From Dandilion to Daffodil

I haven't always been a gardener, much less a good gardener.

I admit that my houseplants are a little dry and dusty and (except for my indestructable aloe plant) have all but returned to the soil. I can't ramble off the scientific name, common name, soil preference, germination period, and planting conditions of every perennial in the yard. I don't always know which soil amendments to add (but rather just sprinkle a little of everything.) Sometimes my vegetables rot and sometimes I lose the battle against invading hordes of insects. But there is something about putting my hands in the cool earth and seeing the world from a plant's point of view that keeps me coming back for more.

With each new season, I learn more and more about my plants and the beautiful process of turning seeds into food and flowers. This past fall I planted a small winter vegetable garden in the back yard, but the impending drought and record high temperatures in Raleigh only allowed for a couple leaves of bitter lettuce and a small head of broccoli. But this spring I have high hopes. I am expanding my little section of earth to allow for more herbs and veggies, planting a drought tolerant wildflower garden, constructing a rain barrel, and tending to my very own worm composting bin.

I won't do everything right and most of my projects will more than likely result in trial and error type calculations. But there will always be next season and I know that I will be just as eager to get my hands dirty next February.