Project: Planting Time

No matter that the temperature is hovering right around the freezing point. We are going to make it spring through our strong will. Yesterday I took to the annual task of re-potting plants, giving new soil to those who need it and we started our seedlings to be planted outdoors as soon as the threat of frost has left us.

I led the girls in a huge mess making bonanza yesterday afternoon The kitchen floor was covered in dirt as we lifted out plants, shook off the excess dirt and re-potted or just refreshed the soil. The plants were watered and large leaves were wiped down, fresh and ready for a new year.  Next we pulled out the seeds and our first seed tray of the season. It's nice to get a head start on the short Wyoming growing season.

The girls really worked to help plant the seeds. It took an extra dose of patience on my part as little hands were quite grabby and seeds were flung about willy-nilly. We may have a few mystery plants, but all-in-all I think we got the job done.










When we were done Elise took care of the sweeping and Cordelia gave the newly planted seeds a thorough soaking.

Project: Gifting Baby Plants

I have this one plant that has been going crazy. I am not sure what it is, some kind of succulent. It doesn't need rooting hormone, any piece that breaks off and is placed in the soil will grow like the dickens.



I was trying to figure out what to do with all of these plantlings (that's a word) that seem to be taking over and realized that I should curse gift my friends who show even the slightest hint of a green thumb (don't worry Sarah, you will not get one. wink).

To make this aggressive grower a bit more adorable I decided to up the ante with packaging (I totally thought this was a semi-original idea and just found it on Pinterest, whatever). You can do this too.

You will need

• 1 jar
• spray paint
• rocks and pebbles
• soil
• plant
• twine

Here is what you do.

1. Spray paint the jar, takes like 1 minutes
2. When the jar is dry place a couple of rocks in the bottom for drainage.
3. Cover with soil and add plant.
4. Add some tiny decorative pebbles and twine. You can add a tag or instructions. Good to go!

Today we are making a delivery to a friend I haven't been able to touch base with recently, just a little gesture of friendliness.

Think Spring?

Today I am thinking spring. I know, I know, we have a looong winter ahead of us, but now I am thinking about those first bright harbingers of spring, the tulips!



As soon as the morning sun burns off the chill in the air I will head out with Cordelia and get planting!


Cordelia did not eat the bulb, for the record.



Do you plant tulips?

Pirates, Green Baby Fingers(or toes), Animals, Flowers

We are off to a slow start to this morning. The last bits of illness are being coughed out in a symphony of hacking between Cordelia and I. We are both feeling fine, but the little bits of cough tend to linger as a phlegmy souvenir of this weekend. I am not really dressed for the day. I am wearing yoga pants and a t-shirt from the Alamarosa truck stop/restaurant. Despite how this may sound I have been super busy this morning and Cordelia has been playing like she's making up for lost time. She only stops briefly to hug or smooch me. Her hugs are always a little overwhelming and I end up with a head butt or a handful of hair missing from my scalp, but who can complain about sweetness at its most intense?

Cordelia wearing a pirate dress and sporting a serious case of bedhead

Elsewhere the house is calm. The sun is streaming in through the open curtains. The cats are lounging downstairs.

Ophelia


Mia

Bumblebee has quietly climbed onto the couch (she knows it is against the rules). I didn't bother to enforce the rules this morning. Bad and inconsistent of me. Shame---or I should feel shame, but generally I feel apathetic. Bum is such a sweet girl that I just don't mind this little indescretion. Ceasar Milan would not approve!

Sneaky Bumblebee

While the animals have been snoozing and Cordelia has been playing I have been crafting tons of flower clips. Why, you may be asking, am I making so many flower clips (see here for the tutorial)? I am so glad you asked. Well, on the 24th of this month my mother and I are going to be participating in our first craft fair with Wyoming Rose goodies. Between the two of us we are crocheting and crafting up a storm!

Pile of flowers

Finally, on a completely unrelated note check out this plant...

This succulent plant is called either baby fingers or baby toes. The translucent tips are where photosynthesis occurs. Cool huh?!

How is your morning going?

Build a Terrarium

Perhaps it is the snow and bone chilling winds outside, but I am in need of a little green...not money (well that wouldn't hurt), but plants. I decided to answer the call of my green thumb and start a little terrarium. My ultimate plan is to have 4-5 terrariums of varied sizes and shapes in some sort of artful display.

Step 1: Gather your supplies. I chose a small glass container, a couple of plants, gathered some rocks and twigs from outside, and a few tiny birds to decorate.

Step 2: Put a layer of rocks or gravel in the bottom of the container for drainage. You don't want soggy roots, that would be humiliating.

Step 3: Break apart your plants into manageable bits, with root-balls intact.
**Optional: Name plants and figurines.

Step 4: Spoon in a layer of fertilized soil.

Step 5: Add and arrange plants and twigs.

Step 6: Add decorative elements like rocks, pebbles, figures, etc. I started with the larger pieces first. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Inspect your materpiece from all angles. Admire your work. Give your plants a good misting and then put the lid on your terrarium.

Step 8: Enjoy the terrarium!

Guess Where I've Been?

We took a quick trip out of town to Laramie. Haven't been there in 2 years, when my brother Ben and his wife Sara were still living there.

Pants and Plants

Last time we were there we discovered this little display at a Flea Market. Tomorrow I will tell you if it was still there and I will give you all of the thrilling updates about our travel adventures. What have you been up to?