When it snows it pours

The tulips and peonies in the backyarden are starting to push their way out through the ice layer, but I worry every time. I know they won't get hurt, but they are in no place to face what Chicagoans face on days like this: a high of 27 degrees F and snow... albeit, snow that wasn't allowed to stick too bad. It's gross, people!

Meanwhile, over there in OREGON, it's sunny, and things are starting to grow. Their frost date is coming up and I wanna be there for it. I want to put something outside and water it. I want to turn compost in a field, not in a silly rubermaid container. I want to put up deer fencing. I want to breathe super oxygen and do some landscaping. It will happen.

Leggy Sprouts and All

They've got legs. The isn't enough light for these little guys even though they are trying really hard. The arugula ("Astro") jumped right out ahead of everyone, and then the lettuce. About a week later the cilantro and fennel showed they're spindly little heads. They aren't shade plants or even partial shade plants; these new friends need full sun and now, and I got none to give them that isn't above a temp of 35 degrees F! There's a forty watt incandescent light bulb cheering them on but... they just look at it and smile a small grin attached to a crooked neck. Maybe one day they will do better (Memorial Day is or final frost date, although this winter may be around awhile...) At any rate, I don't think we'll be seeing any cotyledons for awhile.

In the meantime, I'm going to go try to stir up the compost bin. Last time I tried that it dented the three-pronged fork I use to mix it up; a tub of frozen earth. I tossed the scraps on there and promised to return in warmer weather. Is that now? It's 31 degrees F! The sun has emerged and we'll see how it goes.

Also, making some decisions on what to grow in the backyarden. Really going for some fun colors and the ever important fragrances over vegetables this year. I'll see what I can scavange from last years first ever attempt at seed saving with some tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Otherwise, venturing to Baker Creek and Seed Savers for some real beauties (click on the seed folks' name to go to their websites):

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Ground Cherry
Physalis pruinosa

Hill Country Heirloom Red Okra
Abelmoschus esculentus

Paul Robeson Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum



Seed Saver Exchange

Bishop's Children
Dahlia variabilis

Sunrise Serenade Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea

Molten Fire Amaranthus
Amaranthus gangeticus

White Cypress Vine
Ipomoea quamoclit

Globe Amaranth
Gomphrena globosa

Night Scented Stock 'Starlight Scentsation'
Matthiola longipetala

Night Phlox Flower
Zaluzianskya capensis

Johnny Jump-Up Viola
Viola x williamsiana

Lovage 'Magnus'
Levisticum officinale

Maybe, considering last Fall's tragic events surrounding a perfectly productive backyarden, maybe I should plant a castor bean (Ricinus communis): 7' tall, tropical looking. That would be a total bitch to take out. I bet the fiber could be used as insulation. Although a little more reading shows that the plant is super poisonous (the first five letters of the genus tell you why). They neighbors have a little kid that comes around so no castor bean this year.

This year fragrance, beauty, and self-seeding annuals!