Friday, May 6, 2016

Weekend To-Do List

There are never enough hours in the day. And most definitely, not enough hours in the weekend. 

If I have any hope of remembering all the things I need to do on any given weekend I must write them down. 

If anyone is free this weekend and wants to come by to help.....here's what we'll be doing. 

That is, if the rain everrrrrrrrr stops. 

Sigh. 

1. Plant Herbs


My friend Brenda over at Cozy Little House suggested I get Pineapple Sage. I have never tried it before, but last night when I was off the mountain I stopped at Lowe's, and there it was! I picked up two plants, and they need to be added to the patio herb garden. 

2. Plant New Tree


This is the new tree I picked up last weekend. It's been sitting on the patio waiting for me to get it nestled in it's new home. 

Next to my new tree is a Sand Cherry that my sweetie gave up on. I'll plant that baby up and bring it back to gorgeousness. Thanks, Sweetie!

3. Plant Weeping Pussy Willow 


This lovely baby tree has been keeping me company at the kitchen sink, ever since my daughter gifted me with it for my birthday. The time has come to find it a home outdoors. 

4. Plant Flowers and Fruit 


While I was at Lowe's I picked up some annuals. Yippeeeeeeeee!! It will be lovely to see some color around here again! I'm watching the forecast carefully, and as soon as I see the all-clear I'll be potting these babies up. They will all be going in containers, so they can be brought in if need be....but I'm truly hoping I won't have to do that!

I was first drawn to the flower section at Lowe's by a heavenly scent....I could smell Stock but I couldn't find it! I followed my nose and it led me not only to Stock but also to Dahlias, Cleome, and Wave Petunias. I can't wait to get these planted and get spring truly started!

5. Fix Patio Lights


I spent hours and hours before Christmas carefully attaching my patio lights under all the deck railings, all the way around the deck. Well, the critters didn't care for them there, and chewed through them in a number of spots. I must now figure out how many full strands of lights I have left, and come up with a creative way to hang them....that won't annoy my critters. 

Stupid critters. 

6. Harden Off Seedlings


Before I can plant my seedlings outside, I need to harden them off. That basically means leaving them outside for longer and longer periods of time, until they are out overnight for a few days. At that point, they are hardened off and ready to plant out. 

When hardening off your seedlings, you should start in a sheltered location out of direct sun or wind. I started by putting my trays on top of the BBQ, right up against the house, under the eaves. Then they go to the patio table for the next phase of the process. 

The only seedlings that are ready to plant out right now are the Bok Choy and Fennel. The Cosmos, Sunflowers, and Zinnias (above) are still being brought in at night. 


The Marigolds are going out next to begin the process. 


The Balsam will be set out this weekend as well. 


And the Castor Bean, Runner Bean, and Hyacinth Bean. 

If the rain continues, there are plenty of inside chores to be done, including the following inside garden chores

7.Thin Seedlings


Last weekend I tackled thinning the eight million varieties of tomatoes I planted. Ok, maybe that's a tiny exaggeration but it surely felt like eight million at the time!

To thin seedlings, you must reduce the number of seedlings per cell to the strongest one seedling of the bunch. Survival of the fittest. You can do that by snipping away the weaker seedlings at the soil line with a small pair of scissors....but I didn't have the heart to send any of my tomatoes to their demise, so I carefully dug them out with a teaspoon, and planted them into their own little pot. I like having extra seedlings to share with my family and friends!

This weekend I must tackle the 6 million peppers. It's time. 

8. Start Flowering Vines Indoors


Once I get some of the flats of seedlings moved out of the seed starting area, I can start my Morning Glories, Moonflower, and Gloriosa Lilies indoors.  

Morning Glories need warm soil and regular warm temps to get going. Since we have such a short growing season on the mountain top, I am experimenting this year with starting them indoors, in order to give them a head start. I hope this will make for a more productive year, with lush vines and tons of flowers. 

I will bring some pots inside, fill them with potting soil, and start these seeds right into the pots they will be living in. Morning Glories do not like their roots disturbed, so it's best to either start them right in the pots you want them in, or start them in peat pots you can plant directly in the garden. Otherwise, you should self sow right where you want them. 

9. Feed the Seedlings


I just love watching those first shoots emerge from a seed you have carefully planted and nurtured along. The Zucchini just popped this morning - no doubt it will be quite sturdy before long!

I feed my seedlings once a week with a mild solution of a liquid organic fertilizer mixed with lukewarm water. They drink it right up!

10. Settle In and Watch the Show


If the rain keeps up, I will be spending some time indoors doing exactly what I did this morning - watching the show right outside my window. 


There's no shortage of entertainment around here, to be enjoyed during my 'down' time. 


It's because of this amazing show that I am so blessed to watch right from my cozy warm home, that I put up with the critters making a mess, and chewing through my patio lights. 


Everything's a trade-off, right?

For me, this is worth it. 

31 comments:

  1. we can help you! gardening all day for mother's day, right? love you. great photos. xo

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    1. That would be fantastic, sweetie! You can help me with planting the gorgeous tree you two bought me for Mothers' Day!!

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  2. Oh, the shot of that first bird is amazing! Never seen one like it. Looks like you've got your work cut out for you. Apparently a moon vine reseeded from last year in one of the pots and it's already up to the top of the fence. Israel nailed an old ladder I had up close to it so I can wind it over there. I swear that thing grows at least 6 inches a day!
    Brenda

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    1. That first bird was a Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Brenda - they are gorgeous birds!! I can't wait to see photos of your moonflower!

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  3. You are so ambitious! Looking forward to garden photos throughout the summer and fall.

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    1. Ambitious, for sure. I think I sometimes forget I'm only one person....

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  4. Annuals give us instant color...which is so good for our spirits. I see you got yourself a Japanese maple. You will love it. It is nice to have colors in shrubs and trees other than green. I think you are going to be tired honey when you get done. You are very hard working girl. I know what you are saying about the rain. I am hoping none tomorrow , but it is predicted. Today was totally beautiful. Blessings for a happy mother's day. xoxo, Susie

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    1. Blessings to you also, Susie - I hope you had a most fabulous weekend!

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  5. Aren't you blessed to have so much rain! Perfect for planting time! Enjoy your productive gardening time. Your show is better than anything on tv. Have a great weekend!

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    1. It truly is, Daisy Gurl - I think that's why my TV gets no use during the warmer months!

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  6. I'm in love with all the beautiful birds that you have there! I think I would just spend a good part of the day watching them :) I do hope the rain stops for a bit so you can get your plants in. I had hoped to go to our Farmer's Market this morning and pick up some tomato plants but my sweet hubby is still sleeping and I do not want to disturb him. I try not to do things without him on the weekends. I kind of like spending time with him. ;)

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    1. Sometimes it's hard to get anything else done, Debbie - I'm afraid I might miss something at the feeders!!

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  7. Wow, you have a lot of work to do! The birds provided a show while it is raining and it's too wet to be in the garden. You have some nice trees to add to your landscape.

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    1. The birds and critters make a mess but I love the show so much I put up with it, Donna!

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  8. I marvel at what you have planned for one weekend! Your gardens are already looking wonderful and you've got the rest of the summer to see them flourish. Good luck with all you've got on your to-do list and have a Happy Mother's Day, too!

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    1. I got a ton done, but not everything. I ran out of time....and energy. Perhaps I can tackle some little things during the week....happy Mother's Day to you also, Vickie!

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  9. You're as busy as a bee, Deb.I hope your rain has stopped by now. Wishing you a Very Happy Mother's Day. Deb

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  10. Sorry, can't help! Busy with my own list! Love all your birds. I really miss a bird feeder and wish I could figure out where to put one. Coco eats the seeds that fall to the ground so I have to be careful where I put it. I just planted Morning Glory seeds outside in a pot. Hope I didn't do it too soon! Your notice of blog posting came in my e-mail today so must be working again! Sometimes I can't figure out what they are doing! Have a great Mother's Day! Nancy

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    1. That's funny - my old girl, Lily, tries to eat the seeds, also. As if she doesn't get enough food as it is - she's a piglet!! I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, Nancy!

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  11. You do have a big 'to do' list. lol! Warmer here, so I have gotten a lot of things done. It's been raining the last few days, but I manage to work in between sprinkles. Lined my bike baskets with moss today and planted them. Hubby worked a little more on the she shed. I still need to plant tomatoe and pepper plants. I have pineapple sage and it does smell so yummy! I planted castor beans last weeks along with zinnia and Morning Glory seeds. Hope your list is growing smaller and not larger. :)
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. It seems the more I do, the more I see that needs to be done!! Happy belated Mother's Day to you, Jann!

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  12. I usually soak the morning glory seeds in water for a day or two / they split open a bit and it gives them a head start. You have a boatload of things to plant, that is for sure! Lovely captures of your feathered friends! :)

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    1. I do the same thing, Deb - it definitely helps. I always overplant morning glories just because I love them so much! The germination rate is not great, but what I get I am so very thankful for.

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  13. I usually soak the morning glory seeds in water for a day or two / they split open a bit and it gives them a head start. You have a boatload of things to plant, that is for sure! Lovely captures of your feathered friends! :)

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  14. I hope it's not raining there today so you can get your planting done - and that your daughters can help you! The sun is shining brightly here today and it's in the 60's. Perfect. Lots of rain and clouds this coming week though. Happy Mother's Day!

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    1. It seems you and I are always on opposite weather patterns, Melanie - our sunshine started yesterday and it will be a gorgeous week here. Of course I'll be working....it will probably be rainy and cold on the weekend when I'm off again!

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  15. The hummingbirds will love the pineapple sage, won't they? Such a list! I hope you do get some volunteers for the garden.

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    1. I read that the hummers will love it, so I'm pretty excited about that, Dewena! Every year I like to try a few new plants - the pineapple sage is one of a long list of newbies I'm trying this year!

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  16. Love your blog with all the beautiful photos.
    I'm always amazed at how much of the work you do yourself.
    I do things on a much smaller scale and it still keeps me busy, 'course I've got a few years on you. *wink* Just FYI, the last few times I've commented on your blog my comments have bounced back to me. Strange, huh?!

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    1. I've got a few years on me as well - ha ha!! I think sometimes I forget that I'm not in my 20's....or 30's....any more. Sigh. Weird about the comments, not sure what happened there....

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