The main color in this post is green, so I'm starting with a photo of colorful Crocuses from last week. The little beauties are just about done now, so it's on to the next phase—celebrating the plants that need warmth.
In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to include an update on the seedlings I started in the sunroom in March. Our last frost date is in early May: Soon, I'll need to harden these babies off before planting.
First we have the mixed Dahlias. They're doing well; I'm so thrilled!
The California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are happy and dancing.
The three Milkweed species (Asclepias spp.) took a bit longer to emerge, but they're making progress now.
Oh, and 'The Watchman' Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) look healthy, too.
'Zowie' and 'State Fair Mix' Zinnias (Z. elegans) are always reliable.
First we have the mixed Dahlias. They're doing well; I'm so thrilled!
The California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are happy and dancing.
The three Milkweed species (Asclepias spp.) took a bit longer to emerge, but they're making progress now.
Oh, and 'The Watchman' Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) look healthy, too.
'Zowie' and 'State Fair Mix' Zinnias (Z. elegans) are always reliable.
Finally, I'm celebrating the Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia spp.) poking through the soil! Now the race is on to fast, colorful blooms.
That's my "Six" for this week, with extra flowers at the start. Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations for hosting "Six on Saturday"!
All these seedlings are off to a great start, and watch out for slugs with the Zantedeschia!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good wishes, Fred. When I start moving the plants outside to harden them off I'm sure they'll grow like crazy. And thanks for the tip on the Zantedeschia. I've had them in pots for many years with no trouble, but I'll avoid putting them in the ground to avoid slugs. :)
DeleteAll systems go! I can't wait to see them all in bloom.
ReplyDeleteHi Gill: Yes, we're getting close. Moving them outside in the warm sun during the day and back in at night will accelerate the growth. Cheers!
DeleteLots of healthy looking seedlings. The Crocuses are very pretty indeed. I love the bee? in the top flower!
ReplyDeleteI believe the insect is a Melitta bee, but I'm not sure which species...maybe americana, which tends to pollinate Cranberries and Blueberries. They seem to like the Crocuses early in the season.
DeleteWow, what a fabulous start you have with all your new seedlings! That is exciting :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! We're getting close. The garden work is crazy busy in this climate, from now until mid-May. Of course, it continues through the growing season, but it's such a mad dash at the beginning to take advantage of as much of the mild weather as we can. Seat belts on...
DeleteI'm impressed with all your seed sowing, you have been having fun. Funny that you have crocuses in bloom, they are long gone here.
ReplyDeleteYes, fun indeed, Chloris! The Crocuses are done now, but I threw the photo from last week in at the beginning for a bit of color. ;-)
DeleteHappy planting Beth!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris. Looking forward to it! Busy, busy. 😉
DeleteYour post shows so much hope and promise of wonderful things to come!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a hopeful time of year, isn't it, Pauline? Happy gardening!
Deletethere is nothing more satisfying than seeing your seeds sprout and thrive. enjoy the planting part
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Cath. It always hits me at a very basic level how so much life is contained in a tiny seedling, and then a little plant. Cheers! 🌱
DeleteWoohoo! Let the planting fun begin! Enjoy your spring, Beth. Tina
ReplyDeleteVery exciting, isn't it, Tina?! Enjoy your spring and garden fun, too!
DeleteWhat a great idea to start the calla lily early, I never remember to try it. There is still time. ;-)
ReplyDeletexo
Oh yes, still time for sure! I must admit that I simply retain the Callas and the Cannas in their pots in autumn, bring them indoors, stop watering, and place them in a dark corner for winter. Then, in March, when the daylight increases, I put them in sunny windows and start watering once a week. It seems to work! :)
DeleteI love all the seedlings you can grow in your amazing sunroom. I just started seeds outside. It will take them a while to grow but if our weather continues like it is it may be sooner.
ReplyDeleteHey Donna: The sunroom is fabulous, and the Fishman is patient as I take it over in the winter and it gets a little messy. LOL. But in early May, everything goes outside and I clean it so we can use it for a wonderful warm-season, nature-viewing room. :)
DeleteI do so enjoy crocus. Ours are long gone, so it's nice to see them here in your blog. Yay for your seedlings! I still haven't sown mine, though I've filled the flats with potting mix. That's half the battle sometimes.
ReplyDeleteOh, my Crocuses are long-gone now, too. But I just plopped that photo at the top because the post was kind of visually boring without a little color. LOL. Have fun with the planting--indoors and out!
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