Blogger Wilmington, DE on Feb 20, 2013

Spring Is Just Around the Corner ~ Start Planning!

Spring is still a little over a month away but it is not too soon to start planning this year's garden. If you are like me, you head off to a nursery, fall in love with some wonderful plants, bring them home and then have to figure out where they should go in the garden. While being spontaneous is lots of fun, this year I am going to the nursery with some plant combinations already in mind, even though I know I will still be waylaid by an amazing plant or two not on my list!

Here are some combinations that I thought worked really well in our garden last year for you to consider. And while we are all still waiting to get back out into the garden, making some planting plans is a great way to occupy ourselves. Think of it as gardening in your mind : )

#itching4spring

To see more: http://ourfairfieldhomeandgarden.com/spring-is-just-around-the-corner-start-planning/

38 Comments Displaying 25 of 38 comments | See Previous

Cindy Steele Grand Junction, CO

ya im going to make green house this year and keep all above ground in cotainers last year tried to plant in ground and weed won again so as soon as freezing is not a option setting up i already have pallets for floor and salvaged storm door cinder block and repurposed 6x6 boards for shelving just need pvc and plastic hardware zipties ect all herb and veggis fruit natural pest control wish me luck

on Feb 21, 2013 · Like 0
Laura, The Shed blog by P... Little Egg Harbor, NJ

Barb Rosen - while I'm laughing at the way you described your "solution' to go vertical, I'm also thinking how gorgeous of an idea that is, too! :)

on Feb 21, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Laura, The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles and Cindy Steele I can tell you are a couple of fellow plant maniacs : )

on Feb 21, 2013 · Like 2
Tanya Peterson Felsheim Grants Pass, OR

I need this reminder..and really figure this all out before too late this year like every otehr year!

on Feb 21, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

The time really slips away, doesn't it, Tanya Peterson Felsheim ? I have been jotting down notes, looking plants up on the internet and in my books and trying to think up some new, exciting combinations. If I don't do it now,once the weather gets better, all bets are off : )

on Feb 21, 2013 · Like 1
Debbie Machmer

I am looking for a fast growing vine that produces green bean type pods. I can't for the life of me think of it's name. Any takers?

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Maybe LabLab vine? The seed pods resemble green beans, Debbie Machmer . Check these pictures out and see if this is your mystery vine or not http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/vines/...

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Debbie Machmer

Not the one. We were on vacation in Virginia when I discovered this. The owner gave me several pods but they were destroyed on the trip home (2 children, 3 adults...lots of packing) I don't believe it produces a blossom. Thank you so much for responding.

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Trumpet vine also puts out a green bean type seed pod after flowering. Does it look like this?
on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Debbie Machmer , check out the seed pods of this trumpet vine and see what you think.If that isn't it, let me know and we'll put Douglas Hunt on the case : )
on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Debbie Machmer

Barb, this sure looks like the pods! I looked this up and the responses are don't plant it...it aggresivley takes over everywhere! Danni, our host, had flowers, all over her yard. She used this as a privacy type vine. I really liked the look of it and that it grows so quickly. I didn't think it blossomed but I don't know that for sure.
Again, thank you for your help and if something else comes to mind do let me know :) ...»

I love gardening and have wanted to get one started...as a privacy cover for the side porch.
Thanks again.

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 1
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Most all plants flower and then set seed, Debbie Machmer , but you may have missed the blooming period. Trumpet vine is a vigorous grower like wisteria. Blooms are orange/red with some yellow varieties available. You can plant it if you commit to heavy pruning on a regular basis. I had it on my arbor swing and kept it in check pretty easily.

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

My pleasure, Debbie Machmer ! Happy Gardening!

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Debbie Machmer

:) I have 2 nephews that live in and around Wilmington. Always like visiting there although I haven't been down in ages.

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Give me a whistle when you are planning a visit! If you are up this way you will be close to some wonderful gardens too, like Longwood, Chanticleer, Goodstay, etc.

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
Diana Dray Harrod, OH

Debbi maybe it is a sweet pea

on Mar 02, 2013 · Like 1
Tanya Peterson Felsheim Grants Pass, OR

Yes its going so fast Barb Rosen ! I need to get some of these bulbs in the ground NOW!

on Mar 03, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Once we're in March, Tanya Peterson Felsheim , it seems to stop dragging until spring!

on Mar 03, 2013 · Like 0
Tanya Peterson Felsheim Grants Pass, OR

Yes Barb Rosen it goes fast especially as wed is my 20th wedding anniversary and we are going to be doing some staycationing and maybe stay overnight a place or two..I love going to small towns and looking at what they have to offer that if you drive through would never see!

on Mar 03, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Well, I wish you a very happy anniversary, Tanya Peterson Felsheim ! Twenty years is quite something! Mazeltov!!

on Mar 03, 2013 · Like 1
Debbie Machmer

Diana, I have sweet pea, not what I'm looking for, tx

on Mar 03, 2013 · Like 1
Tanya Peterson Felsheim Grants Pass, OR

Thank you so much! Our time off begins today and I have nothing I HAVE to do except help my mom pack up for a week long trip to watch her grandson go through his Honor Ceremony as he achieved the long difficult process of becoming an Eagle Scout. But it also takes a weight off of my shoulders as I know she will be in excellent hands with my brother and sister in law (my mom is stage 4 breast cancer) and so helping her get all ready to go is something I am glad to help her pack etc. And I ...»
can release my constant concern over her comfort etc. to my other family members and they are glad to have her! They wish the could be here more but they live and work in San Jose so its not an easy drive, and she gets to see both grandchildren when she stays down there even though the older one is in college and works he has to come home SOMETIME and will because he loves his grandparents

on Mar 05, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Tanya Peterson Felsheim , you are polishing your crown in heaven taking care of your mom. I have taken care of my husband's elderly parents and then my dad, as much as you love doing it, it is hard on you. Enjoy your time alone!

on Mar 05, 2013 · Like 1
Tanya Peterson Felsheim Grants Pass, OR

Well alone with my husband! Actually I overstated how much i take care of my mom she is still ambulatory and her mind is good...she lives with my father and my brother but there are many things she only trusts me to do...and I go out and clean their house once or twice a week as well as shopping for them, I take her to every appointment especially to chemo and keep track of all ofher labs etc. So taking care of her at this stage is less physical and much more Mental but not sure how long ...»
it will be in this somewhat easy state to take care of she is using a walker and not wheelchair bound and my brother takes care of most of the food prep there though my mom eats very little so I work hard on getting her to take the ensure and more vitamins etc calcium b12 esp as this has metastacized to her bone. Sorry not sure I'm supposed to use hometalk for this venue...but I guess it does carry along because I"m going to have to start taking care of her extensive garden beds in addition to mine, so that will be coming up--this week when she is gone I'm taking a nice mental break...which seems to be my biggest battle. Thank you Barb Rosen for all your encouragement and support...I think I should not pour more of this on the hometalk forum after this so maybe others can private message me if they want to continue the discussion but Kind of doubt that is needed and others are thinking in their head what you have been writing to kindly.

on Mar 05, 2013 · Like 0
Barb Rosen Wilmington, DE

Tanya Peterson Felsheim , my prayers and best wishes are with you and your family. Having taken care of our loved ones, I know how exhausting it can be. When you are with them it is hard and harder still when you aren't and worrying about them. If you need to talk, I am available - you can write me through Facebook.

on Mar 05, 2013 · Like 0

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