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I planted my first outdoor garden this summer. It's very, very sparse, mostly dirt, a few lilies, and a rock edging carefully placed one by precious one. You'd laugh if you saw it. But whenever I go by it, I have to stop and stare in awe while my chest swells with pride. I'm sure that my eyes are seeing the possibilities of this meagre setting rather than the scarse reality. That's the best thing about a garden -- it's never done.

Anyway, according to character, I dove in like there was no tomorrow. I almost single-handedly wiped out the end-of-season nursery sale of perenials and annuals -- and this was BEFORE I knew the meaning of the words! I assumed that anything that was green could be a houseplant and defied anyone that was going to tell me differently. So in anticipation of an indoor winter jungle paradise, I kept many of my new acquisitions in containers. I brought them indoors mostly just in time to avoid a freak hail storm (running frantically outside in shorts and bare feet).

The annuals went belly-up after a brave struggle. "Pull the cord already.",they pleaded. By now, I KNEW what ANNUAL meant but surely I could keep them alive somehow... My brain understood, but my heart would not let go.

Some of the perrenials are still hanging on and blooming -- the hardy Geraniums, Hostas, Lamb's Ears, Cat Mint, Coleus, Heucheras, Abutilon, Fuschia, Chinese Lantern and my beautiful, trailing burgundy and lime green Ipomoea. Some have feigned death and are now resprouting. Perhaps these are the ones that really needed the dormancy period that I refused to give them. They took it anyway and forgave me enough to come back. Should start a plant diary...

What have I learned from my stubborness?...Don't fight nature, she'll do whatever she wants. Also, I realized that some of my very favourite plants are quite suitable for the indoors --- African Violets, Cacti and Succulents, tropicals: especially Aroids...I'd like to try Gesneriads next.

I love these forums and look forward to comparing notes with my fellow gardeners.

I live in: Canada

My zone is: 5b

First registered on December 15,2001.