How did you get hooked on gardening?

Hello Everyone! This has probably been done before but I would like to know how all of you got into gardening. Since finding you all, I see that everyone that has answered my questions and those I've been able to help are the nicest people. We can bounce ideas off one another and find the best answer or solution.

So, how did you get started and what's your favorite part? Mine's getting my hands dirty and weeding. It's therapy for me. When I get home from work, I weed. Rain or shine. I walk my garden and relax the day away. I have a stressful job (retail security) and deal with a lot a crazy people, including the ones I work with!

Anyway, I got my start when my husband and I got our first apartment together. The mangement sent out a notice about a "Beautification Contest". Whoever had the prettiest balcony would win a prize. I went to Lowes and bought pots, soil, flowers and two books on what I was supposed to do with all this stuff now that I've got it home.

I didn't win but I was now obsessed! What would look good with that? Why did this plant die and the one next to it thrive? How do I take care of this one? What's new out there I haven't tried. I need more books!

You get the idea. So, ten years (and several bookshelves) later, my husband and I bought our first house and I could expand my horizons.

So, tell me...expiring minds want to know! What's your story?

Thanks for the developing friendships, knowledge and kindness of you all.

Kwanjin

My grandmother raised me and she always had beautiful gardens..we'd spend time working in them, so it came as a natural thing to do...now, when not at work and weather permits, I live in my garden..love decorative ideas to enhance it's beauty..bought a house that I'm sure didn't have more than 3 flowers lol...so this is the 2nd year of it's conception and I can visualize what it will look like when mature...much more todo, but I'm willing to take it on...

My great-grandfather lived next door, and he'd let me go into his garden. Daddy had one, too, but I never thought Daddy was a very good gardener. He tried, though.

Then in the summers when I was growing up, I would go stay with my grandparents and/or aunts/uncles/cousins, who all had gardens.

Then, my mom seems to have a green thumb. I always say she could make a pencil grow.

My 'addiction' happened when my son grew up, moved out, so I bought a new house. All of a sudden, I wanted to have flowers. That was about 10-12 years ago, and I've been going strong ever since.

This message was edited Aug 28, 2007 3:40 PM

Those are great stories, Bettypauze and Flowrlady! (Love your names too.)

I have A LOT of time on my hands right now so this means very much to me.

Thanks! Kwanjin

Well, I have grown flowers since I can remember. The earliest memory I have. of realizing anything about flowers, was when I was 3 or 4 years old. We kids were playing in my aunt's front yard, and she had a tire planter. It was a cold and snowy spring day in Illinois, and as we were playing tag, I happened to notice something pretty coming up in that old tire planter - I later found it to be a Caladium. I nursed and watered that plant every time I was at her house. She must have taken care of it when I wasn't there, but it was "MY" flower - I said so! LOL From then on, I have always planted something pretty, no matter where I was. I must be surrounded with beautiful plants!

oh now what a great topic....and my beginning is WIERD; i was ill for about 5 yrs....i would sit outside with no energy....; i would keep looking at my yard and my house....my house had never been painted...NEVER; so one day i said....can you paint that one window? that is all you have to do and then you can do NOTHING; so one window at a time...one side at a time i painted the whole house....it took months.....a little bit at a time;

how do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time;

what does this have to do with gardening? well, i started raking one area of the yard at a time; then i started sweeping the sidewalk...one area at a time....b4 i knew it things were starting to look kinda spiffy.....and i had lost 30 -50 lbs of the 100 i had gained while sick;

what does this have to do with gardening? WELL, i started getting some plants to put in containers.....; then i graduated to planting some stuff....THEN i started making new flower beds!!!! and i started planting them.....fast forward to today....i am in full blown remission from my illness and my yard is getting to be quite purdy....

so how do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time....just keep moving if only for 15 minutes at a time and you don't have to do anything else TODAY!!!!

Thank you Kay and Sticks. I too am laid up (Only three more weeks!) and having trouble getting outside where I NEED to be. I have been able to get to my pots but the rest is up to DH. Thank goodness he takes direction well!

I think we all need to be surrounded by beauty, be it a flower or a song or a loved one or just a cool play of sunlight.


Kwanjin

kwanjin....i am working double time outside....as next tuesday i have major surgery on my right arm....i am not sure how laid up i will be....but i hope to be out in the yard SOON....good luck to you:)

And to you!

Good luck and take care of you first!!!

Kwanjin

I love to hear Garden beginnings!
Sticks and Kwajin, I hope you both heal and feel better real soon.

As a Kid, moved around alot so didn't have too many friends. While living in one family, Our neighbor was an old Irish gentlemen who had such a beautiful yard filled with flowers and vegtables. I would occasionally ask if he needed help. One day he gave me a tomato plant and told me how to care for it. I took care of this one little plant and got a rewarding harvest.
The next year I asked if I could make a clearing along the fence to grow somemore, the people gave permission and with the help of Mr. O'Connor, cleared the area, bought a few tomato plants and some other vegetables and began my very first garden. Imagine my suprise...I asked Mr. O'C what was a good tomato to grow, he replied Steak, hahha, I dumbfounded to be growing meat. But went to the store and asked for a steak tomato plant. To my relief, I was given a plant that looked exactly like the one I harvested the year before.
...the very first flower, I grew...the most beautiful Dandelion in the world!! I was so excited I performed a cartwheel in sheer joy...Beleive it or not, I thought it was a cucumber plant. LOL to this very day I will allow just one to grow in the wild of my yard. Oh but for sure I get rid of it right after the bloom. I still think it's beautiful.

And so my gardening infatuation began.
I love every aspect of growing, working in the garden, however my real passion is the design. Still learning and while not doing cartwheels still loving all of it.

Judy

Thanks Judy. They say every story has an ending but the gardeners does NOT!!!

Kwanjin

I remember our neighbor was this little old lady and her yard between our houses was full of flowers. I rember her out there working with her large brimmed hat on. Talking to her a bit. I was no more then 5. Then another house we lived in the neighbors back yard was full of flowers. But the man that lived there did not like children. You couldn't even talk to his wife.

When I got married I wanted a garden. Was I in for a surprise! It's a lot of work. Grew alot of weeds and not very many vegies!

Moved to where we are now and I;d like to say my next garden was perfect but I was a lazy gardener. Then I got so I weeded until it got to hot and DH tilled between the rows. Still not perfect!

Then I figured if it was closer to the house I'd take care of it better. Went with raised beds. Expanded it after about 2 years. Now it is a jungle with vegie plants. Why do people with big yards always plant the garden so far from the house? I knew if it was close I'd stop by and pick any weeds I saw!

During the last 7 years I have added assorted raised flowerbeds. That I plant differently every year. Only 2 have perennials and the rest have annuals. Every winter I check out books from the library on all kinds of garden topics. Do my plotting and planning for the next season and I must say Dave's has been a biggg help!

I do credit those 2 gardens to planting the first kernal when I was that young! Did that come out right?

It certainly did come out right. (Nice pun)

Thanks!

Kwanjin

I've always liked gardens, but thought one had to be 'smart' or
'talented' to grow plants. Little did I realize until later in life that as long
as a plant had the right growing conditions, it would do so.

Plants need soil, not dirt. Some need light, some need more
light. Some need water, some need more water. Once I understood
the basics, it all fell into place.

Though I plunked a few things in the ground in my life, I never did much
more than that. It was fashionable to have a houseplant, but how did I
know the gorgeous wedding gift in a pot actually needed attention other
than the last inch of my bottled water now and then?

Moving to the country really set my gardening in place. The land, other
than a few trees, was blank, barren. We didn't have much money, so
I began to dig up interesting things in the woods, along the highway and
such until I could fill in a few blanks. Little by little, I researched the
transplants and learned how to make them thrive. Later, I would learn which
plants were common weeds and which ones I would replace with something
a little more attractive.

The dirt. Which is all we had. Lifeless, bland, empty dirt. Nothing does
much but barely survive in such conditions. A cup of water now and then
didn't cut it, either.

Gardening takes time to learn. I just wish more people knew that. There
truly is no such thing as a brown thumb.

:-) Karen Marie

What a sweet thought, Karen. Thank you.


Kwanjin

I started gardening because we bought a house with a garden in front. If the garden had been in back, I may have just ignored it; but the neighbors can see the garden in front! The folks who lived here before us had had some raised beds built - and they are done very well. But then they planted them with a very.. interesting.. hodgepodge of stuff. Desert plants mixed with tropicals... 8 trees - just in the front yard! Plus several bushes that really wanted to get BIG! I'm sure it all looked great together when they were little and cute, but.. So I spent a couple of years trying to deal with what was there and being very stressed. I hated even looking out the window because I knew IT was out there waiting.

Then I found DG and started actually learning HOW to garden, and learning that it was (gasp!) ok to take things out!! So all of the bushes are gone, 2 of the trees are gone and 2 more will probably leave this winter (they're too close to the house), and the garden is actually looking like a garden now instead of a confused jungle. LOL

Tulips coming up in the spring - I blame the tulips!

LOL AYankeeCat. I love tulips, too. :-) They don't like it down here, though, so we buy them as annuals every year.

I'm a native So. Californian displaced to New England - so Tulips were a REALLY BIG deal.

I like to eat. Even as a little boy, I ate a lot. Never put on much weight until after Service (USAF 64-68).

We moved to Northern Minnesota (1949) when I was 4-5, had no electricity, so no refigerator. Had no running water the first year, so hauled in large milk cans from a neighbor's well. Step-dad hired a dozer to clear land on both sides of the house, and had be assist in preparing the ground and eventually planting about 2.5 acres in all kinds of vegetables. Did not care for all the hard work, but loved to harvest and munch while working. Learned that a properly prepared bed would really produce. Our rudabegas were about soccer ball size. Cabbage would produce a second crop of brussles sprout size after cutting off the original head.

Stored fresh harvest in the log ice house, canned everything we could in tin.

He had a neighbor create a stone bordered flowerbed in the shape of a 5-pointed star. Other neighbors donated plants to get started, but Ma-Nature supplied lots of clover and thisle.

Went decades before re-discovering the desire to grow some crops. Started small 3x7 ft space, quickly over filled it, bought a Mantis and doubled and re-doubled the space -- then got Lucky - found Dave's Garden!!

3 years ago harvested over 100# pole beans. Followed that with almost 200# of eggplant. Had enough mustard greens to supply 2 local restaurants.
DG roundup started us on Lambs Quarter - another restaurant supply. And to supply our own tiny restaurant - parsley, cilantro, and dill. Just wish I could produce enough tomatoes, but refuse to use insecticide, so lose more than we harvest.

DW does not want me to plant the same thing every year - too much for us and our friends, so keep trying new additions -- this year it is horseradish - we have been harvesting the leaves - they make a great steamed green.

Sorry 'bout the rambling.

Hey Bubba. No appologies needed here! That's a great story.

And AYankeeCat and Marylyn...who DOESN'T like tulips?



Kwanjin

This is a good thread... Thanks everyone for sharing. I can see what's near to your heart by reading your posts.

Well I've described it in my DG homepage here. Click on my name on the left and have a look, please.

Dinu

Dinu, I've just read your story. I loved the fact that so many were willing to help. Your story almost brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks for sharing.

Kwanjin

Kwanjin,
That's the spirit of DG and one must feel lucky to find oneself amidst such a lovely set of people. It's been my pleasure to share.

Dinu

Am 66 yrs. old and I can remember puttering around in back of my grandmother and mother as they were working in the flower beds in our yard. In the spring my mother would buy her beddiing plants from 2 little old ladies who lived about a mile from us. I would go with her, what a treat to see all those starting beds bursting with new life. When I got older and could ride a bike (with a basket on the front), my mother would send me with a list of plants to get from the ladies. Then one of them died and the other had to go live with another family member so that was the end of that. I have gardened all my life. Have ALWAYS had something growing, either indoors or outdoors no matter when I lived and with a husband in the Navy we have lived a lot of places. Now in retirement I have a lot of flower beds, but my eyesight is failing and I can't tend to them like I did once upon a time. Funny thing, "once upon a time", it never comes again. But then you think about it, and "once upon a time:" is happening all the time.

Survival tip - if the closet glows, don't open the door. LIZ

Thanks, LC2sgarden. Love the fact that the ladies in your family ALL had the bug.

After I got up from the floor from laughing so hard, I could continue my day.

Kwanjin

I just found this thread, and I love it. Love hearing what others have to say about gardening.
My Dad started it for me, he grew vegetables, and flowers. Don't remember any perennials he grew ,but summertime at our house was the coolest when I was a kid. I always remember feeling proud that folks would actually stop to ask my Dad questions and look at our flowers. Do remember him screaming alot to keep the balls and bikes out of the flower beds! (now I understand what the big deal was).
I lost my Dad a couple years ago, and in his last few summers we spent much time planning and growing together. He planned, I did the work. We had somewhat different gardening ideas, but always resulted in something GOOD. I miss my Dad alot. This year I planted for him, Peace rose, Giant Zinnias and Cockscombs that he HAD to have every year, his favorite tomatoes. Next year I will be growing more of Dads plants! My father will live forever in my garden and in my heart.
Gardening , what a wonderful gift to give your kids.

This is a great thread!!

I started out by taking flowers from my neighbors house (I was maybe 3-4) and planting them at our house and then running into get my mom to show her what was growing!! And yes I got into a lot of trouble!!

I remember going to my great Aunt's house who always had an amazing vegetable garden. (I hated all vegetables then but loved her garden)

I remember growing lima beans at school and being so proud of that little seed that I nurtured and then would always give to my aunt for her garden. (I could not stand lima beans)

Fast forward to my early adult years. I was always buying and killing house plants and figured I had a black thumb and just was not meant to have plants around. Fast forward even further to just a couple of years ago. I meet my neigbors across the street and visit and am invited to see their back yard. I immediately fallin love with this little area that has a little pathway and is so green that it reminds me of being back home in Pa if that is at all possible here in the desert. Next comes sheer determination to recreate the same feeling in my yard. I ordered five tone of gravel and a load of re bricks to make my own little pathway. I still cannot not manage to get much to grow but I am determined!!

Ok now we move to a new house that is on a much larger lot that has no plants. I take a small apple tree and 2 rosa banksaie (sp) from the old house and plant them. I am thinking ok not going to try and grow anything anymore I just do not have the "Touch"

I end up at the mall 15 miles away and in their little planter boxes are the cutest white flowers I have ever seen. I take pictures with my cell phone and ask everyone I can think of if they know what these flowers are. No one knows so google little white flowers and come up with Dave's. No help there ( due to my lack of inexperience and my shyness) I find another site talk to some local people there and then everyone move's here. By now I have found out that gardening is trial and error!! That there is nothing wrong with me at all!! ( oh and the little white flower turned out to be a rain lilly)

I am now officially a plant- a -holic. I go no where with out trying to fit a nursery in. I am totally addicted to dave's and the wonderful people who belong here. I am at peace with myself when I can dig in the dirt and can help a plant suceed to grow int he harsh enviroment I live in.

This message was edited Sep 6, 2007 7:56 AM

Marie, I know exactly what you mean. I'm addicted to this site myself. I cannot begin to tell everyone what it means to find people who feel like I do EVERYWHERE!!! Thailand, China, Australia, Pakistan, Morocco...you name it.

Thank you , All, for making my day, every day.

Kwanjin

India........ I'm naming it. LOL.

I endorse what you say.

Dinu

We could add that to this thread. Where have you gardened before, where do you garden now and where do you know people in other countries?

Thanks Dinu

Anyone else care to add something?

Hi Kwan,

The only gardening I've ever truly and seriously done is right
here in Oklahoma.

As far as people in other countries, I have a friend in Africa, but she has three little
ones, so that doesn't leave much gardening time.

:-)

I just found this thread. How I got started?

My grandparents (both sides) always had flowers. Every house we lived in had exsisting flowers. Every house my first husband and I lived in had flowers. I grew up believing I guess every house had flowers.
I got divorced in 93' and from then on it was second floor apartments for the next 7 years then when I met my current husband it was the 7th floor of a condo.

I still had 2 of my 4 children at home so we bought a house. Imagine my surprise at NO FLOWERS! Who would live on a half acre lot and not have a single flower bed! Now mind you I never really did much of anything with the beds at the other places I lived in and knew absolutely nothing about it. While we were waiting to close on the house I went and bought a couple of books on gardening for Wisconsin. With the different plantings that were known to be hardy in this area.

I asked hubby just enough lawn area for two beds in front and two beds in back. (he was rubbing his hands together a LAWN I can MOW) That was in May of 2004.

I forgot to stop or should I say couldn't stop. I put in beds 15 and 16 just this past summer and for christmas as a present last year I got to attend the Master Gardener general instruction classes through our university county extension.

This winter I will be planning out an area for a tropical bed where I will only put in EE's, cannas,tropical hibiscus caladiums, callas and the like.

DH has decided that he created a monster allowing me all these beds. He's less to grass to cut but more objects to go around.

Oh excuse me I forgot to introduce myself.

My name is Cherie. I live in Waukesha, Wi which is in zone 5. Any one else from my area?

Welcome Cherie, even though you've been around since 2006!

I'm kinda slow????? Just never saw this thread before. I tend to get um.............lost?

Another to have zone envy for.

Cherie not slow just busy!

Hi, Cherie. My DH Had the same thing happen to him. A LAWN I CAN MOW AND ITS MINE ALL MINE!!! GRASS!!! I keep finding new and challenging ways for him to mow that beautiful grass of his. This year he has even suggested new beds for me. Guess he's decided three hours is a lot of time to spend his weekend on!!! LOL


Kwanjin

My DH gets nervous when I say Know would be nice honey?.......... He knows another block of lawn is getting ripped just as soon as he leaves for work the next day.He never gets tired of mowing. Exercise he calls it. oh well. I have mine too weeding, digging, deadheading cutting back, making grass go away............the likes.

In all fairness, he really doesn't mind he just likes to give me a hard time.

Hey Vicki found you. LOL