you drop. But I think you are all right. I do not need the pressure or the money. Just more for our children to spend. BUT, I do plan on spending it all. To bad Vern did not like to travel.

Love you all. Where are you Evelyn, Lee and Linda. Later friends, Sharon.

Sharon, I was going to comment on the birds, but saved it to talk about something else and then forgot it. Sorry. A very interesting photo. I think your comment threw me.

No, that darned Sweet Woodruff is a real pain. It is climbing my rose bushes.

Our snow is almost gone, except for the piles where it came off the roof in spots, and where the plowman shoved it. Of course that was right on top of my hydrangeas. But they will live, just probably won't bloom again this year. I suppose I should move them.

Bob made a real good huckleberry pie this morning. It turned out very good. He has been practicing and that was the first berry pie he has tried. I tried to explain to him that berries are very individual. One bush could be very sweet and the one next to it not so.

Well, I have to get to bed. Have to set my alarm in the a.m. darn it.

Sharon, I missed the photo of of the birds I think they are sparrows and I just adore it. I copied it to show my birdwatcher friend. I hope you do not mind. I will tell them it is yours.
I am glad the pussy willow is growing. I know you will love it. It will remain squatty and bushy if you keep taking cuttings. It loves to be cut. Watch out for the rabbits if you plant small cuttings outside. They will eat them first.

Today is warmer but very windy. We are to have a real warm up and hopefully it will stay that way., I am not going to make any long term plans until I am sure. Our baby Christmas trees begin to arrive this week. We have to plant 150 that we lost over the winter first.
Then I am not sure what we will do.

I have decided to take the jasmine down for now. They are slowly coming back to being the pale green they are, but I am not sure how to explain to customers that this is not something that will hurt them, but they look like H. So, rather than have any problems, I will just take them down.

I am shipping tomorrow paid orders only. Want to get caught up before I begin to send my freebees again. I have still not put anything up on eBay. Just hate to pay those fees and get so little back. Maybe I will do it today.

Dave, the little hosta a area just beautiful and growing like weeds in the greenhouse.
I am going to buy more today. I think I have fallen in love with them.

I have hours of paperwork to do today , Sales tax is due, Income Tax is due, bank statements need balanced. I hate this, but I am going to do it. So help me God!

Not going to Mass, watched it on TV at 5:30 a.m. so I could get an early start today. So, I am out of here for now. Love you all. JB

Hey, Jen, I am trying to think of a name for my Giant white BOP. It has so much personality, he needs a name.

JB, I can hardly wait until the day you post that it has a new leaf. LOL, not even thinking about a bloom, and I realize it has to get it's roots established first.

Remember the plants I got a month or more ago and one was frozen in transit and toast already, and the other looked pretty good? Well, the good one only had 2 and a half leaves that looked good and the 2 shriveled up which left the half. Well, the half has finally started growing. That tells me that it has established it's roots. So, hopefully it will be clear sledding now.

Well, we have to leave in a half an hour or so and I haven't even gotten dressed yet. So, gotta get on my horse as we used to say. Have an appointment at Costco in Spokane.

Everyone have a good day, I see some sunshine out there!! Whoopee! Might be a pleasant drive.

Not everyone posts pictures of roots and names their plants and get excited over one leave on a plant. I'm so glad I'm here with my kind of people.

I have more clean-up to do today. Maybe. Found a couple of translucent store boxes in town yesterday. Used and almost twice the price of Big Lots but they will allow me to put some of my art-to-be stuff out of sight and organized. Maybe plant some seeds as I can do that sitting down.I thought the bird picture was JB and Jen. What do I know.

I still have lots of birds here, singing and cooing. Their feeder is under the schotia tree which has many buds on it. When they open they will be covered with birds. It's got lots of nectar and is a magnet for them when iti's in bloom. I have one little one that germinated about a week ago. I ooh and coo over it, being just as weird as everyone else here about such things. Non-gardeners just don't understand.

I've been drooling over the seeds at Swallowtail. Found several packs I got at Walmart yesterday (hiding in my purse). Will try to let them satisfy my addiction for now. In the asrtsy places I'm setting up I am doing things to make areas where the dogs won't run over the plants. Most of the plants inside the fence that have survived are aloes.

Tony went to his parents' rancho for an overnight maintenance visit. I loaned him an air matress I got at Goodwill and a foot pump as the little house that was a shelter disappeared in the last hurricane and he has to sleep in his truck. Also loaned him a tarp.

I have some ideas for solar lights and may get one of them done today. Nothing gets done fast here.

I put some new heel cushions in my shoes and will see if that helps. I'll be glad when I see a podiatrist and maybe get some serious help. Besides not liking the pain, there is the side effect of the major mind muddling. Increased incidents of finding myself some place with no idea of why I went there. It is a good time for clean-up, especially when Tony is here to help.

Muddled hugs, katie

Sharon ~ I am here. I have been quite busy, as the days are a bit warmer, no actually quite nice....between 60° and 70°. I have been digging the weeds out of beds in preparation of planting new things! I have just started sleeping better, as I took the winter's bed clothes off and have not been over-heating at night. I hope that this trend continues as it gives be the energy to work hard. I have been using less OTC pain meds as well, but to my shock and amazement as I thought I would always be in severe pain for the rest of my life. I was actually able to dig and even vaccuum without serious repercussions. Now I feel that I can conquer the world - manic-depressive? . Well, probably, but if I can take advantage of these good feelings and get in shape before summer, maybe this year will be better than last. My health last year was so poor I could barely work an hour at a time.

My White Flower Border will now be converted to including pale yellows and blues, being inspired by you. That is not the only reason though, as there was no flow from the "Cottage Flower Border" into the white garden. Now I can use the whole thing and plan accordingly, even though I will probably move things around until they are satisfactory. I continually become inspired by Gertrude Jeckyll's "Colour Schemes for the Flower Garden", though not following exactly, she does give me lots of ideas of what plants bloom together, and what looks well together.

Jeanette ~ We finally got our lamps for the side tables, much to my amazement, at Walmart, and then selected rugs for the living room and the sitting room yesterday.We got the rugs at Naturewood where we got our furniture. At the time, they did not have any suitable rugs, and we wondered if we would ever find some that we liked and even agreed upon. The living room looks totally amazing, but I still cannot find my camera, so I cannot show you (and I cannot tell you in a thousand words either). If I do not find my camera in a week or two, I will go back to Best Buy and get the Canon Power shot for $150.00 which will be more than sufficient. It is so upgraded from the camera that I bought 3 or 4 year ago, and less money as well as I paid about $220.00 for the one I have. It is more than money well spent as if I had to use film, the developing charges alone would be much much more than that. I love having unlimited access to taking pictures and not have to wait a few days, go back to a store, and then cull out the best ones.

Dave ~ I am happy to hear that you are doing so well in your nursery. I hope that you can keep up the pace as spring is here, even though the weather is so changeable, being able to receive so many plugs requires you to care for them consisntently. That was my problem last year, as there were days I could not check all the seedlings under lights and many dried out, especially the ones that had heat under them. I did not care as when feeling so poorly, there was nothing that could pry me out of my condition. Hopefully I will not get that bad this year. All the late season snow and rain, followed by consistently hot temps just wore me out and took me working to a minimum.

The rest of you ~ I am sorry I left you out but I must go outside now as there is a lot of work ahead. If I can get ahead of the weeds and soil work, I will be a happy camper, as last year I could not keep up. The many late rains and snow followed by the high temps made all the weeds unaccessable when it was too wet, and then it started to dry up, there were just too many of them and not enough of me....whew!

I hope that you all have a wonderful Sunday!

~ Evelyn

This message was edited Apr 3, 2011 12:42 PM

Evelyn, I hope you are smarter than me and take it slowly. My shoulder is screaming at me but two extra strength Tylenol takes care of that. I woke up at 6 but took two Tylenol and went back to sleep until 8:30am. I am so pleased you re feeling better. So you will forget how bad you felt.

I am going to cook some short ribs today and do a little watering. Change the sheets and take a long walk with the dogs. Later everyone. Sharon.

Sharon - forgot to say that my van has numberous rusty holes. Hard to find sound places to attach fiberglass. I'm thinking a lot as it runs well.

kb

No, Sharon ~ Not smarter at all. I will be limiting my time with digging. What I do is vary my activities while in the (garden) bed...heh, heh...I use the shovel to dig off the top of the soil taking weeds that way, then I get the garden fork and loosen the soil....then I sit in the garden bed and pull weeds by hand...etc, etc. That's about it. I do however, take plenty of breaks after hauling some of the weeds with a sheet of burlap on to the hillside where it is to steep to work. They will eventually grow there as well, but it won't matter. Of course Steve does weedwhack where anything is accessible. I am thinking if I get enough soil along with those weeds that eventually it will make a nice hillside garden, but for now, no more new projects! So here I am already taking a break. But I have not got totally outside yet. Just onto the back porch and watering the plants on the table that I use for a potting bench. I was given that table years ago when I had nothing and moved into a rented cottage on 5 acres while working at my nursery. The table folds down on two sides, so when it is not in use I can move it out of the way...just about 8 inches is the table then. Well, my break is over and must forge ahead. Watering is so important to everything right now. I hate to invest time and money and have it disappear. Dave inspired me to feed this time while watering with those micronutrients thay may not have got while growing in the pots.

Ta, ta....

howdy:
Katie I was going to suggest some fiberglass or bondo to fill in the wholes, but that requires you to take out all the rust and take down to bare metal. then fillin the holes. It might be easier to just put a tarp over the whole thing and call it good. Is this the van you take to california? if it is I would invest the time and energy to get it fixed up. they make a spray paint that stops rust from contuing to grow.
Another option is to pop rivit pieces of metal over the holes and then coat the whole thing with the Sno seal they use on mobile homes. It will look kind of abnormal but it would solve the problem. personally I would get the holes fixed and be done with it. but that just me.

Evelyn thats a good idea on the uneven hill. the only problem I see is that you might have to level everything once the deeper spaces get filled in.

JB- sounds like a good id-er on shipping the big bop to jeanette.

well its been a good afternoon. got all my plants out of the garage finally and now I have to find permanent homes for everyone. I have decided that everyone is getting either planted or go to a new forster home as I had real issues with just trying to keep up with everyone this winter. of course that will have to happen when I have gotten through my initial spring sale.
yesterday i took my bp right sfter my shower/finised outside. really wiped out but it was 123/66 and pulse 117. so I know I am on the proper mix of meds just have to be busy every day.
Have a great day. sorry if I missed anyone
Dave

Hi Everyone,

Dave, thanks for the info on the roots. I will look up those sites when I get a chance. It has been gorgeous here this weekend. I planted seedlings for about 3 hours yesterday and then went outside to make a list of tomorrow's chores. My Mom came to visit and "rescued" me from working today ( She doesn't work on Sunday and nobody else should either. LOL) so we went shopping. The little camellia I have been saving for you has bloomed and now has 2 full leaves. It is a Grace Albritton and I think I promised it to you a couple of years ago.

Evelyn, I need to be weeding my beds here too and cutting down the dead sticks. It isn't happening for a while though. I am still finding it hard to work more than about an hour at the time and the seedlings are given priority.

My iris are beginning to bloom and I can't wait to see some of the newer varieties that will be blooming for the first time. Tomorrow morning I will take a few pictures of everything in full bloom. It is gorgeous here right now.

Does anyone grow azaleas?

JB, Jnette, Lee, katie, and Dawn I hope all is well. Will chat again soon.

Hello to all. I am here and miracle of miracle, I have planted a few seeds under the lights. I just can't get into it with the cold weather, but I am trying to bring myself out of this funk.

Funny thing----I thought the birds were Jen and JB also. hehe!! Later all

LOL, don't know how you guys figure, but, whatever.

Had my appointment at Costco at 10 this morning, then went to Big R and bought one of those metal trailers 5 x 7 with the ramp that folds down from the back. Then took it to a farm where I bought 10 bales of alfalfa to plant my tomatoes in.

Now, if they would just start coming up. Dave, I watered my seeds with the tarantula, kelp, HA, and the other, can't remember it, know there were 3 things, Oh, I know, Mychorrizae. So, is that the only time I use it? I don't water every time with it do I?

So, if the weather will just cooperate, I may get my garden moving this year. Especially the tomatoes.

Jeanette: No I would do like a once a month application. acording to the hydroponics folks they recomend using whats called carb load to feed the little guys. I figuire its mostly for the hydo folks as we have plenty of organic matter for them to feed on. so I would not worry about it. I just mention it in case you wanted to try it. as I can see I have enough trouble keeping up with everything else and I think its a bit over the top, as I like everyone else we have a limited money to spend.

It's ok JB if you forget me, I don't post as often. I am planting and trying to get seeds in containers and in ground before it gets too hot and they all cook.

Hey, Lee. You got it. Now, which one is Jnette and which one is JB? They are so fun to pick on and so easy.

JB, feel free always to share anything I post.

My short ribs were great. I had fresh green beans but did not get them cooked. Tomorrow. But I did get the laundry done, sat on the swing out by the pool and enjoyed the sun, took the dogs on their walk and read the whole paper.. Oh, I forgot, I took a great power nap.

So glad to hear from Linda, Lee and Evelyn. Also great to hear everyone had a great day.

Company is coming tomorrow to clean all the windows. Suppose to rain on Friday. They do offer a rain guarantee.

Talk to you tomorrow. Sharon.

Cross Post.

Katie, getting large transparent bins to store your yard art is the first step toward hoarding. Either do something with it or give it away. A voice of experience has spoken. Sharon.

Yes witch one is JB and witch one is Jen? That is the question....LOL!! ^_^

Sharon ~ You seem to be in good spirits; keep up the good work! But please, don't "run yourself into the ground", as it might cost you a day or two and then you won't really be saving time in the long run.

Dawn ~ You and Sharon are having the hot weather while Lee is still freezing. We sure can't do anything about the weather so we just work around it the best we can. I see that Texas and the rest of the country's midsection is in drought mode and for the first time in a very long time, I think they will declare CA officially out of the drought. The farmers have a rough time with the water rationing. Are you planting anything new or just cleaning out the beds?

Jeanette ~ I still cannot find the camera....I unloaded the last pictures 11 days ago....I will continue to look for it, but today is a day for working outside and sowing seeds as well. I have some plants on the back porch that need a deer spray drench before they are put out. Do you have deer where you are? Are they a problem? We also have the occasional jackrabbit, but mostly deer.

Linda ~ It's good that you are able to work outside. It gets frustrating to have to limit yourself, but it works out in the long run. I have done it the "other way" and hopefully have learned my limitations. It's a beautiful day today, so I hope to accomplish a few things. I have been weeding and preparing the bulb bed #2 and it will become the new "hot bed". I have ordered a lot of plants for it. As well, I am sowing many seeds for it, though the perennials will take a bit of time, at least some of the annuals will be filling in nicely to give a good presentation. The challenge is to keep the weeds and deer out and balancing the colors as it can become garish-looking when working with such strong colors.

Yesterday there was a cold breeze for most of the day. I kept on putting on the sweater, then taking it off and then putting it back on again. I have to dress in several layers yet. Well, I had better review my plan before heading out. I will balance my activities between the bed I am working on and starting seeds and there is a lot to do. Also I need to send out some seeds. So I will have to go now. Dave, JB, Jen, Katie, Lee ~ you are all in my thoughts.

Boy, you guys are having one heck of a lot of fun with witch bird is which? I personally think they are both very cute, so I will be which or witchever one you decide. How about you Jen?

Just took all the boxes to the post office and this week they went to CA, NY, WI and PA.
Thank god the weather is very warm. It was cloudy this morning and by 11 AM it was sunny and the temps were going up. I have the windows open now just to get some fresh air in here and as the Amish used to say, "get the stink aut"!

I went to the grocery store for a small order. $170.00 later, less a $20 discount for a point promotion they have. I got NO meat, fresh fruit and veggies and some frozen stuff to pop in the microwave when I am in a hurry, eggs, cheese, bagels, and cat food. No paper goods. Nothing exciting, just things I really needed. My refrig was almost empty. I can not believe the cost of everything and then the gasoline is now $3.44 here for straight. How do families to it?
I hope this soon ends. Either that or I will be forced to loose weight even without trying. LOL
Must plant pussy willow cuttings but have more paperwork to do first. ARRRRRRH.
Hope you are all having beautiful weather. Lee, Honey, you gotta move........that just can not be good for you to still have snow outside. I would be really crazy if that were me.
Later, Gators, JB

LOL, we have all seem to have gotten in a situation where we think we have to respond or account for all of each other every post. Does that make sense? I don't think this is necessary. I don't think we all have to acknowledge everyone in every post.

I do think that if it gets to be several days without hearing from one or the other then we need to find out what is going on. Just because at our ages, the older we get, the more issues we have, and then we all get concerned.

So, I guess what I am saying is, it is nice to be concerned, but not necessary every post.

I hope I did not hurt anyone's feelings.

We crossposted JB.

I think it is funny how these people on here think. Not offended, just thoughtful. I guess they took the birds to be fighting? I thought it looked like a mother bird feeding the baby bird. And couldn't imagine how that related to you and I.

Maybe I need to go back and look at it and/or get my eyes rechecked. LOL, have a great day everyone.

I give I thought it was Jen and JB fussing like they always do, Thought it was very apparent. And like them, the birds were beautiful. I am doing better at least I have planted a few seeds. They aren't doing anything yet, but then, they are old seeds, so they may not germinate. Got another order for rugs, so have been sewing. Snow is almost gone, but still pretty chilly, and windy.

I always read the posts, but not always do I respond. I laugh and cry with all of you, feel bad when bad things happen, seems like you are all close friends even if we have never met. Wouldn't know what to do if I hadn't found this spot.

Storm is doing fine, losing baby teeth, and still trying to become a gardener. One ear up, one still down. Sure keeps us on our toes.

Thanks to all of you just for being you. ttyal, Lee

The swallowtailgardenseeds catalog mentions that a lot of the plants are deer resistant. I lived in northern Ca. for a while and deer and gophers were frequest topics of conversation. In Berkeley it was the snails!!!

Tony has been and gone today. I am puttering. Sharon, it's to late for me on hoarding - I am now trying to be neater about it. Also, if the stuff is somewhat organized I have a better chance of finsind it when I get an idea. I am making a solar light from a washing machine agitator today. Or tomorrow.

In an effort to deal with all the packets of seeds I've accumulated over the years I've been putting several packets of them here and there in planters. Quite a few are germinating on one planter, not many in others - yet. As many of them may be too old to germinate I'm not going to put a lot of effort into them and will do what I can to identify them if and when they grow. My Darwin's Garden approach.

Will finish paying for my ATV when DAna gets home which should be soon.

hugs, katie

afternoon everyone:
well yesterday was in the low 80's and tonight we are suposed to be down to 35 ...brrrrrrr
everything is doing so well. have a busy week planned I have a helper coming a couple of times this week to stick cuttings. I have so much to stick its not funny. I watered everyone really well yesterday so they should do ok tonight. we have had 30 to 40 mph winds and then gusts on top of that.
I think the plugs are coming in at the right time. later this week. we are suposed to jump back to 70's/80s the rest of the week. 10 days to the frost free date. yippeee.

Katie I agree with sharon on the hording in clear boxes. some stuff is good to hang onto others its better to be free of clutter. of course I can't say a whole lot because I am also a pack rat. I have been improving though. throughing stuff out thats not needed or has not been touched in a couple of years. we recently had the new rule...question where are you going to put it and do you really need it? if you can't say where it will live (and not in a box) then its a no go on getting it. Just a few random thoughts on my own issue with too much stuff.
Funny thing though. Last year when we had my stepson and kims brother and other niece living here. Kim's son asked her if she could rent a storage closet to free up the garage? She told him she has a storage closet its called the garage and if they wanted to push it she would start moving stuff in their room. That shut them up....
As you can tell Kim is a stron women not that I am a wimp but I like someone who can stand up for themselves.

well yesterday we took everyone out of the garage and wouldn't you know it the weatherman really ticked me off last night.... so now I am pulling a few things inside to shelter from the cold. everyone else will get a drink of water and a smile .... your on your own boys....lol
really all it will do is hit the tope of the ginger which I am planning on splitting up anyway and the bananna's can handle 1 night of cold.

well thats my rant.. I hope I was not tooo harsh for everyone.
Dave

Katie congrats on finishing the payment plan on the atv. its always good to have them paid off without it being a constatn source of worry.

I think we all have a bit of the hording instinct in us. Always thinking we will do it when we retire, but guess what. We wonder when we ever found time to work!! Less time now because when we were working we couldn't put off until later the things we do now.

I had Bob cover the bales of alfalfa when he unloaded the trailer 'cause once they get wet they are too heavy to move. It is raining today of course, and tomorrow we have to get the brakes done on the car. Always something.

I see my tomatoes are starting to pop up. I planted them on the 30th. That is about 5 days. Sure glad I didn't plant them earlier. I really didn't want to plant them any sooner this year and with all the snow on the ground it didn't take a whole lot to stop me. LOL, like Lee I couldn't get my butt in gear or in the mood to plant. Sorry Lee, but I think you will agree.

So, I have to plant some dahlias in pots today, better get busy. ttyl

Another beautiful day in the garden. Did not do much but clean and water. Did plant 4 plants. I am going to finish hanging baskets tomorrow.

When I got up this morning the screw had come out of my glasses. So I went to Costco at 10am and had them put back together. Then to Lowes, Star Nursery, U-Swirl and back home. Two hour trek. I did not hit the garden until 1pm.

I bought two blouses at Costco for $20 a piece. Tomorrow is recycle pick up so I need to head to the garage and get everything on the curb.

Had the windows done today and it is suppose to rain on Friday. Go figure.

Jnette, I do not have a problem if you do not respond. I have very thick skin and it really takes a whole lot to get to me.

I actually thought the one bird was tell the other to hush. I do not know why but when I saw the photo I instantly thought of Jnette and JB. And that made me smile.

Hope everyone had great day. Sharon.