It’s that time of year again, actually one of my favorite times of the year, and that is planting flowers in my flower gardens. My perennials have once again graced my yard with their presence: white wood anemones, orange poppies, white, purple, or red columbines, several colors of irises, yellow wood poppies, and pink and white peonies, have all popped up in a wonderful array of color mixed in with green bushes. And to add to all this delightful color it is time to buy some annual flowers to put in my pots. Around here in Louisville, Ky most of us gardeners wait till after Derby to plant annuals in case of a late frost.

Yesterday I took my car, Silly Tilly, for an oil change and a tire rotation. And guess what? There is a outdoor nursery a short distance across the road, and rather than sit in the Big O Tires shop and wait, I decided to walk down and visit with my old friends. That’s what flowers are, you know, old friends who bring me so much beauty and joy.

And there they were! Multiple colors and types of flowers sat in pots on tables, row after row that seemed to go on and on. I was in my element! I could have walked around for hours. I did spend a little time just walking, talking to them, reaching out and touching them. I do have a green thumb when it comes to flowers. I understand they really are alive, and talking to them, singing to them, and nurturing them with good soil and water is a plan of care I try to give to each of them. I reap the rewards as they thrive and grow into their gorgeousness!

The problem every Spring is choosing who I will take home with me. So many varieties to choose from each year. I did choose a geranium that actually grows like a vine and will dangle from a hanging basket. I also picked out a small plant that needed a little care, a little extra TLC in order for it to survive. I am sure it will. The only problem it was not labeled and I thought at first it was a mandeville but then decided it was a hibiscus. And I really wanted a mandeville but I had already told it I would take it home and help it grow! I have no idea what color the bloom will be but what a great surprise for me when it does bloom.

I also purchased two herbs, Cilantro and Spicy Greek Basil. I have wanted to try my hand with herbs for several years, not only to cook with but to place in my kitchen for their marvelous aromas. Oh, they smell so good!

I still have lots to do. I plan on planting a few sunflower seeds that are different colors. And living across from a farm gives me easy access to old, dried up cow manure. So good for the dirt. My flowers will love me for it. Now I just have to make the time to go put some in a bucket and bring it back to my gardens… :O)

c   Love, Joan