I've got to say - Winter can be a tad long. And cold, dreary, inconvenient, and simply limiting. So I've been both thinking back, and looking forward to this Spring's garden.

 

I always prance around my garden hither and yon, sprinkling seeds I've collected, separating little baby plants from their 'mothers' and re-planting them elsewhere, tucking in new plants received from trading with friends and neighbors. Generally pretending I am Mother Nature herself. Of course I always think I'll remember what I've done, never do, and am constantly amazed and surprised by the magic that grows forth from such a wonderland.

 

That being said, I tend to like weird, odd or downright special plants. Like these, which go through an astounding variation in color, seemingly before your very eyes.

 

I can't remember what these are called, so if anyone knows, I'd love to know.

 

I also like more softer, less showy, but special nonetheless...like these pretty Sweet Williams.

 

 

This week, I came to realize with a jolt of delight that the time for seed planting draws near.  Of course that is closely followed by planting of dahlia tubers, begonias, and then, before I know it, it's SPRING!  Oh happy day.  I've got a couple of grow lights in my basement (!!), and at times, have been known to have over 100 flowering plants down there at any given time.  It's small - like the rest of my home and Studio, but I've strung up a hammock, have a couple of comfy chairs for a cup of tea in the evenings, and it never fails to downright SHOCK people when they first go down there.  ;)  I admit, I haven't put on the lights this Winter...had too much going on, but I've missed it, and plan to start them up within a couple of weeks, and get things rollin' again. 

 

Thinking back to the Garden of 2010, I remembered some stunning begonias I had called Golden Wave.  They varied in color AND form on each little plant, from buttery yellows, to beautiful pinks through sunset peaches and oranges.  Doubles, frills, smooth, singles.  Stunning.  My bulbs didn't survive though, and last year I bought some more, but they were imposters!  They flowered simply orange.  Nothing else.  I was kind of disappointed, so this week I set off on an internet search, found a new source for the most fabulous bulbs and other gloriousness in Canada www.botanus.com and have my order placed.  I am so psyched.

 

Just looking at these pretties, and dreaming of warm sunshine makes me want to dance because after all - sunshine is better.