Here at Ga Ga for Ya-Yas, we appreciate the similarities between nurturing sisterhood and growing flowers. It works the same for a good friend as for a beautiful rose. Good friends, like flowers, are a gift.
And, girlfriend, it's just plain fun to dig in the dirt! When we're working in the garden, we can wear a jaunty hat, a pair of spiffy red rubber clogs, and some big dangly earrings--and we can enjoy the sunshine, too (just don't forget the sunscreen!)
Whether you have acres and acres, just a few pots set out on the deck or a simple window box, the results can be equally gratifying. When the planting is done, sip a glass of wine and read a good book. And once your flowers have bloomed be sure to share the view with a friend. Gardens are meant to be enjoyed. So just sit back, let your senses soak it all in, and feel the love grow…
The Herb Garden
If you're just getting started, consider which dried herbs you've been using in your recipes and plant what you know you'll use. Here are some suggestions:
-- Strong herbs -- winter savory, rosemary, sage
-- Herbs for accenting -- basil, dill, mint, sweet marjoram, tarragon, thyme, cilantro
-- Herbs for blending -- chives, parsley, summer savory
Fresh herbs can be used by snipping small amounts with kitchen shears for cooking all season long; they make foods taste great.
The Container Garden
Container gardening is perfect if you don't have a lot of room. Pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, and old galvanized tubs are all wonderful containers that can be used to create your special garden.
If you're looking at hanging baskets or window boxes, plants that trail down over the side are the preferred choice. Petunias, lobelia, sweetpea, moss roses, pansies, fuschia, ivy geraniums, vinca vine, and sweet potato vine all look great. You can even grow vegetables on your patio! Tomatoes, green peppers, jalapeños, and herbs all do well in pots.
The Forced Bulb Garden
If you can't wait for spring flowers after a long winter, planting a container of flower bulbs may be just the thing. It takes some planning to force bulbs, but the results are well worth the effort.
To pot bulbs:
-- Fill a pot about three-fourths full with potting soil that is high in peat content
-- Plant the flat side of the bulb down and the pointed side up
-- Pour soil over the bulbs, leaving the shoots above the soil line for tulips
-- Cover crocus and hyacinth bulbs with one inch of soil
-- Water to the saturation point--when water comes out of the drainage hole
Once potted, the dormant bulbs need to be placed in a dark location with a consistent temperature of 40 to 50 degrees F so their roots can develop. Water the bulbs regularly. Most forced bulb failures result from insufficient watering.
The bulbs will be ready to bloom at about 8 to 12 weeks. Just bring them into the house so that you can enjoy watching them come to life. There's nothing as sweet as the scent of a hyacinth in February.
No matter what kind of garden you grow, do it with love and the goodness will come back to you many times over. We truly do reap what we sow.
Ya-Ya!!!
