Sunday, February 22, 2009

Trimming Trees and Planting Seeds

It's been another busy weekend at my house. We started off Saturday morning looking for granite
...again. We've spent the last month and a half trying to find the right slab for new kitchen counter tops. We finally found what I hope will be perfect...but more about that another time. Luckily we got home in plenty of time to get in some gardening!
The first thing I did was plant seeds in these fiber cells. These are biodegradability so I can put them right in the ground as soon as the seedlings are big enough. I planted Gomphrena-Strawberry Fields, and Nasturtium-Alaska. I've had Strawberry Fields several times and I love the vibrant red color. They are perfect as a filler flower in cut arrangements. First time for Nasturtiums. They don't like our Texas heat, but I thought I would try keeping them as long as I could. I love the beautiful jewel colors. I put them in a sunny window anxiously waiting the sight of green! Wish me luck-- this is the first time I have ever started seedlings inside.
Then on to tree trimming. My husband trims, and I drag the limbs to the parkway for pickup on Friday. Hubby trimmed some on the Red Oaks, and some on the Bradford Pear. This is what I have waiting on. I needed some of those branches inside so I can force the blooms. Looks like I will not have to wait too long-the blooms are just about to open.
I put a small group of stems in the kitchen window. You can tell these are so close to blooming-I can't wait for the pretty white flowers. They will add such a cheery, spring-like look to my house.
And before you ask..yes, that is a snowman. He is ready to say goodbye until next year and will be replaced with a bunny March 1st.

Hurry Spring--we are all waiting!!

14 comments:

Nola said...

What are you forcing, the Bradford pear? I've never done that, gotta try. Once I forced japonica (I think, it was some red buds), they were lovely. Oh, I love it when things start to sprout!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope you putting your snowman away (even though he is darling!) will be a sign to the weather around here to let the sun shine shine shine!

Meadowview Thymes said...

Hi Nola--yes I am forcing the Bradford. Wish I had japonica to force. I love blooms inside. And I agree with you--I love when things start to sprout too!

Yep JJ--time for the last snowman to be put away. It's time for bunnies and tulips and WARM weather!

tina said...

You did the same thing as me this weekend! I planted the clasping coneflowers you sent me. I hope they do well! A few others too that some of my blogging friends have sent. I bet you are feeling very happy now. I always feel content when trees trimmed and gardening is done (at least for now:)

Meadowview Thymes said...

Hi Tina--yes it is seed planting time. I have so many more to plant. I got my seed box out yesterday and went through it. I hope your coneflowers do well too. They are cute little flowers that work good in mixed bouquets.
Have a great day!

Susie said...

I too love nasturtiums but they don't tolerate heat or cold here. Have you ever eaten them? They are very peppery and spicy.

I'm glad you had nice enough weather so you could get those chores done. I have had a respiratory infection for 8 days so not much has gotten done outside. Thank God above today I feel much better.

Meadowview Thymes said...

I am sorry you have been sick Susie! Get well girl--you need to be all ready for spring!
I have not tried nasturtims although I do know they are edible. I hope they can survive here for just a short while. I guess it depends on when our summer arrives!
Take care!

Dawn said...

I did not know that about fruit trees! Cool!

Balisha said...

Hi,
I am starting seeds for the first time too. I used to grow
Strawberry Fields, but not from seed.. They are so nice to dry for fall bouquets and wreaths. They hold their color pretty well. I may try to grow some from seed this time.

Meadowview Thymes said...

You need to try forcing the branches Dawn--it's so much fun to have the blooms inside!

Balisha--you'll have to explain to me how to dry them. Hang them upside down maybe? What seeds are you trying? I hope we both have good luck! :)

Brenda Pruitt said...

I nearly bought a Nasturtium from Blue Moon last week. Don't think I've ever had one. But I didn't want to pay that much for something I knew wouldn't like our weather for long!
Brenda

Meadowview Thymes said...

That's why I went with seeds Brenda. Nasturtiums do not like Texas, but I thought for the price of a seed packet I could try them even for just a month or so.

Anonymous said...

You have been busy, busy Linda. Did your tree branches bloom yet?

Meadowview Thymes said...

They are almost in full bloom Racquel! I need to post a picture! :)