As of this past week it has been 5 years since I started this blog. I still remember writing that horrific first post like it was yesterday. A rambling tale of nonsense on a frigid February evening turned into what you are reading before you today. I have truly evolved as an artist.
Quick aside – that last sentence was meant to be sarcastic but some times I worry that it is lost in translation. I’m always tempted to add a “sarcasm disclosure” to play it safe but then that takes away the power of the sarcastic remark. Such a dilemma. Also, my kids are now demonstrating all the characteristics of being raised Sarcastic.
Oh well. That will be great.
So to celebrate a 1/2 decade in the game of talking plants, I’d like to take a look back on some of the highlights, lowlights and those who left us way too soon.
Enjoy.
The plant that has provided the greatest diversity of visitors over the years and maybe kicks more ass than all of the others combined is Joe Pye Weed.
The boneheaded move of all time – planting mint in a raised bed where it wasn’t contained. It has played out like a horror movie.
How most of my tomatoes looked in the early years before I got smart and put in a bit more effort. Blossom end rot be damned.
This is how you protect your blooming peonies from the deer and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
There was a time when I was decent at capturing the birds in action. I need to get back to that.
It hasn’t always been specifically about the plants. I love #4 more than all of the others. Is there still time to become a “saleb”? My tax dollars were well spent in the school’s phonetical spelling department.
The strangest spectacle – watching me chase the humming moths like a member of the paparazzi.
“The plant that has ‘worked’ that never should have with my conditions but blooms consistently year after year” award goes to Catmint (Nepeta) ‘Walker’s Low’.
The biggest opportunity missed – a weed pulling exercise video.
And I still fight the ability to enjoy winter interest.
The “fool me 5 times and yet I still don’t do anything about it” award goes to not planning how to water the containers while we are on vacation in the summer.
Picture taken and shared too often to an audience who could care less – the sheared back ornamental grass in spring.
The bloom that almost launched a career in macro photography.
And now we take a moment to mourn those who are no longer with us.
Viburnum ‘Shoshoni’ who outgrew her spot and couldn’t withstand a relocation plan.
Yucca ‘Golden Sword’ – you never did like the wet soil.
Spirea ‘Snow Storm’ – I’ll never know what really happened.
Hydrangea (cultivar unknown) – now you can be reunited with all of your other hydrangea friends.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia) ‘Sweet Kate’ – I was in a bad place that day and would take it all back if I could.
Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ – we had two good years together right? That counts for something right?
I have no memory of you whatsoever.
Weeping Cherry tree – you seemed like a good idea at the time.
Hawthorn ‘Winter King’ – would still be here today if it weren’t for ‘Hurricane Sandy’.
Geranium ‘Karmina’ – I could only hold off the rabbits for so long. I thought your sweet scent would help fend them off, but apparently not.
Carex ‘Cappuccino’ – I pushed your zone and eventually you gave up. Thank you for the effort.
I’ve said enough about the daylilly.
Thank you all for 5 great years.
Here’s to 5 more!