How Many Plants Do YOU Have?

I use the DG journal. I love it. The only "problem" (LOL) that I have with it is counts my plants. Today when I saw that I had 72 clematis in my very small yard and garden, I just could not believe that! I didn't even know there were 72 types of clematis, certainly not varieties that I can name. I thought surely the computer algorithm was "broken"! That just couldn't be right, could it? So I ACTUALLY COUNTED my entries - you know, to check the accuracy of the computer! OMG, I do have 72 clematis!

So, come on, tell. How many plants do you have? or Irises or Roses or whatever specific category?

No way, I'm not tellin'! LOL A couple of years ago my DH went around counting all the containers that I had planted. His total was very surprising to me (close to 300), and most containers had many more than just a couple plants in them.

Oh, that is funny! I'm guessing you don't have a DG journal yet. I do love it. It is indispensible for keeping track of what I have (so I don't by repeats), where it is, what's on order and b/o (so I don't by doubles, 'cause I've done that before, too), etc. I knew I had a lot of plants, but whew!

Many years ago, when I had been bitten by the African Violet bug, I had PROMISED my DH that I would not buy any more. And I meant it at the time. But then one day I went to the mall and they were having an African Violet show. Many of the winners were selling those gorgeous plants. Well, I just couldn't resist. I mean that was the chance of a liftetime, right? So I bought a half dozen of so of the "baby" plants and 1 huge blue ribbon winner with green, yellow, and pink variegated and ruffled foliage. It was awesome and at least 18"D.

My PLAN was to rush home, get there before my DH, and put them all away amidst the ones I already had. That way, I knew he would never know the difference. He wasn't interested in AVs, so he would not recognize the new ones. So as long as I could get them in the house without being seen, everything would be find...

Holding that HUGE plant out in front of me protectively, I stepped up to the mall exit. The automatic door opened, and I stepped out...right into the microphone and camera of a guy from the local media. He was filming a spot for the local evening news! My DH was a news fanatic, so there was no way he would miss the evening news. And there I was on film holding my new african violet! So busted!

That is too funny...Did you still rush and put them away??
Lol Brinda 300 pots...How do you keep them all watered??Must take you ALL day...

Loretta...

No, as soon as I stepped out in front of the cameras with my huge plant in front of me, I knew that I was busted. And, I didn't mention what the guy who shoved the microphone in my face asked, did I? He was doing a spot on the African Violet show! He asked me about the show and ABOUT MY PURCHASE!!! At that point, any attempt to hide the lute would only have made matters worse. Sometimes you just have to wave the white flag and surrender.

It served me right though - trying to get away with breaking my promise!

Wow, about those pots, I didn't even think about the water. I only have a handful of pots and I have them lined in (unused!) baby diapers and filled with lots agra-soak and peat moss with soaker cones in them and mulch on top, and I STILL can't keep them wet. What is the secret, Brinda?

Hi Scutler! That's a good busted story! It would make a good thread. I haven't tried a journal yet. I might do that. Daylilies are my downfall. I counted them last year, but many were the same. I had a total of 54. I dug the duplicates and gave them away. I ordered 3 new ones and had to look for a place to put them. Thank goodness they're small when they come so you can squeeze them in. LOL!

scutler, your journal is terrific. I wish I was as organized as you are.
Last year I gave away several hundred spare nursery pots because I was afraid if my husband noticed them he might figure out just how many plants I had bought.

We do feel guilty don't we? Laugh!

Hi, billy. The only problem with "squeezing them in" becomes apparent when they all start to grow! I must confess that I have been known to chuckle to myself while wandering through the garden, thinking "if some of those don't die, I won't have room to plant any next year!" Then, with a devilish grin I cast a lustful look over toward the neighbor's "empty" lawn, realizing that if all else fails I can sneak over there during the night and plant the extra stuff.; )

Hi ardesia! Looks like you are practically a neighbor. What a wonderful compliment on my journal. Thank you. Ghee, I don't really think of myself as organized. When I started the journal I didn't have much of a plan, didn't know where it might go. I just started slowly one winter when the garden was asleep; I took my wireless laptop outside, sat on my little rolling garden seat, and started doing "inventory", checking tags, etc and adding things to the journal a little at a time. Now I add new plants as soon as I order them - makes it easier to keep track. Otherwise I just "piddle" with if when I feel like gardening but don't want to actually do work. lol. Now that I think of it, I think the whole project was necessitated by the lack of organization in my garden and the realization that I could no longer keep track otherwise.

Edited to add: Now about those pots, lol, that's along the same theme as "hiding" new plants amidst the old ones. If they don't see the evidence (new plant, pot, etc) they can't tell the difference!



This message was edited Apr 19, 2006 11:16 PM

Laugh! I also look over at my neighboring house. It's a rental and just begging for my extras.

Whew! So comforting to hear that I am not the only one to have that thought!

You guys are amateurs. The gardening bug has not only bitten me but my DH as well. He manages the veggie garden, I do the flower garden. This year, between us, we have 750 tomato plants!!. I don't know what in the world we will do with them, planning on selling some plants, and then selling the tomatoes. Good thing we have 25 plus acres.

Holy Cow Bonnie, 750 tomato plants? I do feel like an amateur! LOL You need to post us all a pic of all those plants!

750! Wow! That is amazing! Are they all the same variety or different? With that many, you could sample all kinds of tomatoes. I sure hope you are into canning and/or freezing. NOW, I feel very normal. lol

LOL @ 'very normal'

Hi neighbor - laptop out in the garden - now that is another thing I had not thought of! My nreghbors already think I am a bit of a garden wacko; miqht as well perpetuate the myth.

Oh, yeah, ardesia, you can't even be in the club unless your obsession with plants appears abnormal to the neighbors! I KNOW mine must just shake their heads in bewilderment when I (1) take countless photos of the same iris from different angles, (2) run out in the rain to plant bareroot roses that just happened to arrive at the wrong time, and, yes, (3) use my laptop in the garden. But taking the laptop out to the garden is the best way to capture the existing inventory.

Oh scutler, don't ask this question. Bad scutler, very bad. I refuse to answer under the grounds that it may incriminate me. I've got work to do and have no time for a 3-day stint at Pleasant Pastures if the men in the white coats come for me.

I am a plantaholic.
I can quit anytime I want.

I am a plantaholic.
I can quit anytime I want.

I am a plantaholic.
I can quit anytime I want.

Defoecat, after reading of your magnificant plantings on another thread, I went out and planted 16 more seeds. And 4 more peppers.Woo Hoo.

Way to go Ardesia!

Scutler, I was on a stepladder yesterday taking pictures. Laugh! Half the time I'm almost getting run over because I stand in the road to look at my yard. It's easier to see what needs done from a passerby's view. I also do that after I mow for to make sure I didn't miss a spot.

Sally

For who ever asked, I have about 45 different varities of tomatoes. Most of the seed were from trades, and I just "had to try" them. I am sorry if I caused anyone to plant more than they intended, but glad you know what the "garden obsession" is.

Laugh! I have to can this year anyway.