I have learned that...

Roses WILL grow in semi-shade and way too much water...(remind me to never drill holes in a plastic container full of water with an electric drill...)
Hostas WILL spread and become HUGE - AND they will grow in sun - no matter what anyone says...(now they were right about the ferns...they really don't like blazing sun...at all)
Planting three plants (3) of both Black Eyed Susan's and Alaskan Daisies too close together - good idea? - NOT SO MUCH...
I truly, truly, truly hate insects - especially Aphids and Japanese Beetles...
Don't get me going on about slugs...
Not amending the horrible clay soil properly - probably not such a good idea - BUT it works....
Unknowingly pruning a Forsythia at the wrong time - will make it grow BIGGER and fuller :-)
Siberian Irises - will spread with alarming speed and in a circle (??!!)
Rooting cuttings/stuff when you have no idea how to - plop them in water and watch 'em root (heck, my mother stole cuttings EVERYWHERE - and she could make 'em grow...so it must be right)
Jasmine Stephanoides - will take neighbors gardening tools hostage if allowed to grow the way it wants to....
Just 'cause the Latin name contains the word "odorata" - does NOT means it has fragrance (either that or I suffer from a perpetually stuffed nose)...
Never leave Hubby in charge of keeping MG seedlings (or any OTHER plant, particularly not a prized Passi) alive....forgets to water - then when they are more or less dead - drowns in an attempt of a cover up to show you he is a good plant caretaker when you are gone for over a week....
Do NOT log on to Logee's (or any other website for that matter containing plants) when you have a weak moment - websites such as these should only be viewed when you have built up resistance and determination NOT to buy everything you THINK YOU NEED...
Using markers IS a good thing...not an afterthought (how can ya share plants if the only description you have is...Hosta (unknown, but pretty...)
Regular use of fertilizer IS a good thing...so is under-watering :-)
Sharing plants is the ultimate way of paying it forward
Sharing plants makes great friends
Talking about plants makes for great, interesting, captivating dinner conversation (just ask Hubby...he WILL agree...LOL)

In other words - I have learned that plants and gardening will keep me from going crazy, will keep me occupied, will get me out of the house for some fresh air, is great for my sense of humor (if you can't laugh at your mistakes, don't garden), will make me great friends and will bring me peace of mind unrivaled by anything else...

Bec, Amen! What a great thread.
Can't think of anything to add right now, but have to ask....What is that vvvvvvery tall lily to the right? Do you have a picture of it in bloom?

Chris

Fun reading, Bec!

As a matter of fact....I do have a picture - all I can remember is "Oriental Lilly" - I would very much like to share most of it!

Here is an "inside view" - they grow to about 6' tall!

Ok, figured it out - http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/BLICB.html

Casa Blanca Lily :-)

This message was edited May 1, 2008 10:21 PM

Greetings Wise Ones,

What a wonderful idea! Here’s what I have learned:

I've learned that I will kill off a third of what I buy/trade/start/plant, but what is left will heal the wound.

I've learned, that like pruning a plant, pruning my life may bring more beauty and joy. Every once-in-a-while the deadwood needs to be cut out; the things that are suffocating me need to be cleared away, and the parts of me that are putting their energy into things that are not productive need pinched back. Like my favorite flowers, a good pruning makes me stronger, more productive and more beautiful.

I’ve learned that life began in a garden and that life continues to begin in the garden.

I’ve learned that my dog loves to eat daffodils and that they won’t kill him (although I might have to kill him if he doesn’t stop eating them.) They are truly yummy looking, so I can’t fault him too much, so I guess that I’ll let him live.

I’ve learned that a truly great pair of gardening gloves is worth any price.

I’ve learned that that Mother Nature has a lot more power than I. No matter how much I love them, delphiniums are just not going to grow on the Back River Neck Peninsula. Mom says “no” and that’s the end of it.

I’ve learned that gardeners are God’s own angels. Gardeners believe in life, beauty, and sharing. They understand that love is the source of the interconnectedness of all things- the bee and the blossom, the soil and the sun, the rain and the rake. They understand hope, because of their belief in the seed. They understand peace, because of the sway of a dogwood blossom on a spring morning or of the harmony of color in the perfect flower bed. They understand that deep joy originates in the consistent labor that becomes a creation dance. When I make a path in the garden for angels to walk, I hope that another gardener will come and visit. All are welcome, but especially angels and small children.

I’ve learned that the time that I spend in the garden heals my hurts and brings me closer to God.

Blessings on your Garden,
Elf

WOW....Great threads. Very profound reading! What a compliment to gardeners.

Ohhhh - just found this...now I'm feeling pressured...great job -both of you!!!

* I've learned - that almost anything in a feed store can be used to make your plants healthier....read bird grit, alfalfa pellet, equine bedding...the list goes on....
* I've learned when people take the time to forewarn you about the spines of a particular cactus that you should heed their words....doesn't matter how careful you THINK you can be when the battle is between skin and spine...spine trumps every time.
* I've learned that the same neighbors that good naturedly make fun your gardening obsession will be the first ones to say....ohhhh what is THAT scent.
* I've learned dogs like fish emulsion as much as the plants do and that if you want what's buried to stay BENEATH the soil it's important to set up a barricade akin to Ft Knox (sp?)
* I've learned that a 1 yr old's idea of appreciating the fragrance of that special bloom is what we adults describe as EATING not to be confused with the verb sniffing.
* I've learned that much like humans the outward appearance of some blooms give little insight to the magnificence of their true essence.
* I've learned nothing is more humbling then gardening...the more you learn the more you realize that you are indeed clueless.
* I've learned that the phrase "take time to smell the roses" is not only a nice thought but when you slllooooowww down and enjoy you're less likely to step on that beautiful Oriental Lilly that WAS trying to come up (RIP)
* I've learned that mulch can catch on fire & possibly kill the remaining lillies you didn't step on .
* I've learned that if you keep a Super Soaker beside the front door and assume the Terminator stance while pointing it at your "ex" - that it serves as a gentle reminder NOT to throw cigarette butts in mulch - there by keeping THIS year's lilies safe from a feral blaze.
* I've learned that sitting beneath my Passiflora vine covered trellis on a nice summer evening is as close to paradise that I'll find in my own back yard.
* I've learned that even teenagers can train teenagers to respect your slice of Eden...with enough "encouragement"
* I've learned to enjoy the help of the birds when they graciously sow surprise seeds for me.
* I've learned to delight in the pollen covered fuzzy bumblebee as he drunkenly goes from one bloom to another oblivious of the world around him....much like we are while in our gardens.
* I've learned that sitting still and listening to mother natures symphony...while breathing in the incredible scents that surround you is better then any pharmaceutical product available.

Beautiful!

Elf

I agree Chantell, that was beautiful. I especially like the mulch supersoaker and cigarette butt.

Thank you Elf...twas your's and Becky's that made me think....
Penne - thanks to you too....sadly that's a true story (minus the super soaker - I only threatened that...LOL)

what eloquent thoughts. Nicely done. I can only agree heartily!

LOL EATING the flowers

*I learned that the best way for me not to complain, when the little eight yr old girlfriend picks random flowers is to have many more flowers. and always have small vases handy when she's visiting
*Some plants success for me is direclty opposite to the amount of effort I give them
*Going in the gardne can make me feel better when I feel a bit sick
*Going in the garden and not thinking about a problem can be the best way for the problem to clarify in my mind
*letting weeds grow can be a source of fun new wild plants- and many more weeds
*I am getting worse in my ability to remember plant names, but remain excellent in remembering who gave me any plant

AND- the sump pump is one of man's greatest inventions LOL

This message was edited May 12, 2008 9:34 AM