Wish Me Gardener's Luck

Today's photos by John Elliot 4/2007

In the past few years my garden has become my sanctuary. A place for me to find peace, beauty in a sometimes dismal world. Yet, what provides us shelter during troubled times can sometimes also leave us feeling isolated or sheltered. I think we all have moments when we look up from our gardening chores and realize that hours have passed without contact with another human being. Before that magical time (when all non-gardeners seem fuzzy and far away; when their voices seemed covered by the buzzing of the bees and the singing of the birds) that I refer to as Garden Isolation sets in we should all find some new garden inspiration.

For that reason, this year I hope to travel to the Adirondack Garden & Flower Show in April. I love garden shows and this one seems to have a special flair. I've heard that it boasts a truly Adirondack eclectic-ness to it. Cross my fingers and pray for sun...Maybe this year I can go!

Accidental Forcing

I spent most of yesterday (another cold and icy day) wishing that I could begin my winter sowing like Robin has. Unfortunately, my last frost date is May 22nd. It's so long to wait.

I have bulbs stored in my basement (as most gardeners do) but only because I wasn't able to get them in the ground last fall before it froze. I keep them stored neatly on a shelf about 4 foot off the floor. So late last night as I journeyed down into the basement to retrieve frozen pork chops for Thursday's dinner I decided to give my bulbs a peek. I was shocked to find that many of the bulbs had begun to sprout! Why!?! I grabbed up my little babies and hurried upstairs. Yes, I forgot the pork chops. (I hear you giggling!) I grabbed a new pot that I had gotten on clearance and began rescuing my premies.

As I lovingly planted the newborns again my mind was screaming, "Why!?!" I've successfully stored bulbs before. Why did they sprout so early this time? After considering the question all night: I blame my husband! He has fluorescent shop lights placed all over the basement and I've only just realized how many hours he has spent in the basement lately as he works on one of his winter projects. I do believe that I accidently forced the bulbs by leaving the basement lights on!

What a happy accident!