I can't be trusted at a plant sale

[cornerofmadness]

This is a known fact. Mother told me to be good. She knew it was pointless. Adena Mansion & Gardens Historic Site has an heirloom plant sale all May and it's been a while since I've been there. They didn't have one they had in past (I still have those seeds. I should have started them, ah well) and not quite as many herbs as I'd have liked. they did, however, have a glorious collection of peppers and tomatoes.

Since I travel a lot in the summer I struggle with annuals and tomatoes/peppers/zucchini. I didn't let it stop me. So what did I buy?

Black Beauty tomatoes

Pineapple Tomato

Sweet millions tomato

Yellow Monster pepper

Apple Mint for the container garden

Love Lies Bleeding watch the deer eat it

Nasturtium and yes both annual flowers are more or less edible

I took a writing break at Rost a coffee place I do like their stuff. I always want to try the cortados here and at my usual place but the prices are high for very little coffee (it's a small drink) Also hit some stores, both a bunch of crap I didn't need at TJ Maxx mostly food and did a little end of the semester celebration with lobster/shrimp tacos at Red Lobster.




What I Just Finished Reading:

Critical Role vol III it was good but...very incomplete. It ended on well not quite a cliffhanger but a definite two parter.

What I am Currently Reading:

There Comes a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool but ever so slowly. I'm never finishing this thing so long SOOOO long

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell ALMOST finished for almost 2 weeks.

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens, I'm so behind on finishing this arc


What I Plan to Read Next: The Joy Machine some star trek thing, and probably some of my new books from the festival

Comments

[malurette]

All the plants! (reminds me that I need to plant my nasturtium seeds and get tomato seedlings too. I want to plant amaranth too but I can't find any where I live, they're deemed weeds and nobody sells seeds or plantlings, boo.)

[cornerofmadness]

Amaranth has high weed potential but the area I live in is so disturbed ecosystem wise I don't mind (and again it will give seeds to birds so I'm okay with it)

I haven't tried nasturtium before

[dewladen]

Ooohhh that plant sale sounds so cool! The plants you bought sound so yummy

[cornerofmadness]

It was a nice sale and I'm happy with my haul

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>This is a known fact.<<

I had just a handful of things left on my list when we went past a random pop-up plant vendor.

I think I picked up 4-5 flats plus several things that wouldn't fit into any that they had. I had a perfectly responsible plan to spend 15 minutes and pick up a few things. I spent 30, got overheated, and I don't think my plan lasted 30 seconds.

This was on top of two previous trips each of several flats. So I've been planting intensely for several days straight.

Re: Yes ...

[cornerofmadness]

It's so easy to get plants and then more plants and then sit and wonder where they're all going and how you're going to care for them

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

I have had those issues so often that I have plans for them!

1) I start by planting the things that I know exactly where they go in what combinations. So this batch of plants is for the wildflower garden, this specimen plant gets a pot to itself, etc. Then I plant the things that are more flexible combinations, often mixed pots of things, or figuring out which herbs go where. Then I sort out whatever's left.

2) I allow for some ornamental and edible plants that require ongoing care. Most of these are in places within easy reach, like the cistern garden, strip garden, or picnic table containers. Some are seasonal; pansies are really for spring and early summer, then I plant bulbs in fall, and they don't need any fuss at other times.

Lots of things need care while establishing themselves. But I expect most of my yard to take care of itself once established. That means I plant a lot of native species. I am especially fond of tough plants, like how in midst of a weed-wilting drought my sunchokes were like, "Shine on me!" Nothing is 100% droughtproof but they are the closest I have to that and were nowhere near even starting to feel stressed.

Re: Yes ...

[cornerofmadness]

that sounds wonderful really. I have to do everything in pots (my tiny spot off my apartment is filled with perennials) I do work with heirlooms which can be persnickety.

My biggest issue is my body. With the damage to my knee, I can no longer squat down and work. Even raised beds are getting hard.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> that sounds wonderful really. <<

Yay!

>> I have to do everything in pots (my tiny spot off my apartment is filled with perennials) I do work with heirlooms which can be persnickety. <<

You might try landraces. So far the ones I got from Buffalo Seed Company are doing quite well including OG Marigold, Basil Grex, and Hopi Landrace Sunflower.

>> My biggest issue is my body. With the damage to my knee, I can no longer squat down and work. Even raised beds are getting hard. <<

There are many options for adaptive gardening!

First, determine your limitations and think what kind of accommodations might help.

Second, think about what position(s) is most comfortable for you, then consider how to garden from it.

If you can sit, consider:
* gardening seats
* wheelchair-accessible garden beds

If you prefer to stand, consider:
* outdoor work mats
* vertical gardens

If reaching is an issue, consider:
* long-reach or adjustable garden tools
* keyhole beds

In general, explore resources for adaptive / accessible gardening. Talk with other disabled gardeners. Sometimes nurseries or garden clubs will have helpful resources too.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/adaptive-gardening-tools/

https://www.thewrightstuff.com/adaptive-garden-tools.html

https://kidsgardening.org/resources/designing-a-school-garden-create-an-accessible-garden/

https://www.epicgardening.com/accessible-garden/

https://plantersplace.com/wild-life-gardening-journal/energy-saving-tips-for-gardening-with-a-disability/


This database covers many disabilities and accommodations in the workplace; some of those ideas are also useful in the home and yard.

I hope this helps.

Re: Yes ...

[cornerofmadness]

thanks so very much for all of this. I'm keeping it in a file. Right now it's a moot point as I don't have the ability to put in any kind of garden beyond container on my porch but I am hoping to get a house with a yard

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> thanks so very much for all of this. <<

I'm happy I could help.

>> I'm keeping it in a file. Right now it's a moot point as I don't have the ability to put in any kind of garden beyond container on my porch <<

Hmm, there might be room for a vertical garden there. A pole garden is compact.
https://www.customdesignproductsusa.com/product/vertical-garden-planter/

I've got a plant tower in my septic garden but it tends to blow over no matter how many bricks I pile on it. :/ In a sheltered spot, though, stuff like that is another option.

>> but I am hoping to get a house with a yard <<

That's a good idea. Thinking forward, look for one with a flat or gently sloped yard for mobility access. As for the house itself, there are lots of suggested parameters for "universal design" but that's a bad name considering how people need different things. I'd say look at descriptions of accommodations and think about which you would actually want, then consider what a house has or what would be easy to add later.

Re: Yes ...

[cornerofmadness]

I have been keeping all this in mind A lot of this is unfortunately a luxury I do not have in my area. It is extremely poor and the choices are not great (It's why I'm still in a less than well taken care of apartment)