† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
So, the Mrs. and I went to the local gardening haven today. We had a bit of extra money, so we each picked out something we wanted. She got some baby's breath, celosia, lantana, and sedum for a hanging basket she's been meaning to to redo.
I got a Bonsai "Serissa Kyoto" that I intend to bonsai. Here's the thing: I've not done this. I don't know what to do really. Any pointers for care and/or trimming would be appreciated.
My bell peppers were doing amazing. They were growing, the leaves were all so very healthy, and the lovely white flowers had died and were followed by even lovelier deep green peppers. Tiny peppers covered my six plants and were growing into what promised to be wonderful-tasting vegetables for salads, fajitas, stuffed peppers, and so many other delectable meals.
I was at work on Wednesday when I got the call. My wife was on the other end of the line, speaking in hushed and hurried tones. At first I thought she had gone into labor (she's now less than two weeks away), but then her words registered in my mind: there was a crow in the garden. She had scared it away from its pilfered meal, but not until it had done its damage. Large jagged holes now gaped in the still tender flesh of the young peppers, revealing the barely formed seeds inside. She told me that if I wanted to save the rest of our growing vegetables, I should take measures to ensure their safety.
When I got home, I did the only thing I could think to do short of harming the would-be veggie thieves: I hired a superhero. That's right. I called upon the Guardian of Gardens. His powers of bird-ridding were given to him when he was stung by a magical jellyfish three years ago, and discovered when a crow tried to snatch him up to feed its young. (He's only 10 inches tall, after all)
He now stands guard over my garden. Since Wednesday, not a single crow or blackbird has dared enter the domain protected by this truly magnificent protector of the small garden. He allowed me to take these pictures of him. (I think he's hoping for some more gigs in the future.)
Ok, maybe YOU'RE not scared of him, but I assure you: the crows are.
and what's more, I think this is pretty good for my first attempt at doll making. I sewed him myself.
and of course, any real superhero needs a cape. Check out his emblem. I think that sends a pretty strong message to the unwanted crows.
OH YEAH! Check out that last picture - on the right is a raspberry plant a friend of ours gave us the other day. mmmmmm...raspberries.
This is my second full summer married to my wife. This is the
second full summer we'll have spent in our apartment. This is the
second garden we've had.
Living in an apartment, my wife and I are forced to use pots if we wish to have any kind of a garden. This has not deterred us. Quite the contrary in fact, as we are more likely to grow things in pots than we would had we been in a house this whole time. For one thing, We'll be moving (hopefully) within the next year, so this will allow us to take our green children with us. For another, I can grow dandelions to my heart's content without having to worry about them taking over everything. (As long as I don't let it go to seed that is) Really, the only bad part about our apartment garden is the lack of space. Our deck is 10' x 10' - which is a great size for an apartment deck, but not such a great size if you want to have a decent-sized garden, a grill, an arbor, and still be able to have friends over for a glass of wine on a cool summer's evening. We've managed well though I think. My current fear is that the table on which we've placed the majority of our plants could give out. It's horribly weather-beaten (it isn't an outdoor table - it was actually our first kitchen table), and has begun to sag in the middle.
I love spending time on my deck, watering the various plants. It gives me time to think. Not only to think, but also to recharge. Whether I'm watering, planting, potting, repotting, weeding, or spraying garlic/pepper water on the ants trying to eat all my cilantro, I feel . . . at home. That's what I love about gardening: it's so natural.
I paint cars for a living. Bumpers, panels, paint chips, clearcoat scratches, and interior repairs - I fix them all. The thing that really eats at my sense of pride in my occupation however, is the fact that all I do is cosmetic repairs. There's nothing natural about what I do. I use chemicals, man-made putties and fibers, and more chemicals to make a car look better. The only natural thing about cars in the first place is rust, and my job is to do paint repairs before rust has a chance to set in. I have a wonderful counter-balance though: my garden.
My garden is more than just a collection of miscellaneous potted plants. It is my sanctuary where I can simply be quiet and watch things grow. Aside from the physical rewards of food (from the edible plants anyway), being a part of something that has been going on since the Earth began - without mankind's assistance, gives me the feeling that I'm part of something much bigger, older, more important than anything any human ever thought up.
That is where I derive joy in a pot of dirt.
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
