Sublimations, but they’ll do


Many of you are in the same boat, so I know you’ll relate to this accounting of non-gardening activities that manage to engage me in similar ways.


First, of course, there are the indoor versions of gardening: the houseplants, the plant room, the bulb forcing. We’ve discussed those before. It’s gardening in a way, but not at all the same as being outdoors surrounded by plants, birds, insects, urban noise, strange people passing by, and barbecue smells. Of course not. Still, a gardenia bud is opening in the plant room, and that makes me happy. And let me just say that an orchid has not died in at least 4 months.


Then there is the wonderful world of seasonal décor. I don’t have to bother with this during the spring and summer; I have containers of flowers and hanging baskets as well as whatever happens to be growing out of the dirt. During the off season, however, the house can look kind of stark. Today I visited Lockwood’s, my favorite local garden center, and they did not disappoint. There were hay bales, straw wreaths, pumpkins, gourds, baby Indian corn, and some branches of dried seedpods (kind of pricey). I bought a lovely swan-necked gourd (top) and a few other items.


Love the wreath. You can’t really go nuts with harvest décor though, because very soon it will be time for …

Holiday décor. I’m much more successful with indoor evergreens, berries, candles, and other such items than I am with outdoor decorations. I would really like to do more with lighting. We lack an easily accessible outlet for lights though and until we get one it will be difficult. I’d love LED lights, but in the meantime I am considering some solar options from Gardener’s Supply. Figuring out all this stuff helps keep your mind off the fact that you’re not gardening.

A third and probably the most satisfying option is shopping online for spring plants and seeds. This can begin as early as January (it really should not start much before that) and the order can go in in February. By then your indoor bulbs are in bloom, and before you know it the snowdrops have started and you’re on your way.

Comments

Cindy, MCOK said…
I like that wreath: simple and understated. It looks like you had a beautiful day indeed for your visit to Lockwood's. I hope you'll get more of those before winter takes over Buffalo!
TC said…
I've never developed, nor do I think I ever will develop "the most satisfying option" of "shopping online for spring plants and seeds."
Come to think of it, I'm quite sure I've never ordered plants or seeds online. Odd perhaps, since I research those things online all the time.

I love that swan-necked gourd and have been wanting to grow my own, I just keep forgetting to order seeds. Maybe I should change my seed shopping habits and order some online right now.

My wife makes wreaths from practically every type of dried flower, plant, or herb so we're not short on outside or inside seasonal decor in any season.
Gail said…
I like having a cat, but it means not being able to bring in live plants and any decorations. Very limiting but also freeing; if you know what I mean.

I look forward to seeing your holiday decorations!

Gail
Fall decorating almost passed me by. I am thinking of the "other" holiday decorating since where I work I have all week been decorating for the "other" holiday. UGH... The frost hasn't even killed every flower in the arden yet. It just doesn't seem right to be decorating for the "other" holiday before the garden is truly resting.
Kathy said…
I like the peak into your dining room. Do you have a lot of antiques?
EAL said…
Kathy, we have a few nicer things from Alan's mom, but what we have purchased ourselves could more appropriately called "vintage." The painting you see is by my cousin (much older). Thanks for noticing!

Gail, we have a cat but--and a good thing for her--she never bothers my plants. She will flip flowers out of a small bowl. It must be a small bowl, not a vase. Cats are weird.
Anonymous said…
What a hopeful post, Elizabeth. It soothed my soul to think that it won't be so long before the earth warms again, and we can enjoy our outdoor spaces. You've given great ideas for what to do in the meantime.~~Dee
EAL said…
Dee, I imagine you have a much shorter winter to get through. Anyway, your property looks like it must be amazingly beautiful in all seasons.
Nancy said…
I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting winter.

That's "interesting" as in the Chinese curse: "May you live in interesting times.."
Anonymous said…
Ack, absence of electrical sources for outdoor decor -- the bane of my existence! Oh, the things i could do if i didn't have to cram an extension cord through the window screen....

love the title of your blog!

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